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Jewish Studies

Program Director: Ruth Knafo Setton, Ph.D.

610-758-4869; inber@lehigh.edu

The Jewish studies minor, coordinated by the Philip and Muriel Berman Center for Jewish Studies, provides students with the opportunity to explore the history, literature, religion, and social institutions of the Jewish people from its inception to the present. The diverse selection of courses highlights the interaction of Judaism with other cultures and societies in Europe, the Middle East, and the United States. The program is designed to appeal to students with varied interests and fields of concentration. Students of psychology and sociology often discover that courses in Jewish studies enhance their understanding of such topics as individual and group identity, prejudice and anti-Semitism, assimilation, and religious-cultural pluralism. Students of history will find that the study of Jewish society and culture enhances their understanding of European and American culture.

Through the study of Jewish religion and philosophy, students engage such issues as God, religious faith and doubt, spirituality, moral responsibility, evil, and human suffering. By studying Judaism comparatively with another religious tradition, students heighten their understanding of each tradition. Studying Jewish literature introduces students to a broad spectrum of literary forms and themes from diverse periods and cultural settings.

The Berman Center for Jewish Studies supplements formal course offerings through an extensive program of lectures, colloquia, films, field trips, and other cultural events. Lehigh professors conduct a “Lehigh in Israel” summer program, conditions permitting. Students seeking further information on programs in Israel and available financial awards may contact the Berman Center. Students should coordinate their minor program in Jewish studies with the director of the Center, Dr. Ruth Knafo Setton, Maginnes Hall.

Students pursuing a minor in Jewish studies must fulfill 16 credit hours from the following courses. (A maximum of eight credit hours of Hebrew may be counted.)

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