Message from the Director

Welcome to the Program in Jewish Studies at the University of California, Irvine. Jewish Studies at UCI allows students of all backgrounds to learn about Jewish history, the Jewish religious tradition, Jewish literature, and Israel. Reflecting the diversity of Jewish culture as it developed in close contactwith many different civilizations, Jewish Studies is international and interdisciplinary by definition. At UCI, students can explore Jewish life in past and present in an intellectual journey that can lead them to places as diverse as medieval Spain, twentieth century Germany, or contemporary Mexico. Our faculty is affiliated with a number of different department in the School of Humanities, including History, European Studies, English, and Spanish & Portuguese, as well as departments across campus. Committed to excellence in teaching and research, the Program in Jewish Studies is also playing an important role in the wider community by organizing public events that bring distinguished scholars, artists, and intellectuals to Orange County. -Matthias Lehmann, Director, Teller Family Chair in Jewish History