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Listen "JTS News: Honoring Rabbi Danzig, New Barnard Partnership, Creative Writing MFA, and Upcoming High Holiday Events"
Episode Synopsis
Good afternoon, everyone. Today is Monday, August 11, 2025, and welcome to our latest episode covering recent events at the Jewish Theological Seminary of America.
We begin with a solemn note. On July 3, we lost Professor Emeritus Rabbi Neil Danzig, a cherished member of our community who dedicated many years to teaching Rabbinics at JTS. His contributions to Jewish scholarship and education have left an indelible mark, and he will be deeply missed.
In academic developments, JTS has entered into a groundbreaking agreement with Barnard College. Building upon our existing dual degree program, this partnership now allows Barnard students to enroll in Jewish studies courses at JTS without any additional cost. This initiative aims to broaden access to Jewish education and foster deeper academic collaboration between our institutions.
Our faculty and students have also been making significant strides beyond our campus. Professor Marjorie Lehman recently participated in a paleography workshop at the University of Toronto’s Fisher Library, contributing her expertise to the study of ancient manuscripts. Additionally, JTS students and staff made a notable impact at this year’s Association of Jewish Libraries online conference, showcasing our commitment to advancing Jewish learning and scholarship.
Looking ahead, we are excited to announce a new Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing program set to launch this fall. Directed by acclaimed Israeli author Etgar Keret, this two-year, low-residency program aims to cultivate Jewish fiction writers by blending creative arts with Jewish studies. The program will feature a distinguished roster of advisors, including Jonathan Safran Foer, Shalom Auslander, and Nicole Krauss, among others.
As we approach the High Holidays, JTS is offering a three-part webinar series titled "Standing Together: Prayer, Presence, and the Power of Community." Scheduled for Mondays, September 8, 15, and 29, from 1:00 to 2:00 pm ET, the series will explore themes of vulnerability, responsibility, and connection during this sacred time. Sessions will be led by esteemed faculty members, including Rabbi Jan Uhrbach, Dr. David Kraemer, and Chancellor Shuly Rubin Schwartz.
In leadership news, Chancellor Schwartz recently visited New England, where she engaged with the community at Camp Ramah, led a session of "JTS in the Berkshires," and joined the congregation of Knesset Israel in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. These visits underscore our ongoing commitment to connecting with Jewish communities beyond our campus.
Finally, we want to remind our students that the fall semester is just around the corner. Orientation for new students begins on August 24, with classes commencing on September 2. We look forward to welcoming everyone back to campus for another enriching academic year.
That's all for today's update. Thank you for tuning in, and we'll be back soon with more news from JTS.
We begin with a solemn note. On July 3, we lost Professor Emeritus Rabbi Neil Danzig, a cherished member of our community who dedicated many years to teaching Rabbinics at JTS. His contributions to Jewish scholarship and education have left an indelible mark, and he will be deeply missed.
In academic developments, JTS has entered into a groundbreaking agreement with Barnard College. Building upon our existing dual degree program, this partnership now allows Barnard students to enroll in Jewish studies courses at JTS without any additional cost. This initiative aims to broaden access to Jewish education and foster deeper academic collaboration between our institutions.
Our faculty and students have also been making significant strides beyond our campus. Professor Marjorie Lehman recently participated in a paleography workshop at the University of Toronto’s Fisher Library, contributing her expertise to the study of ancient manuscripts. Additionally, JTS students and staff made a notable impact at this year’s Association of Jewish Libraries online conference, showcasing our commitment to advancing Jewish learning and scholarship.
Looking ahead, we are excited to announce a new Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing program set to launch this fall. Directed by acclaimed Israeli author Etgar Keret, this two-year, low-residency program aims to cultivate Jewish fiction writers by blending creative arts with Jewish studies. The program will feature a distinguished roster of advisors, including Jonathan Safran Foer, Shalom Auslander, and Nicole Krauss, among others.
As we approach the High Holidays, JTS is offering a three-part webinar series titled "Standing Together: Prayer, Presence, and the Power of Community." Scheduled for Mondays, September 8, 15, and 29, from 1:00 to 2:00 pm ET, the series will explore themes of vulnerability, responsibility, and connection during this sacred time. Sessions will be led by esteemed faculty members, including Rabbi Jan Uhrbach, Dr. David Kraemer, and Chancellor Shuly Rubin Schwartz.
In leadership news, Chancellor Schwartz recently visited New England, where she engaged with the community at Camp Ramah, led a session of "JTS in the Berkshires," and joined the congregation of Knesset Israel in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. These visits underscore our ongoing commitment to connecting with Jewish communities beyond our campus.
Finally, we want to remind our students that the fall semester is just around the corner. Orientation for new students begins on August 24, with classes commencing on September 2. We look forward to welcoming everyone back to campus for another enriching academic year.
That's all for today's update. Thank you for tuning in, and we'll be back soon with more news from JTS.
In God we trust