Volume 17 Fall 2010 The NEWSLETTER of the Fern & Manfred Steinfeld Program in Judaic Studies THE UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE

From the Head of Religious Studies

Dear Friends,

Once again, Professor Gilya Schmidt has produced a most exciting record of the wonderful intellectual and cultural contributions being made by the Judaic Studies Program. The program is driven by the energy, vision, and fine organizational skills of its Director. The Department of Religious Studies, the UTK campus, the Jewish as well as the wider Knoxville community, are all enriched by the resident and visiting scholars and the compelling lectures and events organized under the auspices of the program. Our gratitude also goes to Dean Bruce Bursten and the local and national donors. Thank you, Gilya!

Rosalind I. J. Hackett, Ph.D. Head, Department of Religious Studies

Dear Friends of Judaic Studies, ith Studies—a year of life, continued life with the Leadership Knoxville the and new life—and we are grateful curriculum committee, a regional W to all those who have made our conference as well as several beginning program possible in the past and national conferences, service on of the new who contribute to our growth and the UT Press Board of Directors, year at the success in the future. These are mentoring, search committees, other university, difficult economic times, and we university duties, and not least, the the new year are so thankful for your continued Jewish community. in the Jewish support of our endeavors. I am also able to make a calendar We are delighted with our contribution to the quality of can’t be far third Schusterman Visiting instruction of Arabic at UT. Four behind. Sometimes our academic Professor, our second year of years ago, while Head of Religious lives are settled before the High Hebrew classes with a highly Studies, I wrote a federal grant Holy Days begin, and sometimes, competent teacher, and our to try and rebuild the program to when they are early as they are colleagues here at UT whose teach Arabic at UT; it was, however, this year, we are still evolving. continued academic achievements not funded. Two years ago, my It is nevertheless good to know make us all proud. colleague Professor Erec Koch, Head that there is another exciting year In the newsletter you will also of Modern Foreign Languages and ahead of us, a year full of eager be able to read about my activities Literatures, expressed an interest students, exciting professors, and during this past year. This new in revisiting the grant, and together powerful programming. This is year promises to be busy with we retooled it twice. This year, the eighteenth year of the Fern and an academic program review for our proposal was funded by the Manfred Steinfeld Program in Judaic Religious Studies, my involvement Department of Education for a continued on page 2 2 Judaic Studies Newsletter, Fall 2010 Dear Friends continued from page 1 two-year period. This major effort, at University, who invited supported generously by the College me to participate in of Arts and Sciences, calls for the conference at Shanghai University The Fern and Manfred Steinfeld infusion of some courses with Arab in 2007. My colleague, Professor Xu Program in Judaic Studies offers two culture, the enhancement of other Xin, Director of the Glazer Center scholarships: courses with more Arab culture, for at instruction in Arabic language, and University, will visit us in January • THE FERN AND the establishment of up to two Study of 2011. Please look for information MANFRED STEINFELD Abroad programs. The initiative about these events. SCHOLARSHIP FUND IN will hopefully lead to a minor and Wishing you a Shanah Tovah, a eventually also a major in Arabic sweet and prosperous year, full of JUDAIC STUDIES Language and Arab Culture. My health and of peace. gratitude to Professor Koch for his • DR. RUBEN ROBINSON willingness to collaborate as project With best wishes, MEMORIAL FUND co-director. We are looking forward to Students interested in the criteria exciting programming this year— should check the Judaic Studies lectures and readings by poet Marge Gilya G. Schmidt, Ph. D. website at http://web.utk. Piercy, organized by Professor Director Marilyn Kallet, and a lecture by art The Fern and Manfred Steinfeld edu/~judaic, or contact any of the historian Alec Mishory. We will also Program in Judaic Studies faculty affiliated with the Judaic enjoy a visit by Professor Changgang and Professor Studies Program. Guo, Dean of the Graduate School Department of Religious Studies

Judaic Studies Scholarship Recipients

Adam Schwartz three languages fluently and is Amy Marlo Canter working on his fourth, Hebrew. We are delighted that Rich Amy Canter completed his first received studies at the a Dr. Ruben University of Robinson Tennessee in Judaic Studies May of 2010. Scholarship Our program in the Fall of 2008 towards Adam Schwartz and Gilya Schmidt in was much Jerusalem enriched by a semester studying at Our first scholarship recipient, the presence of 2010-2011 Steinfeld Ben Gurion Adam Schwartz, received a Dr. this excellent Scholarship recipient Amy 2009-2010 Steinfeld Canter University in Ruben Robinson Judaic Studies and personable Scholarship recipient Rich Beer Sheva, Scholarship in Fall 2008 towards a Adams student. Rich Israel. This year she has received semester in Israel. Adam graduated was accepted into the Middle- the Fern and Manfred Steinfeld in 2009 and is currently living in Eastern Studies Program at the Judaic Studies Scholarship. Amy Israel. During my visit to Jerusalem University of Utah, where he is on the executive board of Hillel in Spring 2010 we met for coffee to is working towards an M. A. in at the University of Tennessee and catch up on each others’ lives. Middle-East History, with a focus on the Ancient Near East. He was a double major in Judaic Studies and Religious Studies, and she also Richard Schow Adams also awarded a position as a T. A. for the Introduction to Islam course. studies Hebrew. She hopes to one In 2009-2010, Richard Schow Rich enjoys swimming, movies, and day be a professor and is currently Adams was a Fern and Manfred the mountains, and is active in his the Judaic Studies teacher at Heska Steinfeld Judaic Studies Scholarship church, The Church of Jesus Christ Amuna Synagogue. Amy has been recipient. At the time, he was a of Latter-day Saints. We wish Rich to Israel several times since her first senior in Judaic Studies with a and his wife Natali all the best for trip to study there, most recently Spanish minor at the University the future. she volunteered in the Israeli of Tennessee. At age 25, he speaks army through Sar-El this summer Judaic Studies Newsletter, Fall 2010 3 Scholarship Recipients continued from page 2 and plans to move there after Mike Louis Derocco timeline the Jewish community has graduation. had an impact on the world and has survived through times of exile Mark Asher Kline and genocide. They have been, and still are, a target of persecution, and In Spring Mike believes that the best hope for 2010, a Fern peace is the understanding of each and Manfred other’s differences. This is why he is Steinfeld fascinated with the study of religion, Judaic Studies since it often serves as the guideline Scholarship for how people live their lives. As was awarded 2010-2011 Robinson Scholarship recipient Mike Derocco for career goals, Mike has always to Mark Kline. In 2009, Mike Derocco joined the had a desire to serve in the military He is again program as a major. Mike is a senior and help other people. Swimming receiving this 2010-2011 Steinfeld at The University of Tennessee has been a major part of his life, as it Scholarship recipient Mark scholarship Kline majoring in Judaic Studies and has opened up many opportunities, for academic Religious Studies. He is on the and he still wants to pursue it; he is year 2010-11. Mark’s interest swim team for the school and is this currently in the process of making in and year’s co-captain. Mike explains the decision to join the Navy as a began approximately 15 years ago that initially, upon entering college, rescue swimmer. With this career, as an informal, personal search he was not sure of what he wanted Mike will be able to do the things for a workable perspective to to study or even do afterwards he loves, which are swimming, understanding humanity’s function for that matter. However, as his traveling, helping others, and more and place in the world. The first year went by he found that importantly, meeting people from opportunity to study the history, he had a desire to study religion all over the world and sharing the religion, and culture of the Jewish and history. He looked through knowledge he has gained from the faith and society in a structured the catalogue and saw that there University of Tennessee. setting is, therefore, very appealing. was a major for Judaic Studies, and In conjunction with this personal right away it sparked his interest. In 2010-2011 Amy and search, his hope is to eventually He is most intrigued with Judaic Mark are receiving Fern and teach at the college level in an area Studies because Judaism was Manfred Steinfeld Judaic Studies related to his current interests. founded nearly 4,000 years ago with Scholarships, and Mike will receive Abraham and Sarah and has existed a Dr. Ruben Robinson Judaic Studies throughout history up to the present Scholarship for their studies. time. Throughout the historic

