This January 7-9, 2025, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem is hosting an international conference celebrating 100 years since the establishment of its Institute of Jewish Studies. The conference, titled “Jewish Studies Between the Past and the Future,” will bring together leading scholars, policymakers, and public figures to reflect on a century of achievements and envision the future of Jewish Studies.

The event was opened with a special ceremony on January 7, 2025, honored by the presence of President Yitzhak Herzog, President of the State of Israel, who said:  "It is no coincidence that the establishment and flourishing of this remarkable institute took place here, within this unique incubator of excellence. The Hebrew University of Jerusalem has long stood as a beacon of academic and research brilliance, driven by extraordinary talent, tireless dedication, openness, curiosity, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all those involved in this important and, in my eyes, sacred mission of advancing Jewish studies. A special thanks to you, esteemed Professor Noah Hacham, for your leadership of this institute.

As Jewish scholars, you are undoubtedly aware that we are living through one of the most challenging periods in the history of our people. In such times, it is more important than ever to delve deeply into our roots, using the invaluable tools provided by Jewish scholarship to explore and uphold the most cherished values of our tradition.

We must, without hesitation—both as a united people and as a sovereign state—act decisively, using all means at our disposal to bring our kidnapped men and women home. This is an urgent and critical task that demands our unwavering commitment."

A century ago, during Hanukkah of 1924, the Institute of Jewish Studies was founded, laying the cornerstone for what would become the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. In the words of Prof. Noah Hacham, Head of the Institute of Jewish Studies: "The establishment of the Institute of Jewish Studies marked a transformative moment in the history of Jewish scholarship. Over the past hundred years, it has become a global leader in the field, advancing our understanding of Jewish history, culture, and identity. This centennial conference is not only a celebration of our past but also an opportunity to chart an ambitious course for the future of Jewish Studies."

 
Left to right: Prof. Noah Hacham, Mayor of Jerusalem Moshe Lion, President Yitzhak Herzog, Prof. Asher Cohen, Prof. Tamir Sheafer, Prof. Nissim Otmazgin | Credit: Yossi Zamir

The conference is open to the public. See full program https://shorturl.at/5hukm

Conference Highlights

The conference will feature:
Historical Reflections: An opening session dedicated to the Institute’s foundational principles and its connections with academic institutions worldwide.

Diverse Themes: Six thematic sessions highlighting key areas of research:

The Voice of the People: Exploring popular culture, magic, folklore, and everyday Jewish life.
Orienting to the East: Insights into the historical and cultural dimensions of Sephardi and Mizrahi Jewry.
Philology 2.0: Innovations in philological methods and their transformative impact on Jewish textual studies.
Know Yourself: Research and Identity: Examining the interplay between scholarly inquiry and personal identity in Jewish Studies.
Will a People Live in Isolation?: Addressing the boundaries between Jewish and surrounding cultural phenomena.
Breaking Boundaries: Analyzing interdisciplinary approaches and unexpected intersections in Jewish Studies.

Forward-Looking Discussions: A closing session will focus on future challenges and opportunities, emphasizing digital humanities, artificial intelligence, and evolving disciplinary boundaries.