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

Hand holding TV remote pointed at TV featuring couple looking at Hanukkah menorah

Illuminating Hanukkah: Lights, Latkes, and Cultural Identity in Holiday Movies

2 December 2025 / 4:45 p.m.

‘Tis the season for hot cocoa and curling up in front of the TV for a good holiday movie. Despite the plethora of Christmas-themed movies, this talk, led by Dr. Amy Weiss, Assist. Prof. of Judaic Studies and History and Chair of Maurice Greenberg Center for Judaic Studies at University of Hartford, instead focuses on the evolution of Hanukkah movies on TV and streaming platforms over the last ten years.

Co-Sponsored by:

UConn Center for Judaic Studies and Contemporary Jewish Life, University of Hartford Maurice Greenberg Center for Judaic Studies and UConn Digital Media & Design.

More info...

Yiddish Tish

15 January 2026 / 12:00 pm

The Yiddish Tish online luncheon discussion group is a small gathering of those interested in Yiddish from campus and the wider community. We meet monthly, read together short stories in Yiddish and translate them into English. More info...

Lunch Discussion: The Roots of Extremism

12 February 2026 / 12:30-1:45 pm

This academic discussion will analyze the roots and mechanisms of extremist ideologies and to examine how such ideologies gain legitimacy, spread through modern communication channels, and destabilize democratic and social institutions.

Co-sponsored by the Center for Judaic Studies and Contemporary Jewish Life, Gladstein Family Human Rights Institute, Laboratory for the Study and Prevention of Global Antisemism, and Office of Global Affairs. 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

  • Feb
    12
    Lunch Discussion: The Roots of Extremism
    Homer Babbidge Library
    12:30 PM

    Moderated By: Dr. James Waller, Acting Director of Gladstein Family Human Rights Institute

    The goal of this academic session is to analyze the roots and mechanisms of extremist ideologies and to examine how such ideologies gain legitimacy, spread through modern communication channels, and destabilize democratic and social institutions.