Schustermania At UT

Schusterman Visiting Israeli Professor Alec Mishory

Sciences, and our friends in the that follows: Jewish community have joined together to provide the funds for The University of Tennessee, a Schusterman Visiting Israeli Knoxville’s Department of Professor. We were tremendously Religious Studies, has been enriched by the presence of our selected to host a Schusterman previous two scholars, Dr. Rivka Visiting Israeli Professor for the Ribak from Haifa University and 2010-2011 academic year. Rosalind Hackett (left), Michela Andreatta, Alec Professor Igal Bursztyn from Tel Mishory, Gilya Schmidt, Bruce Bursten at August 2010 ­Schusterman reception Aviv University. Professor Alec Mishory is an art historian, author and lecturer For a third year in a row, the A hearty welcome to our third at the Open University in Tel American Israeli Cooperative scholar whose activities are Aviv, Israel. Mishory has spent Enterprise, the College of Arts and highlighted in the UT press release the last year as a Schusterman 4 Judaic Studies Newsletter, Fall 2010 Schustermania continued from page 3 Webster University, St. Louis, MO. He has lectured at Hunter Visiting Professor at Rice College in New York and the University in Houston, Texas. State Art Teachers’ College and During the coming year, he will Beer Sheva Teachers’ College in teach and lecture at UT and Israel. participate in outreach efforts to campus organizations and In addition to his academic Knoxville’s Jewish community. Stephen Rosen and Alec Mishory at Schusterman posts, Mishory was art adviser reception to the Office of the President This is the third consecutive of Israel and served in the year that UT Knoxville has been cultural affairs division of the selected to host a Schusterman Israeli government’s Ministry Visiting Professor. Only 20 of Education and Culture. American universities are He also was the art critic chosen each year for the for Haaretz, the daily Israeli program, which is funded newspaper, curated several by the American-Israeli exhibits of contemporary Israeli Mel and Evan Sturm at Schusterman reception Cooperative Enterprise and the art and crafts, and published Charles and Lynn Schusterman extensively on themes and • Mitch and Margy Goldman Family Foundation. subjects in Jewish-Israeli visual • Heska Amuna Synagogue culture. • Richard and Jacki Imbrey “We are thrilled that Professor • Herb and Elise Jacobs Mishory will be joining us • Knoxville Jewish Alliance for the next year,” said Gilya • Larry and Kay Leibowitz Schmidt, Professor of Religious • Harvey and Marilyn Studies and Director of the Liberman Fern and Manfred Steinfeld • Steve and Evelyn Oberman Program in Judaic Studies. “His • Natalie Robinson deep knowledge of art history, • Pace and Karen Robinson including European, American, Alec Mishory and Michela Andreatta at • Alexandra Rosen Schusterman reception Israeli, and Jewish secular and • Stephen and Kim Rosen religious visual culture, will Our gratitude goes to the • Gilya Schmidt be a wonderful resource for American Israeli Cooperative • Alan Solomon and Andrea our students, our faculty and Enterprise and to the College of Cartwright staff, and the entire Knoxville Arts and Sciences at the University • Mel Sturm community.” of Tennessee who made this • Temple Beth El undertaking possible. We would • Moshe and Ilana Siman-Tov Mishory will teach courses also like to thank our donors from • Barry and Annette Winston on Jewish and Israeli art each the Jewish community: semester during the academic year. He holds a doctorate in art • Barry and Heidi Allen history from the City University • Jeff and Nancy Becker of New York, a master’s in • Bernie and Barbara Bernstein art history from Tel Aviv • Bruce Bursten University, and a bachelor’s in • Arnold and Susan Cohen fine art and art education from • Guilford and Diane Glazer Arnold Cohen and Alec Mishory at Schusterman reception

Good Bye To and From Igal Bursztyn Many of you met last year’s in Knoxville, we could not resist the The steering committee was Schusterman Visiting Israel temptation to organize a screening comprised of Robert Blitt, Michael Professor, film director Igal of some of his films, and some of Booker, Igal Bursztyn, Lynn Bursztyn, and enjoyed his witty you enjoyed the opportunity to Champion, Marco Di Giulio, Jeff comments and gentle demeanor. attend the screenings and chats with Gubitz, Daniel Magilow, Bernard During Professor Bursztyn’s time the director. Rosenblatt, and Gilya Schmidt (Chair). Judaic Studies Newsletter, Fall 2010 5 Bursztyn continued from page 3 What have I learned from my two semesters at UT? Strangely—a little about America and much about Israel. By now I realize (I didn’t know before my stay in Tennessee) that America is not New York—an extended, filled with hormones version of Tel Aviv—but a Tel-Aviv dream of relaxation, friendliness, Dean Bruce Bursten, Igal Bursztyn, Jeff Becker, and and life in nature. This happy vision Stephen Nagler at Film Festival would sometimes be marred by the sights of the homeless on the side of the road leading to North Broadway, but even so my overall impression of Knoxville remains a pleasant one. I’ve learned even more about Israel. From Heather, one of my favorite second semester students, Mary Linda Schwarzbart, Arnold Schwarzbart, and Moshe Siman-Tov at Film Festival about Israeli poetry. I envied her remarks and insights into the poems It appears that Igal misses us as by Rachel and Dalia Ravikovitch well. He sent this message: and wished they were my own. And from Caleb, my first semester film Dear friends, fan, I got new critical perspectives Months have passed since my on Israeli cinema. In Israel I teach Film Festival Poster 2010 departure from Knoxville. Now cinema—but not Israeli cinema We were delighted with the back in Tel Aviv I feel a bit like the and certainly not Israeli history. wonderful collaboration by the hero of Remarque’s All Quiet on the Teaching in Knoxville gave me an College of Arts and Sciences’ Office Western Front who, on a furlough opportunity to look back both on of Outreach and Communications, from the trenches of WWI, wonders Israeli cinema and on Israeli history the Media Service of the university, where his real home is: in the mud on which I have seldom reflected Graphic Arts, McClung Museum, among soldiers or in his clean, and have always taken for granted. Ready-for-the-World, and Aramark empty parents house in which he Now, through these lectures, Catering. The two separate was happily brought up? Except I’ve discovered some fascinating programs, on Sunday afternoon that there is nothing further from new aspects of which I was quite and evening, April 18, and Tuesday the relaxed experience of teaching unaware. Israeli cinema, particularly evening, April 20, brought about at the Religious Studies Department in its last and qualitatively best 250 visitors to see Igal’s films and than the deadly experience of the decade, tends to ignore Israeli hear his interesting and profound battlefields on the Somme. Nor history, probably for financial explanations and clarifications. would Tel Aviv (if you follow the reasons—historical films need big Much gratitude to everyone who news) hold up to a comparison budgets. helped make this event a success. with a clean, happy German So back home, still on vacation household. But the sense of wonder from teaching (we start in October), remains. Somehow Knoxville and I am at my computer, toiling on a its university have become part script for a film, the action of which of my intimacy. I still hear Tina’s takes place in the Land of Israel in laughter echoing in the corridors of the year 1905. The idea for it came the Religious Studies Department, to me as I taught and talked at UT in Rosalind’s wise and witty remarks Knoxville. Well, historical films are on music (which I often repeat expensive and our budgets are tight, here in Tel Aviv, sometimes as my Audience at film festival listens to Igal Bursztyn but if it ever gets off the ground I own), Gilya’s lovely smile, scholarly should dedicate it to Knoxville and Thank you very much, Igal. We support, and Sabbath songs (which, to my wonderful colleagues and thoroughly enjoyed your stay in if I tried to repeat with my horrible students in the Religious Studies Knoxville and the fun film festival. musical ear, I would probably be Department with whom I had such a We miss you and wish you and Ruta sent back to Knoxville immediately). good, constructive, and fruitful time. all the best. Igal 6 Judaic Studies Newsletter, Fall 2010

Diane and Guilford Glazer Teaching Fellow in Modern Hebrew

Marco sent us this message: and to travel across the country to It was exactly a year ago when I participate in major conferences. first arrived with my family in the With the support of Gilya, and States for what we thought was a Igal Bursztyn, I received a fellowship one-year adventure. I will never for the 2010 summer program of forget that day. Gilya came to pick the Schusterman Center for Israel us up at the airport and made us all Studies at and

