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Fall Semester Opens
with Overflowing Classes
CSUN students enrolled in Jewish Studies courses in record numbers this fall. The fourteen courses are brimming with a diverse group of students from many religious and ethnic backgrounds. "History of the Holocaust," "Women in the Jewish Experience," "Jewish Communal and Family Structure," and "Contemporary Religious (Jewish) Thought" are just a few of the courses being offered. Make an appointment with the Jewish Studies Coordinator to visit a class and see for yourself! *More Info* |
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NEW: The B.A. in
Modern Jewish Studies
For the first time, CSUN students have the opportunity to complete a B.A. in Modern Jewish Studies. Over the summer, CSU Chancellor Charles B. Reed approved the offering of the 43-unit degree (14 classes). The Major provides a foundation in Jewish religion and a strong focus on cultural developments and historical events of the past 300 years. Required courses focus on key modern events such as the achievement of equal citizenship, the growth of Zionism, the tragedy of the Holocaust, and the relocation of hundreds of thousands of Jews in the new State of Israel. Majors will also take a course on Judaism, complete a year of Hebrew study, and take courses in literature, cultural studies, religious thought, and sociology. *More Info* |
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Recent On-Campus
Events
Public Lecture:"Jews and Islamization in the Ancient and Modern Middle East," Professor Fred Astren, San Francisco State University. An auditorium full of students, faculty, and community members listened attentively as Professor Astren explained the origin of "myths" about the Moslem Conquest and the Golden Age of Spain. In his exciting and provocative talk, Professor Astren discussed the ways that these myths are used today to justify contemporary political agendas and to shore up religious and ethnic identities. A lively Question and Answer period followed. |
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Lunch and Learn on campus: Jewish Studies and CSUN Hillel are jointly offering "Lunch and Learn" on the third Thursday of every month. On September 22, students and staff sat on the benches under the leafy trees next to Matador Bookstore, munched on their lunches, enjoyed free cold soda, and joined in a discussion lead by Rabbi Jerry Brown (Temple Ahavat Shalom of Northridge) on the blessings and curses of Deuteronomy. |
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Jewish World Watch: Students in the "Introduction to Judaism" class had the opportunity to hear Janice Kamenir-Reznik, chairperson of Jewish World Watch, teach about the terrible situation in Darfur, Sudan. She also described the activities of Jewish World Watch, an alliance of synagogues dedicated to preventing genocide. The talk was very informative and inspiring, and it showed how the Holocaust has influenced contemporary Jewish life. |
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Upcoming
Events
Free screening of Israeli award-winning film "Ushpizin" at the Encino Laemmle Theatre, 17200 Ventura Blvd. On Sunday, October 16, 10 a.m. A heartwarming and humorous drama
set in the ultra-Orthodox Braslaver Hasidic community of Jerusalem.
The 90 minute film will be followed by a short Question and Answer
with CSUN Professors Jody Myers and Linda Yellin. Co-sponsored by
Valley Beth Shalom and Temple Judea. Theater capacity: 250 -- call
the Jewish Studies Program office, (818) 677-3007 to reserve
seats. |
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Lunch and Learn on campus. What might we learn from the Torah portion for the holiday of Sukkot? This month's guest speakers are Rabbi Aryeh and Shoshana Kaplan (Rabbi Kaplan is a traditional-Orthodox-rabbi now working at UCLA Hillel). Thursday, October 20, 11:30-12:30 p.m., meet at the Hillel sukkah next to the bookstore. Bring your lunch -- cold drinks will be provided free to all participants. |
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Free public lecture: "Women and Judaism in Medieval France." Maggie Anton, author of Rashi's Daughters: Book One - Joheved, a historical novel about a daughter of the Talmudist and Biblical commentator, will discuss her book and the question: why was the Jewish community in northern France in the 1000's so accepting of women's autonomy, marriage rights, and Torah study? Followed by reception, 1:45-2:30 p.m. Thursday, October 27, 12:30-1:45
p.m., Grand Salon room, University Student Union. See Map. For more
information, call the Jewish Studies Office, (818)
677-3007. |
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Contact
Us telephone: 818.677.3007 |