Program for Outstanding Undergraduate Students in Jewish History and Contemporary Jewry

This program was designed for a cohort of outstanding undergraduate students, who were awarded a modest stipend. The program exposed them to new methodologies and approaches, in order to encourage them to continue with their own research. The group met several times per semester, each time with a different scholars who presents new and interdisciplinary tools for studying Jewish history, society, and perception.

What Are Students Saying?

• Shirel: The program at the Halpern Center allowed me access to research that is beyond the standard undergraduate curriculum; it was pure pleasure. During the meetings, we attained a behind-the-scenes view of scholarship; we were exposed to different fields and to scholars who inspired us. On a personal level, the program motivated me to continue and pursue a masters’ degree.
• Arava: The program at the Halpern Center offers everything that one could wish for when seeking to study history at a high level. It comprised a small and intimate group that met to explore history and historical thinking in depth, and it allowed us to cultivate our creativity and even our imagination. I am thankful for each and every moment of the program.
• Shira: The program offered me a window into the fascinating world of research, a behind the scenes glimpse of the research process, captivating stories and discoveries. As a lover of history, I enjoyed participating with a small group of students who shared my interest, to explore exciting sources, enriching article, and meetings with excellent scholars together. Debra led the program superbly and was open to our requests and interests. She allowed each of the students to express themselves and created a comfortable atmosphere for learning and growth. I am grateful for the opportunity to participate in such a unique program, which was well-constructed to furnish us with knowledge, skills, curiosity, and connections.
• Lihi: The program afforded us with the opportunity to access the world of research: its dilemmas, challenges, and difficulties. Meetings with a range of scholars and a variety of sources and methodologies provided us with access to and appetite for the world of academia.
• Yonatan: Participating in the program was an enriching experience for me. I was exposed to fascinating historical sources, gained rich methodological tools; I learned to explore new research subjects and improved my critical thinking skills. This was due to the close guidance of the professor, the various wonderful lecturers, the brainstorming with my fellow participants and the deep learning that took place. I was exposed to different academic approaches of my fellow participants as well.