Marco Di Giulio (left) at Film Festival with Igal feel immediately at home. I would in Israel. Together with 15 scholars, Bursztyn, Moshe Siman-Tov and visitor have never imagined that that year I gained a deeper knowledge of would be so significant to my career the multifaceted Israeli society, its As you will recall, we were and to my life. culture and politics. The ten days excited last year to be able to In Knoxville and at UT in spent in Israel were most enriching welcome our first teacher for particular, I found a supportive and included classes and meetings Modern Hebrew. Due to the environment that helped me with leading scholars in the field. generosity of Diane and Guilford make progress both in teaching This has been a wonderful learning Glazer we were able to hire Dr. and research. The students of the experience that will be crucial to Marco Di Giulio as the Diane and elementary and intermediate classes develop courses in my new home Guilford Glazer Teaching Fellow in were eager to learn Hebrew and institution, Franklin and Marshall Modern Hebrew. Fortunately for interested in Israeli culture. I also College in Lancaster, Pennsylvania Marco, he received a tenure-track had the opportunity to share my where I currently hold the position position at another university and enthusiasm about of Assistant Professor of Hebrew left Knoxville. We wish Marco and with the local Jewish community Language and Literature. his family all the best for the future. at the Arnstein Jewish Center, Marco, Maya, Noam, and Gali

Diane and Guilford Glazer and Lea and Allen Orwitz Teaching Fellow in Modern Hebrew

עברית פינת We are delighted and is also organizing a Hebrew פינת עברית �����פינתC פינת עבריתעברית�����that we received corner with conversation and H new, additional text study for additional Hebrew Sponsored by the FernHEBREWHEBREW and Manfred CORNER CORNERSteinfeldCORNER Program in Judaic Studies funding for immersion. Sponsored by the Fern andSponsoredSponsored Manfred St byeinfeld by the the Program in Judaic Studies Come exploreFern and Hebrew Manfred language Steinfeld andProgram culture in Judaic in an Studies informal Dr. Andreatta received her setting. Fern If you and alreadyManfred knowSteinfeld some Program Hebrew in Judaicand would Studies like the the Modern Come explore Hebrew language and culture in an informal setting. If you already know chance to practice conversation, get a taste of Hebrew some Hebrew and would like the chance to practice conversation, get a taste of , or discover Israel through film, come join us on Hebrew position Ph.D. in Hebrew Studies from the Comeliterature, explore or discoverHebrew Israellanguage through and culturefilm, come in an join informal us on Wednesdayssetting. If you at Hodges already Library,know WednesdaysCome explore Hebrewat Hodges language andLibrary, culture in anRoom informal 251setting. (nearIf you already the know Media somesomeRoom Hebrew Hebrew 251 (near andand thewould Medi likelikea Center), thethe chance chance 5-6 p.m.to to practice practice conversati conversation,on, get aget taste a tasteof Hebrew of Hebrew University of Turin (Italy) in 2003. Center),literature, 5- 6or p.m.discover Israel through film, come join us on Wednesdays at Hodges Library, this year. literature, or discover Israel through film, come join us on Wednesdays at Hodges Library, RoomRoom 251 251 (near (near the MediMediaa Center),Center), 5-6 5-6 p.m. p.m. Our friends, Her books and articles are mainly

the Glazers, devoted to Hebrew literature, are joined by especially poetry, written in early 2010 Glazer and Orwitz Fellow Michela Andreatta Lea and Allen modern Italy. She has been a Orwitz who have Fellow at the Harvard Centre for generously decided to help fund Jewish Studies and at the Hebrew the instruction of Modern Hebrew University of Jerusalem, and an at the University of Tennessee. We adjunct-fellow at the Katz Center for Advanced Judaic Studies at are grateful to both families for their

support. the University of Pennsylvania. Some texts will be available in English translation, but discussions will focus on the Hebrew texts and films, so some reading knowledge of Hebrew will be necessary. Some texts will be available in English translation, but discussions will focus on the Hebrew Recently, she has been a member For more information, please contact the instructor, Dr. Michela Andreatta ([email protected]), Our search for a new teacher of texts and films, so some reading knowledge of Hebrew will be necessary. or call (865) 974-6484. Modern Hebrew was successful. We of the 2010 European Seminar in SomeFor moretexts information,will be available please in contact English the translati instructor,on, butDr. discussionsMichela Andreatta will focus ([email protected]), on the Hebrew textsor call and (865) films, 974-6484. so some reading knowledge of Hebrew will be necessary. For more Some texts will be available in English translation, but information, please contact the instructor, Dr. Michela Andreatta ([email protected]), or Advanced Jewish Studies, “Reading discussions will focus on the Hebrew texts and films, so some are joined this year by Dr. Michela call (865) 974-6484. Andreatta from Italy. Dr. Andreatta in Hebrew in the Early-Modern reading knowledge of Hebrew will be necessary. For more information, please contact the instructor, is teaching Beginning Modern Period,” at the Oxford Centre for Dr. Michela Andreatta ([email protected]), or call (865) 974-6484. Hebrew and Intermediate Hebrew Hebrew and Jewish Studies. She Wednesday, 5-7 p.m., Hodges Library, Room 251 Judaic Studies Newsletter, Fall 2010 7 is currently working on a book “Converts and Conversion to and At the conference she will deliver a exploring the literary aspects of from Judaism”. paper entitled, “The Translator and Hebrew epitaph writing in 16th-18th Dr Andreatta will also be His Patron: Flavius Mithridates, century Italy. attending the conference, “Patronage Giovanni Pico della Mirandola and For the Spring semester, Dr. and the Sacred Book in the Medieval the Hebrew-Latin Translation of Andreatta has been offered a Mediterranean,” organized by the Gersonides’ Commentary on Song of fellowship as adjunct fellow at Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Songs.” the Herbert D. Katz Center for Científicas of Madrid and the Tauber Later this semester, Dr Andreatta Advanced Jewish Studies at the Institute for the Study of European will present at the Association University of Pennsylvania in Jewry, to be held at Brandeis for Jewish Studies 42nd Annual Philadelphia. The fellowship will University on October 18-19, 2010 Conference, this year to be held in allow her to attend some of the (program at http://www.congresos. Boston, December 19-21. weekly seminars organized at cchs.csic.es/patronage_and_the_ the Center on this year’s theme, sacred_book/content/program).

