Northwestern receives gift to enhance Jewish studies and student experience

Northwestern University has received a generous gift from an anonymous donor to support the Jewish studies program and enhance activities for Jewish student life. The gift will enable the University to increase its undergraduate course offerings and to bolster activities coordinated by Northwestern Hillel.

“We are committed to promoting greater understanding around complex issues that fosters informed, respectful dialogue among students of all backgrounds,” said Northwestern President Michael H. Schill. “Recent events in our world highlight the urgent need for more education about Judaism and the experiences of Jewish people, and an emphasis on making sure Jewish students always feel a sense of belonging at Northwestern. The thoughtfulness of the donor and the generosity of this gift will help ensure that is possible.”

Northwestern’s Jewish studies program, a part of the Crown Family Center for Jewish and Israel Studies within the Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences, focuses on the study of Jewish history, identity and culture. The program offers a major and minor with classes on canonical Jewish texts, Jewish philosophy and literature, Holocaust studies, Hebrew and Yiddish language instruction, and the history and politics of the State of Israel. Enrollment in these courses is open to any Northwestern undergraduate. As demand for these classes increases, this gift will provide funding to expand teaching in this area and create more opportunities for students to enroll in these courses.

One popular class — “What is Antisemitism?” — delves into the history of anti-Jewish rhetoric, violence and discrimination. Taught by David Shyovitz, director of the Crown Family Center, the course provides a forum for nuanced and rigorous conversations about a complicated and fraught subject.

“Students enter the classroom with a wide variety of preconceptions about Jews, Judaism and antisemitism,” Shyovitz said. “But throughout the quarter, they are exposed to a vast array of historical data and academic scholarship, which help expand their intellectual horizons and allow them to analyze the dynamics of antisemitism in deeper and more sophisticated ways. Making this course and others like it more widely available will help produce more informed, thoughtful, engaged and empathetic Northwestern students and, ultimately, global citizens.”

In addition to academic opportunities, the gift will fund events and programming in collaboration with Northwestern Hillel. Founded in 1934, Northwestern Hillel reaches more than 1,200 undergraduate and graduate students through dozens of student-led activities as well as new student welcome events, Shabbat services and international travel. Northwestern Hillel programming is open to all Northwestern students.

“We strive to create a vibrant atmosphere that engages and inspires young adults and that celebrates Jewish identity and community,” said Michael Simon, executive director of Northwestern Hillel. “By fostering a deeper understanding of Judaism, we prepare students to be more educated members of their communities, both here on campus and throughout their lives.”

In giving to both the study of Judaism and the student community, the donor will provide a broad spectrum of support for both Jewish and non-Jewish students at Northwestern. The donor hopes their gift will provide more opportunities for students to learn about Jewish culture, religiosity and identity both in the classroom and from their peers, enhancing understanding of Jewishness and ensuring all students feel a sense of belonging on campus.

Now in its 25th year, Northwestern’s Crown Family Center for Jewish and Israel Studies fosters education, research and discourse on Judaism and modern Israel. In addition to undergraduate programming, the center houses the Jewish Studies Graduate Cluster, which provides opportunities for interdisciplinary engagement, collaboration and community building among graduate students. The center also hosts visiting faculty and postdoctoral fellows from Israel and holds four annual lecture series, along with cultural events and artistic performances.