Judaic Studies

Judaic Studies and Hebrew Studies Minors

About Judaic Studies

The Judaic Studies Program at the University at Albany promotes literacy and scholarly knowledge about Judaism and Jewish history in their diverse cultural expressions from antiquity to the present. We are scholars, teachers, and students aimed at exploring the fundamentals of Judaic studies as an interdisciplinary academic field with a variety of methodologies. The Judaic Studies Program is affiliated with the Department of History.

Judaic Studies Scroll

Judaic Studies offers undergraduate courses at elementary and advanced levels, many of which are cross-listed with other departments. Practicum credit may be earned by assisting with course instruction and Internship credit through community service. Many students take advantage of the SUNY-wide Israel study program for a semester or year overseen by Judaic Studies. Students may apply for sponsored scholarships.

Avenues often pursued by Judaic Studies graduates

  • Graduate Training in Social Welfare
  • Jewish Communal Administration or Education
  • The Rabbinate or Cantorate
  • PhD Programs 
  • Diplomacy


Degree Requirements for the Minors

Judaic Studies Minor

A minimum of 18 graduation credits (9 or more of which must be in course work at or above the 300 level) from course work in the Department of Judaic Studies or other relevant departments. No more than 4 credits from among A HEB 450 or A JST 450 or 490 may be applied to the minor.

View frequently offered Judaic Studies courses in the Undergraduate Bulletin.

Hebrew Studies Minor

A minimum of 18 graduation credits (9 or more of which must be at or above the 300 level or in coursework requiring at least one prerequisite course) from coursework with an A HEB prefix, and A JST/A HIS 225, A JST/A HIS/A REL 253, and A JST/A HIS/A REL 254. No more than 4 credits of A HEB 450 may be applied to the minor.

View frequently offered Hebrew courses in the Undergraduate Bulletin.

For more information about minors, go to the University's Undergraduate Bulletin.

Upcoming Events

 

The 2025 Malka and Eitan Evan Annual Yom Ha-Shoah Lecture

Please check back for more details about the Spring 2025 lecture. 


 

SUNY has arrangements with Haifa University, the Hebrew University, Ben-Gurion University, and Tel Aviv University for students who desire to spend a semester or an academic year studying in Israel. Students can earn credits toward the Judaic Studies or Hebrew Studies minors for suitable courses. Learn more on the Study Abroad page.

 

 

Depictions of Israel
Faculty and Staff
Faculty

Judaic Studies Faculty

Federica Francesconi, PhD, Director of the Judaic Studies Program & Associate Professor in the Department of History.
Melissa Cradic, PhD, Lecturer in History and Judaic Studies.
Richard Fogarty, PhD, Associate Professor of History.
Wendy Love Anderson, PhD, Lecturer in History and Judaic Studies. 
Justyna Matkowska, PhD, Lecturer in History and Judaic Studies.
Michael Taylor, PhD, Associate Professor of History.
Maham Theisen, ABD, Lecturer in History and Judaic Studies.
Keren Zilberberg, MA, Language Instructor and teaches classes in Elementary, Intermediate, and Advanced Hebrew.

 

Affiliated Faculty 

Victor Asal, PhD, Director of the Center for Policy Research and Professor of Political Science.
Professor Bob Gluck, Associate Professor of Music.
Patrick Nold, PhD, Associate Professor of History.
 

Emeriti Faculty

Judith R. Baskin
Toby W. Clyman, [email protected]
Jerome Eckstein
Daniel Grossberg, [email protected]
Stanley J. Isser

 

Staff

Judaic Studies Staff


Jamie Winn - Administrative Manager of The Department of History & The Judaic Studies Program                       

 


Affiliated Staff

Sharona Wachs, Libraries, Cataloging Services, [email protected]

Resources
Jewish Life at UAlbany

UAlbany offers a wide variety of organizations and resources for students interested in participating in Jewish life on and off campus.

UAlbany Hillel is made up of a number of different student run groups that plan activities throughout the year. These groups are formed by students and new ones can be started at any time. Current student groups include: Jewish Student Coalition/Hillel; RUACH!; Kol Echad; L’Chaim; Jewish Women’s Connection; JenV, AEPi. Visit www.ualbanyhillel.org.

Shabbos House Rohr Chabad Jewish Student Center Serving UAlbany since 1976, directed by Rabbi Mendel and Raizy Rubin, it offers Shabbat and Holiday meals and services, weekly Torah study, and an array of student programming and events in a "Home Away From Home" welcoming atmosphere. Visit www.shabboshouse.com.

Dutch Quad Dining Room offers an extensive variety of kosher dining options.