Judaic Studies Advisory Committee

We are very fortunate to have international law and developments World Congress of the support of several departments related to church-state relations in Studies, Barcelona, July 2010. at UT and are grateful for the Russia. “Placing the Ottomans in the outstanding faculty who serve on Mediterranean World,” for the our Advisory Committee and whose We congratulate Robert, symposium, “Beyond Dominant courses are cross-listed with Judaic Stephanie, and Noah on the new Paradigms in Ottoman and Middle Studies. It is always a source of addition to their family, baby Idan! Eastern/North African Studies: A pride to read about each colleague’s Tribute to Rifa’at Abou-El-Haj,” wonderful achievements during the Binghamton, State University of previous year. New York, April 24, 2010. “Mapping The Early Modern l Robert Blitt Ottoman Empire: Imagination, In addition to making Circulation, & the Image/Text numerous presentations in Interface,” , Tennessee and elsewhere around Providence, October 2009. the in 2009-2010, l Nancy Henry Professor Robert Blitt of the Baby Idan Eli Blitt 2010 College of Law participated in Professor Henry continues work international academic conferences We’re thrilled to share news of the on her “Life of George Eliot” to be in Malaysia, Hungary, and the arrival of a beautiful baby boy... Russian Federation. In October Idan Eli Blitt! 2009, the Australian Broadcasting October 3, 2010 at 12:18 am Corporation’s radio program, The 7 pounds, 13 ounces Spirit of Things, featured an hour 20 1/4 inches long long interview with Professor Blitt, Mom & baby are doing great where he discussed issues relating to the internationally-recognized l Palmira Brummett right to freedom of religion or Professor Brummett spent the Nancy Henry (right) with Amy Billone and Andrew belief enshrined in the Universal year as an American Council of Lallier at Dickens Universe conference Declaration of Human Rights and Learned Societies Fellow, working other international instruments. His on a project on the Ottoman Adriatic most recent scholarship forthcoming 1500-1700, and as a Visiting Scholar this fall in the Northwestern at Brown University. She presented Journal of International Human the following papers during the last Rights and Vanderbilt Journal year: of Transnational Law addresses “The Ottomans: Inheriting, Creating, the challenge of “Defamation of and Projecting Empire,” for the Religion” within the context of panel, “Empire in the Middle East,” Nancy Henry at Cambridge University 8 Judaic Studies Newsletter, Fall 2010 published by Wiley-Blackwell in overseeing the English Department’s History, Aesthetics, and Politics of the 2012. She recently completed an prize-winning undergraduate Nazi Image in Low-Brow Cinema. article entitled, “The Romola Code: thesis, on the image of Jephthah’s Professor Magilow’s current ‘Men of Appetites’ in George Eliot’s daughter in English Renaissance work in Jewish Studies concerns Historical Novel,” forthcoming in drama, and giving a presentation the private correspondence of the the journal Victorian Literature and for the UT Alumni Summer College 19th-century German-Jewish legal Culture. This year she presented in July. She is looking forward to theorist Eduard Gans. Gans was one papers in Vancouver, Austin, TX, assuming the directorship of Marco, of the first Jewish professors at a and Glasgow, Scotland. In August, the University’s Medieval and German university and an important she attended the Dickens Universe Renaissance Center, at the start of force behind the movement known conference in Santa Cruz, California 2011. as the Wissenschaft des Judentums with colleague Amy Billone (Dept. (“the science of Judaism”), an of English) and graduate student l Vejas Liulevicius attempt to apply critical scientific Andrew Lallier. In September, she Professor Liulevicius (History) methods to Jewish culture. Gans was a Visiting Fellow at Pembroke published his second book, The famously quipped, “I belong to College, Cambridge where she German Myth of the East, 1800 to the that unfortunate class of human conducted research on George Eliot’s Present (Oxford University Press), beings, which is hated because it is connections to Cambridge. a study of how German culture has uneducated, and persecuted because perceived the lands and peoples it tries to educate itself.” l Heather Hirschfeld of Eastern Europe over the last And finally, Professor Magilow Professor Hirschfeld devoted the two centuries and the concept of a has continued his work as the academic year 2009-2010 to her book “civilizing mission.” This summer Managing Editor and Book Review project, “The End of Satisfaction: he was promoted to full professor. Editor of the Journal of Jewish Drama and Repentance on the He was also elected president of the Identities, a peer-reviewed journal Early Modern Stage,” for which Association for the Advancement of that considers all aspects of Jewish she received an NEH Fellowship. Baltic Studies. identity, past and present. The manuscript, whose i’s and t’s will be dotted and crossed by the l Daniel H. Magilow l Amy Neff end of the year, includes a chapter In connection with the Professor Neff’s article (co- on The Merchant of Venice, a version University of Alabama, Huntsville’s written with Anne Derbes) on the of which appeared in the Winter exhibition, “Dora and the V-2: imagery of the bleeding devil was 2010 issue of the Journal of Medieval Space Labor in the Space Age,” published in a group of essays and Early Modern Studies under Professor Magilow lectured in both honoring the Byzantinist Thomas F. the title “ ‘And he hath enough’: Huntsville and in Knoxville about a Mathews. This strange image is seen The Penitential Economies of The rare collection of color images by the in a group of late medieval Italian Merchant of Venice.” In addition to German propaganda photographer paintings, in which the demons, this article, Heather published a Walter Frentz. Frentz’s photographs the embodiments of evil, are given brief essay on King Lear, “ ‘Am I in depict concentration camp inmates characteristics that make them France?’: King Lear and Source,” conscripted into forced labor to help seem related to groups perceived as in the venerable journal Notes build the V-2 rocket, which formed minorities or “others”—women and and Queries (2009) and a study an important technological basis Jews. She also presented a paper on of The Revenger’s Tragedy for the for the post-war American space this topic at the 45th International Cambridge Companion to Renaissance program. Congress on Medieval Studies at Tragedy (2010). She expects an Professor Magilow also Western Michigan University. additional solicited essay on organized a panel for the 2009 In the summer, Professor Neff Thomas Middleton and dramatic German Studies Association continued research on Byzantine collaboration, for the Cambridge Conference about the use of and Venetian influences on northern volume Thomas Middleton in Context, images of Hitler, Nazism, and the Italian painting in the best way to be in print by the end of the year, Holocaust in exploitation cinema. possible, with a trip to northern to be followed by another essay for This work, which he also presented Italy. She was able to visit many a similar Cambridge volume, this to the Faculty Research Seminar on small, relatively inaccessible castles time on the under-rated Caroline Germany and Central Europe at and churches in the Dolomites and playwright Richard Brome. Other UT, will appear in a forthcoming Alto Adige, regions rich in medieval highlights from 2009-2010 include essay collection Nazisploitation!: The wall-paintings. Judaic Studies Newsletter, Fall 2010 9 l Marilyn Kallet doctoral students Melissa Rack and Professor Kallet is directing the Darren Jackson were in attendance, creative writing program again, after as was undergraduate poet John a hiatus of a few years. Among other Vaught. University of Nebraska/ well-known authors, Marge Piercy Lincoln professor Grace Bauer will be a guest of the creative writing participated in the workshop, as did program, in association with the Professor Barbara Bogue of Ball State Fern and Manfred Steinfeld Program University. in Judaic Studies, Ready for the Marilyn Kallet at cafe in Auvillar, France Five of Professor Kallet’s poems World, the Commission for Women, Creative Arts in France. “O Taste are in the Fall 2010 issue of Prairie and Temple Beth El of Knoxville. and See: Writing the Senses in Deep Schooner. Her poems have appeared Marge Piercy’s residency is October France,” took place in May. Poets in recently online at Blue Fifth Review 17-19th. attendance included UT alums Janet and Rougarou, among others. Her Marilyn Kallet taught another Warman and Tomi Wiley, who also interview at Milk & Ink (September, poetry workshop in Auvillar, France, edits Milk & Ink, an anthology of 2010) can be found online at http:// for the Virginia Center for the poetry about mothers who write; UT milkandink.com/milk-ink-spotlight- marilyn-kallet.

Leaving the House Auvillar, France

You leave the house in search of a newspaper and a poem. Poems partout, some invisible. Ashes have been censored by American newspapers. Best not mention ashes too soon. At certain altitudes, day is black like night, says Le Monde. Volcano sky.

French crows grow three times bigger than American, size of hawks. And the constant bird song? “Merles,” someone said. Madame Merle inhabits an apartment in the town square with her cats. Madame Blackbird.

Best not to arrive at blackbirds so soon. Creep up on them like the old cat, Vegas. Maybe that cat will get lucky. She senses you near the window and scats— she knows where the hidden storehouse of poems resides.

You search for Baudelaire at the end of your alley but only tourists and pilgrims are revealed. Some of the pilgrims have rented fat donkeys. They are cheaper to run than your Citroën. Another cat runs by with a small black creature in its jaws.

You have not contacted the aging French survivors who live in Florida. What are you afraid of? Are you waiting for them to die-- Je suis desolée! They are Jews like you. There! We have arrived at the ashes and those still breathing.

A few Righteous families in Auvillar hid Jews. The Hidden Children are in their eighties and nineties now. They have email in Florida. What will you say to them? Say hello, I am in the village that hid you but not others?

C’est la vie, the old women say. Since last year one of the pretty girls has run away from her husband with a pilgrim. To the north of France. She sends email that she’s cold. Her ex says he’s over it, but when he goes to serve the American a glass of rosé, he pours olive oil instead. Do Americans pretend less? “I love you or I do not live at all,” Bill says. “Changing of meats gladdens the pigs,” quoth the blackbird, Benjamin Péret.

