Getting Centered

Abstract

The Program in Judaic and Israel Studies at the University of Oklahoma is now the Schusterman Center for Judaic and Israel Studies. This is not merely a change of name but of purpose and status – it is the fruit of 19 years of steady growth, educational service, and academic excellence. OU's new center joins the Judaic Studies (JUST) began at OU with the establishment of the Schusterman/Josey Chair of Judaic History and the coming of Noam and the late Yedida Stillman to OU in 1995. From that modest beginning, the program experienced sustained and robust growth. of Hebrew, and a visiting Israel Studies professor (currently Gershon Lewental), who divides his time between the Department of History and the College of International Studies, round out the core faculty. No fewer than 14 associated faculty devote part of their research and teaching to inquiries and courses incorporating Judaic Studies; our associated faculty participate actively in every aspect of our program. Every year, between 650 and 750 students enroll in approximately two dozen course offerings. The Schusterman Center will promote exemplary teaching and scholarship about Jewish history, thought and culture as well as modern Israel. OU currently offers a wide variety of courses in Jewish history in all