Center for Judaic Studies studies attending lecture in auditorium.

Enrichment through the sponsorship of several programming initiatives is the goal of the Center for Judaic Studies and Contemporary Jewish Life. View our event calendar, and stay up-to-date on all of our programming. Learn about the many lecture series and cultural events we have to offer on a wide range of topics!  Our events are always free and open to the public. View full event listings.

Professor Yonatan Miller teaching.

Expand your knowledge in the literatures and cultures of the Jewish people by taking a few courses, or become an expert in the field by pursuing the Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts, or Doctorate in Judaic Studies at UConn. Discover opportunities in study abroad, funding, and other available resources.  Learn about our faculty and alumni. Find out what Hebrew and Judaic Studies has to offer you! Visit our student section. 

Street in Israel

Students may spend a semester or academic year at Hebrew University in Jerusalem., Tel Aviv, Haifa, or Ben Gurion Universities. The  Center for Judaic Studies supports special programs such as archaelogical excavations and internships in Israel for which credit may be applied to the major and minor in Judaic Studies. Students participating in our study abroad programs may apply to the Center for funding to help offset tuition and other costs. Visit our study abroad section.

Upcoming Events

Two American Histories: Anti-Catholicism and Antisemitism

11 March 2026 / 12:30-1:45 pm

This is an I. Martin and Janet M. Fierberg Lecture and Lunch Workshop with Dr. Hasia Diner.

Co-sponsored by the Center for Judaic Studies and Contemporary Jewish Life, he Department of History-Irish Studies, and Laboratory for the Study and Prevention of Global Antisemitism, and University of Hartford Maurice Greenberg Center for Judaic Studies. More info...

How the Irish Helped the Jews Become American

11 March 2026 / 5:30 p.m.

Dr. Hasia R. Diner’s book Opening Doors draws from a deep well of historical sources to show how Irish and Jewish Americans became steadfast allies in classrooms, picket lines, and political machines, and ultimately helped one another become key power players in shaping America’s future.

Co-Sponsored by:

UConn Center for Judaic Studies and Contemporary Jewish Life, University of Hartford Maurice Greenberg Center for Judaic Studies, Mandell JCC of Greater Hartford, and the Avon Free Public Library.

More info...

How Your Live in My Memory!: Yiddish Song in America After the Holocaust

26 March 2026 / 5:30-7:00 pm

Stamford Campus - Main Auditorium (Room 109)

The Holocaust severed the timeline of Jewish history, creating a “before” and an “after.” This rupture critically shaped Yiddish culture in the mid-twentieth century United States. In this lecture/recital, musicologist Zeke Levine performs and analyzes musical examples to demonstrate how we can hear the impact of the Holocaust on Yiddish-American culture. 

Sponsored by: Center for Judaic Studies and Contemporary Jewish Life More info... 

Looking for stimulating & globally relevant classes?

UConn's Hebrew and Judaic Studies program is intended to introduce students to the culture and civilization of the Jewish people. Courses cover various aspects of the history and literature of the Jews from biblical times to the present. Students who would like to learn more about ancient and modern Israel, the experience of Jews among Christians or Muslims, or Jewish life in contemporary America will find many courses of interest among our offerings.

Check out our course offerings for Spring 2026.

Spring 2026 HEJS Courses