Marilyn Kallet 10 Judaic Studies Newsletter, Fall 2010 l Tina Shepardson entering into the next courtyard, This past year Professor and the famous Siloam Inscription Shepardson had the good fortune to from the eighth century B.C.E. receive an ACLS Fellowship, which Between the early Christian sites, allowed her to be on leave for the the sites of significance in Islam such year to work full-time on her book as the eighth-century Umayyad about fourth-century Christianity. Mosque in Damascus, and these Although she missed the energy and Jewish artifacts, the trip provided an excitement of teaching, she admits abundance of rich material not only that it was not hard to get used to for her research but for her teaching having the extra time to research Tina Shepardson (right) in the souq in Aleppo. as well. and write that usually goes into Professor Shepardson continues preparation for class lectures and to present papers on her research, grading student papers and exams. and she accepted an invitation this Professor Shepardson remarks that past year to present her research at if only we could live concurrent a conference in Paris, in addition parallel lives, she would happily to her annual presentation at devote one to teaching and the other the North American Patristics to writing and research. As it is, Society’s meeting in . this fall she returns to the bifurcated Her article “Burying Babylas: world in which her full-time interest Meletius and the Christianization in each must somehow fit into one of Antioch” appeared in print, very busy life. Tina Shepardson (center) wading in the Euphrates. and her article “Interpreting the While on leave Professor Happily, this past year Professor Ninevites’ Repentance: Jewish and Shepardson continued to run Shepardson also received an Christian Exegetes in Late Antique the faculty seminar on “The Individual Research Grant from the Mesopotamia” is forthcoming in Mediterranean World in Late American Academy of Religion, 2011. Antiquity,” since it remains a which allowed her to spend highlight for her of working at UT. three weeks in Syria and Turkey The opportunity to discuss works in conducting some of the remaining progress with the interdisciplinary research for her current book project. group of scholars in related fields, Although she had been to Antakya and to hear about their work and in southern Turkey before for work, the new work of other colleagues she had never had the opportunity around the country, facilitates to travel to Syria, and it was an and improves her own research. incredible experience. In addition to Professor Shepardson was, therefore, studying the early Christian remains very pleased to win a Regional in and around Aleppo in the north, Tina Shepardson taking a float plane to the beginning of the canoe trip. Development Grant from the Professor Shepardson also travelled American Academy of Religion that, along the Euphrates River toward Hiking, kayaking, canoeing, biking, together with funding from UT’s the Iraq border in order to see the and a new love for “hot power Marco Institute and Humanities’ remains at Dura Europos, a Roman yoga” help Professor Shepardson Initiative, allowed her to organize a city destroyed in the third century to keep life in perspective, and second annual Southeast Regional C.E., where scholars discovered she ended her summer with a Late Antiquity Workshop on campus a breath-taking early synagogue. fantastic three-week canoe trip in last spring, a series of lectures Having viewed the architectural the Canadian arctic, something by regional scholars that was remains in situ, she continued on that she used to do more often and well-attended by local as well as to Damascus (via Palmyra) where was glad to have the chance to do regional students and faculty. It was the National Museum houses the again. This trip travelled through through this project that Professor ancient synagogue’s breath-taking the stunning mountain views of the Shepardson had the opportunity frescoed plaster walls and tiled northern Yukon and was filled with to meet Dr. Elizabeth Alexander ceiling. When she returned to the usual pleasures and adventures (UVA), who presented her work Istanbul she also saw for the first that such trips always bring, from “The Textualization of Ritual and time two famous inscriptions from startled grizzly bears to the peaceful the Ritualization of Text in Ancient Jerusalem that are in the Istanbul simplicity of having nothing more Judaism,” and looks forward to Archaeology Museum: the famous (and nothing less) to do each day remaining in touch with her in the Temple stone that is inscribed with than get yourself safely further future. a warning to prevent Gentiles from down the river, fed, and settled into Judaic Studies Newsletter, Fall 2010 11 a new campsite. She is enjoying depicted in the Hebrew Bible. the European Society of Biblical being back in the hustle and bustle The book combines a range of Literature meeting in Tartu, Estonia) of campus life, including presenting philological, social-scientific and reflecting on Ezekiel’s temple vision a recent lecture for the Pregame literary approaches. She has also (Ezekiel 40-48) in the light of the Faculty Showcase to football fans published one article in the journal fantastic architectural design for before a home game, and she Missionalia (on the term “holocaust” the One World Center on Ground looks forward to sharing the new and its inappropriateness for Zero by Daniel Libeskind is also information and insights that she discussing the HIV/AIDS pandemic being considered for publication. has gained this year. in southern Africa) and has another Alongside her paper at the SBL, forthcoming in Biblical Interpretation Professor Stiebert has also presented l Thank you to Charlie Reynolds (on a postcolonial reading called at research days at the Universities Last year, Charlie Reynolds “Imbokodo,” Lemuel’s mother of Leeds and Derby and presented a wrote his swan song for the of Proverbs 31 and a new Bible series of lectures to the York William newsletter. As an afterglow of his called “The Peoples’ Bible”); a Temple Association. time at the university, we want to third paper (recently presented at go on record as noting that we miss Charlie a lot, but report that he has enjoyed himself and continues to J.P. Dessel Activities find plenty of fulfilling activities during his retirement years. Manfred and Fern Steinfeld Professor of Ancient Jewish History l Johanna Stiebert Professor Stiebert has been Dr. Dessel has been on leave this past year. on leave for the Fall and Spring semesters of 2009-2010. In this time she has been exploring the Judaic Studies Lecture Series possibility of accepting a full-time post at the Department of Theology RECENT LECTURES lectures were co-sponsored by the and Religious Studies at the During academic year 2009-10, Abraham and Rebecca Solomon and University of Leeds, England. She the Fern and Manfred Steinfeld Ida Schwartz Distinguished Lecture has taught one course each semester Program in Judaic Studies organized Fund, Departments of Religious (a Level 2 course on the Hebrew or co-sponsored four lectures in Studies and History, Hodges Better Scriptures and a Level 3 course on addition to the Igal Bursztyn film English Fund, College of Law, Ideologies of Hebrew Bible texts screening. Howard Baker Center for Public and readings), as well as overseeing On October 1, 2009 Schusterman Policy, University of Tennessee, and courses on Key Texts for Religious Visiting Israel Professor Igal the Knoxville Jewish Alliance. Studies, which are taught in small Bursztyn from On March 4, 2010 Professor groups by graduate students. spoke on “Film and Zionism: Alec Mishory, Open University of Additionally, she has been personal Cinema in Jewish Cultural Renewal Israel, and 2009-2010 Schusterman tutor to the students taking the from 1896-2009.” This lecture was Visiting Israel Professor at Rice one-year taught Masters program. cosponsored by the College of University, presented a lecture on Several of these students come from Arts and Sciences, Departments “Zionist Eroticism for ‘The New other parts of the world—such as the of Religious Studies and History, Jew’ as Advocated by Boris Schatz Philippines, Nigeria and Ghana, as Abraham and Rebecca Solomon and and Ze’ev Raban.” The lecture was well as one student from the USA. Ida Schwartz Distinguished Lecture co-sponsored by the Departments of Johanna has enjoyed being back Fund, University of Tennessee, along Religious Studies and History, the in Great Britain, though it has also with the Knoxville Jewish Alliance, Abraham and Rebecca Solomon and made her appreciate how fortunate and the Jewish Community of Ida Schwartz Distinguished Lecture she has been at the University of Knoxville. Fund, School of Art, University of Tennessee. Professor Stiebert visited On November 22 and 23, Tennessee, along with the American Knoxville for the month of August Professor Alvin Rosenfeld of Israeli Cooperative Enterprise, and 2010 and heartily enjoyed catching Indiana University presented two the Knoxville Jewish Alliance. up with colleagues and friends. lectures in Knoxville. His first On March 18, Laura Levitt, This year, Professor Stiebert is on lecture was entitled, “The Return Professor of Religion, Temple research leave for two consecutive of Antisemitism,” and another on, University, presented “Revisiting semesters, completing a book on “What is the ‘New’ Antisemitism; My Father’s Visual Archive.” the father-daughter relationships and What Can We do about it?” The This lecture was sponsored by 12 Judaic Studies Newsletter, Fall 2010 the Research Seminar on Modern Professor Alec Mishory, 2010- This was a major adjustment for me, Germany and Central Europe, 11 Schusterman Visiting Israeli especially since one of the courses University of Tennessee. Professor, will present an inaugural with more than 50 students was lecture on Jewish art on November “Introduction to World Religions” UPCOMING LECTURES 22, at 7 p.m., in the McClung (RS 101), which I had to completely Fall 2010 Museum Auditorium. Please join us. redesign as I had not taught a course Powerful readings and an with this content in about ten years. author’s chat were offered by poet I focused totally on eastern religions Marge Piercy on October 17 and 18. which, with my visits to Japan in 2005 and to China in 2007 and 2008, are of significant interest to me. The second course was RS/JS 381, “Introduction to Judaism,” a usual staple for the fall, with about 40 students. Because of my service as Head of the Department of Religious Studies, I received a zero teaching semester in Spring 2010, which nevertheless became very busy and enjoyable due to the Igal Bursztyn film festival. This semester, Fall 2010, I am again teaching RS/JS 381, “Introduction to Judaism,” with more than 40 students, and RS/ JS 385, “Contemporary Jewish Thinkers,” about German Jews. About 34 students are in this class. Spring 2011 In Spring 2011 I plan to On January 24, 2011 Professor teach RS/JS 386, “Voices of the Xu Xin, Director of the Diane and Holocaust,” and RS/JS 320, “Women On October 27, Professor Guilford Glazer Center for Judaic in Religion,” focusing on women in Changgang Guo, Dean of the Studies at will Judaism. Graduate School, University of visit Knoxville and speak on the Shanghai, lectured on religion in Jews of China. Research contemporary China. “Suezza—No Grazing Land for Jews” Gilya G. Schmidt Activities

In our eighteenth year of the program, I continue to strive to improve and grow our program. It is helpful not to run the Department of Religious Studies anymore, as I can better focus on the development Mark your calendar... of private donors, growing our majors, and my scholarship. With Hugo and Inge Lang 2010 On November 22, 7 p.m., On visiting faculty in the program, there All good things must come is also a significant administrative to an end, well sort of. One of component. the primary accomplishments Teaching during my zero teaching semester was the completion of the book In Fall 2009 I again taught two manuscript on rural Jews in Süssen, courses after seven years of only Germany, titled, “Süssen Is Now teaching one course per semester. Judaic Studies Newsletter, Fall 2010 13 Free of Jews—A Not So Romantic themselves continuously. In 2002, Journey Through the Valley of the I had planned to visit a village in Fils.” The explorations for this northern Israel, Shavei Zion, because project began in 1999, when I began some of Hugo Lang’s relatives from to search for information on two Rexingen had emigrated to Eretz Jewish families who had settled Israel in 1938 in order to escape the in the town of Süssen shortly after Nazi persecution. In 2002, at the 1900. The pickings originally were height of violent attacks on Israelis, slim, as there did not seem to be the railroad station in Naharia was any surviving files from the Nazi bombed. I had planned to take the period, but this fortunately was not train from Haifa to Naharia, but so. With persistence, much help decided it was not safe. Only this from local colleagues, and excellent year did I have the time to resume information at Yad Vashem, the my queries into any possible U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, survivors of these Rexingen Jews. and several German archives, the project grew over the years into a sizeable manuscript, currently under Four generations: Alisa Klapfer, Resi Gideon Pressburger review by an academic press. The (mother), Sofie Schweizer Gideon (grandmother), and original title, “Suezza—No Grazing Dora Schweizer (great-grandmother) Land for Jews,” has been updated to Needless to say, both Alisa in Israel “Süssen Is Now Free of Jews—A Not and Hugo in New Jersey were quite So Romantic Journey Through the surprised to learn of each other’s Valley of the Fils.” This title, while existence, and I was delighted to still focusing on the two families in share with each information about Süssen , also takes account of Jewish the other. life in Göppingen, Geislingen, and During the summer, I traveled Alisa Klapfer, Shavei Zion 2010 Kirchheim u. d. Teck which have to Germany to attend to a variety been included in the study. To my very great surprise and joy, of matters concerning lingering our 2008 Schusterman Visiting Israel questions, gathering information Professor, Dr. Rivka Ribak, came to and searching for new sources for all my aid, as her husband Yair and his three of my research projects. The mother had connections to Shavei collective archival knowledge in Zion. I am deeply grateful to Rivki Germany, and specifically in Baden- and Yair for leading me to Alisa Württemberg for my particular Klapfer, the daughter of Alfred and area of research, is tremendous and Resi Pressburger, who emigrated invaluable. Archivists are great to Palestine with her parents at age sources of information concerning 4. Alisa graciously received us in the location of pertinent material the middle of Passover and shared and even more importantly, the with me photographs, dates, and people who can help one gain access Lang house in Süssen 2010 the beautiful Shavei Zion cemetery to the records. where her parents are buried. “Oh Little Village Mine—Kaddish for Rural Swabian Jews” is a new-ish research project that grew out of the previous travels around southern Germany in search of Jewish life. While there is no Jewish life of any kind in any of the Swabian villages today, one can find a very active and sophisticated life from the late eighteenth century on. Lang house in Süssen with Stolpersteine in sidewalk This study includes about twenty When one works on a project, villages and towns where there is there really is no end. The work tangible evidence in the form of is alive, and new sources reveal homes, businesses, and above all, Grave of Alfred Pressburger in Shavei Zion 2010 14 Judaic Studies Newsletter, Fall 2010 cemeteries. This project is a work to be able to continue with this of Cantor Mordecai Heiser of in progress both in writing and stimulating venue for discussing Pittsburgh. As chair of the History in research. The book, which is our scholarship with colleagues of Judaism section for the regional organized thematically, so far lacks and graduate students, and are AAR conference, the Southeast voices. Only a few Jewish families’ currently developing a rich schedule Commission for the Study of stories are included in some of the of events for this academic year. For Religion (SECSOR), I organize German books written about Jews in a peek into the world of the research between two and three sessions a a given location. While in Germany seminar, please see the website, so year and usually present a paper this summer, I pursued a lead that I ably maintained by our colleague and chair a session as well. Last became aware of while working on Professor Daniel Magilow at http:// spring’s paper dealt with Central the Süssen study. I hope to return web.utk.edu/~mfll/languages/ European hazzanut. in two years for an in-depth mining german/research_seminar/default. of the archival sources for Jewish html. Academic Conferences 2010-2011 voices from these communities. Academic Conferences 2009-2010 “Mordeai Gustav Heiser—The Over the past several years I Sweet Singer of B’nai Israel,” have been very fortunate to be able my current hot research project, is a to participate in several exiting contribution to the study of German conferences with Jewish, German, and central European hazzanut religious, and humanities themes. (liturgy). This project was originally In Fall 2009, I contributed begun in 1993 when I created a a paper on German and Jewish memorial recording with snippets customs in rural communities to of Cantor Mordecai Gustav Heiser’s the German Studies Assoiation renditions of synagogue music for (GSA) and presented a paper on the B’nai Israel in Pittsburgh, PA. Cantor different meanings of victimhood Gilya Schmidt at Niagara Falls 2010 Heiser had been their hazzan for in post-Holocaust reparations In August, several colleagues nearly fifty years. He was also my documents at the annual meeting of and I traveled to Toronto to teacher and friend. Over the years I the Association for Jewish Studies, present papers at the International have done considerable preparatory where I also chaired a session on Association for the History of work, such as digitizing the snippets East European Jewry at the fin de Religions Congress. My paper dealt of music that survived his death, siècle. with the plight of the cattle dealers collecting as much of the sheet For the American Academy under the Nazis. In early October I music as I could find, searching for of Religion I serve on the steering contributed a paper on the difficulty personal and family information committee of the Religion, of German Jews to become Jewish as well as records of his public Holocaust, and Genocide Group. As nationalists to a panel on Zionism life. I am deeply grateful to his the title of the group says, it is our at the GSA with colleagues from family for giving me access to their responsibility to create opportunities Israel and Germany. And in January personal collection of documents for scholars to present their work on at the International Humanities and correspondence and to Professor the Holocaust and other genocides, and Arts Conference I will discuss Elijahu Schleifer from Hebrew Union especially as these atrocities the meaning of “Stolpersteine,” or College in Jerusalem for his kindness intersect with religion. I am also stumbling stones which are being in working with me through the a member of the International placed in the sidewalk in many music and teaching me how to listen Connections Committee (ICC), a German cities in remembrance of the and write about Cantor Heiser’s standing committee of the AAR. Jews who used to live there. particular contribution to hazzanut. We are responsible for creating two academic fora per year that German and Central European showcase the work of scholars in Research Seminar a particular geographical region of In the summer of 2010, the the world. This year the focus is on German and Central European Oceana; next year it will be on the Research Seminar, which began Middle East. in 2005, was renewed for the fifth This past spring, 2010, I again time. My colleagues Denise Philips, participated in the International Daniel Magilow, Maria Stehle and I, Humanities Conference with a the core members, are very excited paper presentation on the hazzanut

Falk Sahm Stolperstein in Süssen 2010 Judaic Studies Newsletter, Fall 2010 15 Although I am organizing continue as chair of the History of colleague in Islam. sessions for the Southeast Judaism Section of SECSOR. Conference for the Study of Religion Community (SECSOR) in Louisville, Kentucky, Institutional The Jewish community also in March, I will not be able to attend It has been a year since I stepped promises to keep me involved. As myself, because the conference down as Head of the Department President-Elect of Heska Amuna conflicts with a mandatory meeting of Religious Studies. To be sure, I Synagogue, I serve on the Executive of principle investigators for federal was exhausted from a challenging Committee, Board of Directors, grants in Arizona. year, but I was also gratified that and Rabbi and Religious Services we emerged intact from the threat Committee. In Spring 2010 I Service of merger and worse. I will always also served on the Rabbi search be grateful to my colleagues in the committee which was brought to a Professional Department of Religious Studies successful conclusion with the hire I continue to serve on and to our loyal and active Board of Rabbi Alon Ferency. the Editorial Board of the of Visitors for their support, As a graduate of Leadership interdisciplinary journal Soundings, encouragement, and real help during Knoxville, Class of 2009, I reviewing occasional manuscripts this time of crisis. The sincere committed to serve two years on for them, and the Editorial Board of concern of all involved was heart- the Curriculum Committee. I enjoy the UT Press, where I also serve on warming and gave me strength the interaction with the new classes the Executive Committee. Last year in uncertain times. Now, with a and feel a sense of accomplishment I also reviewed manuscripts for the semester off to re-immerse myself at helping to shape the curriculum International Journal of Middle East in my research and resume teaching for the new “students.” Both last Studies and SUNY Press. and committee work this semester, year and this year, I am involved in My term on the Religion, as well as a new Head at the helm, planning Diversity Day. Last year Holocaust, and Genocide Group life has returned to normal. I enjoy we visited the Alex Haley farm and steering committee runs to 2012, reinvesting myself in the growth of learned about the Clinton Twelve. as does my appointment to Judaic Studies, the mentoring of my This year we will visit the Green the International Connections colleague Dr. Daniel Magilow, other Macadoo Museum in Clinton, a Committee of the American college committees, searches for an place of great interest and full of Academy of Religion. I also Arabic instructor, and a tenure-track compelling history. TENNESSEE HOLOCAUST COMMISSION http://www.tennesseeholocaustcommission.org/ After 16 years, the once-a- the Director of Instruction for background and being raised semester drive to Nashville has the Murfreesboro City School in Nashville, I have a passion become part of my routine. The District where she served for the Tennessee Holocaust Tennessee Holocaust Commission for four years following her Commission.” has been in existence for a quarter return to Nashville, the city In addition to her personal century. We are certainly grateful of her childhood. Danielle’s interest in the work of the to Felicia Anchor for continuing to appointment with the THC THC, Danielle brings years chair this commission so ably. Last comes with a personal of experience in education, spring I was on the search committee connection to its vision and having served as both Principal for a new Executive Director. We mission. The daughter of Belgian and Assistant Principal in were delighted to be able to hire refugees, Danielle brings to New York and Connecticut Danielle Kahane-Kaminsky, who is the THC a mixture of story schools. Danielle has an in- a fine addition to the commission and experience, both of which depth understanding of the staff, with experience in the public hold promise for her work in ways in which education serves schools, fund-raising, and Holocaust guiding educators and students as a means of work against commemoration. through the academic lessons of genocide. The Commission looks Danielle’s biography on the THC the Holocaust. “Having spent forward to the resources and website reads as follows: my life hearing the stories of initiative Danielle will provide Danielle Kahane-Kaminsky aunts, uncles, cousins, and as Executive Director as the THC joined the THC as Executive grandparents,” says Danielle, moves into its 26th year of work Director on April 8, 2010. Prior “I understand the importance in combating prejudice, and to her current position with of communicating the meaning building understanding among the THC, Danielle worked as of the Holocaust to succeeding all people in an effort to prevent generations. Because of my genocide. 16 Judaic Studies Newsletter, Fall 2010 WELCOME TO ASHLEY COMBEST “Contemporary Europe,” “Modern before I sent it off to the publisher. Ashley Combest is delighted to Britain since 1688,” and “Western Debbie and Joan both retired this join the Judaic Civilization II.” summer and their departure literally Studies Program Michael is currently in the brought on a sea change in the office. and has received process of revising an article titled I will always be deeply grateful to a warm and “Pugnacious Protestantism: Flute Debbie and Joan for the support they generous Bands and the Transmission of gave me over the years and for their welcome from Loyalist Popular Culture in the helpfulness and kindness. I hope the department, Urban Lowlands of Scotland” for the you enjoy retirement in good health! the community, Hibernian Review and is scheduled We are delighted to welcome as and especially to present the findings of this work the new support staff in Religious Gilya Schmidt, at the American Conference for Irish Studies Karen Windham, who Ashley Combest at the whose smile and Studies international meeting in Schusterman reception has been with the university for energy radiates Madison, WI in April. Michael and a number of years in different across the desks and makes the his wife Jennifer are anticipating the capacities. Welcome, Karen, and office an enjoyable place to work. birth of their first child Trey Booker thank you for all your help already!! Despite knowing very little about in November. Judaism, and very few Jews for that Thank you for all your help, matter, Ashley is “learning all about Michael. Best wishes to you and Judaism while standing on one Jennifer as you enter into a new foot,” as Gilya says, and she couldn’t phase of life. May you have only be happier about the experience or blessings! more grateful for the opportunity. Ashley is no stranger to MORE CHANGES McClung offices, having worked for several years for Tom Heffernan, whose office is, in fact, right next door. She just completed an editing project for Professor Heffernan’s Karen Windham forthcoming book, “The Passion of Perpetua and Felicity.” Ashley is currently a doctoral student in the English Department, working under the helpful guidance of Professor JEWISH STUDENT Heather Hirschfeld on a dissertation project which focuses on women and CENTER/HILLEL Debbie Binder and Joan Riedl 2010 treason in early modern drama. It seems fitting to speak of The Jewish students at the FAREWELL TO MICHAEL BOOKER Debbie Binder and Joan Riedl as one. University of Tennessee are an Michael Booker successfully When I came to Knoxville in August active and enterprising group, who defended his dissertation, “The of 1993, Debbie and Joan made sure not only organize holiday services Civil Religion of Loyalism in that the office was able to help with and year-round programming, but the Southwestern Lowlands of anything I needed. They both had regularly find a home for Shabbat Scotland since 1798,” in May 2010. been at the university for a number meals with families throughout the Congratulations, Michael! Following of years and knew the ropes. Over community. If you are interested a relaxing vacation in Bar Harbor/ the years, and especially during in hosting the students for Shabbat, Acadia National Park, ME, he my time as department Head, or if you are willing to help them returned to Knoxville to teach Debbie and Joan kept me afloat by in other ways, please contact their “Western Civilization II” during reminding me of deadlines, making director, Deborah Oleshansky, at the second summer session at the sure I didn’t miss any appointments, [email protected]. University of Tennessee. After and a myriad of other things. For general information, please see working as Dr. Schmidt’s assistant Debbie made sure the financial their website at http://www.utk. for Judaic Studies for the better part end was in order, and Joan worked edu/~uthillel. of four years as a graduate student, tirelessly to make our department Michael was hired as a lecturer in a great place for students. She was the Department of History at UT for also a superb editor and I always 2010-11 and is scheduled to teach made sure Joan read any manuscript Judaic Studies Newsletter, Fall 2010 17 my Buber book on Zionism to Simon location for you and that you will SHTETL NEWS and Betty Greenberg, and it was an share your insights with the Jewish honor to meet their son. May his students and all the students who It is always a delight to welcome memory be for a blessing. take Judaic Studies courses once new life into this world and to you have settled in. Welcome to share in the simchas in the Jewish Earlier this year, Rabbi Louis Knoxville! community, which spans from Zivic retired from the rabbinate Knoxville to Israel to Europe and to and Heska Amuna Synagogue. He “Bagels and Barbecue: The China. was not only a fine spiritual leader, Jewish Experience in Tennessee” This past spring we were but very generous with his time. opened at the East Tennessee saddened by the loss of two giants History Center, 601 South Gay in the Jewish world. Both will be Street in downtown Knoxville sorely missed, not only by their on Monday, October 18. Stephen loved ones, but by their friends and Rosen, president of the Knoxville the scholarly community as well. Jewish Alliance, states that “This event is a ‘must see’ for people In June of this year, Professor interested in understanding and and Rabbi Jacob Milgrom died in enjoying how we got here and why Jerusalem. During my visit to Israel we are so proud of our community.” in April, I visited with Jacob and The local connection was provided his wife Jo, who had become dear by Barbara Bernstein, Nicki Russler friends after Jo’s visit to Knoxville to and the KJA Archives Committee. give a lecture on and demonstration Gilya Schmidt and Rabbi Louis Zivic 2009 The press release states that “This of hand-made midrash during my is a touring exhibition of the first few years in Knoxville. We He often came to my class on the Tennessee State Museum, organized struck up a friendship, and when Holocaust and, as a member of the in collaboration with the Jewish Jo and Jacob moved to Jerusalem Second Generation, spoke about Federation of Nashville and Middle from Berkeley, we stayed friends. the complicated life of a child of Tennessee, Jewish Community Jo and Jacob were my hosts when survivors. Students enjoyed his Federation of Greater Chattanooga, I first arrived in Israel in 1996 and erudition and his candor. I am Knoxville Jewish Alliance, and have been my teachers, advisors, grateful to Rabbi Zivic for all he Memphis Jewish Federation, with and even collaborators on Buber’s did for the students at UT, his the participation of other Jewish poems when I translated them some cooperation with many of the Judaic communities around the state. The years ago. Jacob was a kind and Studies events, his good counsel and exhibit’s statewide tour is supported gentle soul who was easy to love. I his support in difficult times. May in part by a grant from Humanities will always treasure the occasional you enjoy your retirement in good Tennessee, an independent affiliate lectures I was privileged to hear health for many years to come. of the National Endowment for and the lovely Seudah Shlishit at Between January and April, the Humanities.” For further the Milgrom’s home. We grieve Heska Amuna went through the information, see http://www. with Jo, and we will miss Jacob process of searching for a new pitchengine.com/pitch/91336/ or tremendously. May his memory be rabbi. We were very fortunate that contact Cherel Henderson at either for a blessing. a mutual liking developed between (865) 215-8823 or (865) 335-0888 or the congregation and Rabbi Alon by email at cherel@eastTNhistory. Just a month before Jacob died, Ferency and org. in May of this year, Professor Moshe his wife, Karen. Greenberg died, also in Jerusalem. I The Ferencys did not know Professor Greenberg moved to well but had the opportunity to meet Knoxville at him and his wife, Chaya, through the beginning the Milgroms. They took me along of August to a study session on a Shabbat and we are afternoon quite a number of years delighted ago. Moshe Greenberg was the son to welcome of the late Simon Greenberg, Vice them to Heska Rabbi Alon Ferency 2010 Chancellor of the Jewish Theological Amuna and to Seminary in New York, who was an Knoxville. We hope that Knoxville Knoxville author Wendy Besmann at opening of “Bagels and Barbecue” exhibition. early mentor of mine. I dedicated will be a hospitable and friendly 18 Judaic Studies Newsletter, Fall 2010 For the past three years, Judaic Studies at UT has formally joined an ever-growing group of Judaic Studies programs who support the Association for Jewish Studies, a professional organization for scholars of Judaic Studies. The following list is taken from the association’s website at http://ajsnet.org/institutions.htm

Institutional Membership We are pleased to announce the AJS 2009-2010 Institutional Members.

American Jewish Historical Society American Jewish University American University, Center for Israel Studies and Jewish Studies Program Arizona State University, Center for Jewish Studies Center for Cultural Judaism Columbia University, Institute for Israel and Jewish Studies Cornell University, Jewish Studies Program Foundation for Jewish Culture Georgetown University, Program for Jewish Civilization , Center for Jewish Studies Hebrew College Hebrew Union College - Jewish Institute of Religion Indiana University, Robert A. and Sandra S. Borns Jewish Studies Program Jewish Theological Seminary, The Graduate School Johns Hopkins University, Leonard and Helen R. Stulman Jewish Studies Program Laura and Alvin Siegal College of Judaic Studies , The Crown Family Center for Jewish Studies Ohio State University, Melton Center for Jewish Studies Old Dominion University, Institute for Jewish Studies and Interfaith Understanding Pennsylvania State University, Jewish Studies Program Reconstructionist Rabbinical College Spertus Institute of Jewish Studies , Taube Center for Jewish Studies The Tikvah Fund University of Arizona, Arizona Center for Judaic Studies University of California, Los Angeles, Center for Jewish Studies University of California, San Diego, Judaic Studies Program University of Connecticut, Center for Judaic Studies and Contemporary Jewish Life University of Denver, Center for Judaic Studies University of Florida, Center for Jewish Studies University of at Urbana- Champaign, Program in Jewish Culture and Society University of Maryland, Meyerhoff Center for Jewish Studies University of Massachusetts at Amherst, Judaic and Near Eastern Studies Department University of Michigan, The Frankel Center for Judaic Studies University of Nebraska at Lincoln, Norman and Bernice Harris Center for Judaic Studies University of North Carolina at Asheville, Carolina Center for Jewish Studies University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Center for Jewish Studies University of Oregon, Harold Schnitzer Family Program in Judaic Studies University of Pittsburgh, Jewish Studies Program University of Tennessee, The Fern and Manfred Steinfeld Program in Judaic Studies University of Texas at Austin, Schusterman Center for Jewish Studies University of Virginia, Jewish Studies Program University of Washington, Stroum Jewish Studies Program, Jackson School of International Studies University of Wisconsin–Madison, Mosse/Weinstein Center for Jewish Studies Vanderbilt University, Program in Jewish Studies Washington University in St. Louis, Program in Jewish, Islamic, and Near Eastern Studies , Bernard Revel Graduate School of Jewish Studies , Israel and Golda Koschitzky Centre for Jewish Studies Judaic Studies Newsletter, Fall 2010 19

Former UT student Avi Shem-Tov, Gilya Schmidt and Gilya Schmidt in Haifa 2010 Elijah’s Cave in Haifa 2010 friend 2010

Visit the Knoxville Jewish Alliance Web site: www.jewishknoxville.org

Becomea friend of How to contact us Judaic Studies at UT Department of he Fern and Manfred Steinfeld Program in Judaic Studies is in Religious Studies its second decade. Public lectures, in collaboration with other UT 501 McClung Tower T The University of Tennessee departments and the Knoxville Jewish Alliance, Holocaust Conferences, Knoxville, TN 37996-0450 book discussions, as well as cultural experiences such as trips to the U.S. Holocaust Museum in Washington, D.C., have helped to educate on t e l e p h o n e (865) 974-2466 campus as well as in the Jewish community and the community at large. fa x (865) 974-0965 Private funds have made possible the teaching of Modern Hebrew and e - m a i l the hiring of the Schusterman Visiting Israeli Professors. Your support Dr. Gilya Gerda Schmidt: can help to make our program better and stronger. If you wish to make [email protected] a contribution, the following funds are available: Dr. J. P. Dessel: [email protected] The Fern and Manfred Steinfeld Scholarship Fund in Judaic Studies, Religious Studies  Judaic Studies Lecture Fund, Religious Studies Judaic Studies Chair Endowment, Religious Studies The Fern & Manfred Steinfeld Judaic Studies Support Fund, Religious Studies Abraham and Rebecca Solomon and Ida Schwartz Program in Judaic Studies Distinguished Lecture Fund for Judaic Studies, Religious is located in ­Studies 501 McClung Tower Dr. Ruben Robinson Memorial Fund, Religious Studies You can also find us on the Web: Karen and Pace Robinson Enrichment Fund, Religious web.utk.edu/~judaic Studies Manfred and Fern Steinfeld Professorship Endowment in Judaic History, History Department

All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, or covered veteran status. Eligibility and other terms and conditions of employment benefits at The University of Tennessee are governed by laws and regulations of the State of Tennessee, and this non- discrimination statement is intended to be consistent with those laws and regulations. In accordance with the requirements of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, The University of Tennessee affirmatively states that it does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, or disability in its education programs and activities, and this policy extends to employment by the University. Inquiries and charges of violation of Title VI (race, color, national origin), Title IX (sex), Section 504 (disability), A.D.A. (disability), Age Discrimination in Employment Act (age), sexual orientation, or veteran status should be directed to the Office of Equity and Diversity (OED), 1840 Melrose Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37996-3560, telephone (865) 974-2498 (V/TTY available) or 974-2440. Requests for accommodation of a disability should be directed to the ADA Coordinator at the Office of Equity and Diversity.

20 Judaic Studies Newsletter, Fall 2010

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