Melton Center for Jewish Studies

2008 - 2009 Annual report

THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE

Dear Friends,

It is hard to believe how much the Melton Center, our faculty, and our students have accomplished this year! We enjoyed Jewish Music East and West events of truly outstanding quality and educational ; a wonderful tribute to our founder, Sam Melton; top-notch speakers in our Israel and Its Neighbors program, co-sponsored with the Columbus Jewish Federation; revealing insights into the worlds of North African Jewry and Ethiopian Jewry; a strikingly purposeful Feibel Lecture on Judaism and Law; and numerous other excellent programs about which you can read inside. Be sure to look at our faculty and students’ achievements of this past academic year.

Perhaps our most impressive accomplishment this year is the introduction of Israel Studies at Ohio State, which the Melton Center has made a priority. With a major grant from the American-Israel Cooperative Enterprise (AICE), support from the College of Arts and Humanities, the Columbus Jewish Federation, the Columbus Jewish Foundation; and the Brachman and Robins families, we are thrilled to be hosting Professor Matthew Silver, visiting Israel Studies Scholar in 2009-10. Professor Silver will demonstrate how valuable a permanent Israel Studies scholar at Ohio State would be for the entire community.

It is thus my great pleasure to share with you this annual report on the Melton Center’s activities of 2008-9, and to welcome you to another year of exciting education with us in 2009-10.

Shanah tovah and best wishes,

Matt Goldish 2 Director

Image on the front cover: Guglielmo da Pesaro and his Pupils. Italienne 973, courtesy Biblíotheque Nationale, Paris.

Melton’s Film Project: The Other Men in Black

Have you ever gone into a history class and found that the material was just so far away from your own reality that you could not even relate to it? This is a common experience, and teachers often use film to bridge the gap. In our highly visual world, it helps us grasp the experiences of others Actors Suzy Kohane and Fyvush Finkel with director Phil Garrett and Rabbi Zalman Deitsch of Ohio State’s Chabad. if we can see a visual depiction of their lives.

With this in mind, Matt Goldish and Todd Delman (a recent in eighteenth-century southern Poland, the spread of Hasidism, MFA from Ohio State’s The Advanced Computing Center for its opponents, and its impact on the Jewish world of today. A the Arts and Design (ACCAD)) created the Jewish History Hasidic tale is presented in mixed animation styles. Media Project. The goal of the Project is to create high-quality docu-drama films about Jewish history that will stimulate The film features one of the country’s most recognizable Jewish discussion and interest in the classroom. After an initial character actors, Fyvush Finkel, as well as Suzy Kohane, Jon period of exposure in media and film festivals, the films will Osbeck, and other excellent local actors and actresses. It is be distributed for classroom use together with curriculum produced and directed by Phil Garrett of Ohio State’s materials and bibliography. Department of Theater and ACCAD. Funding for this project was supplied by the Nathan Cummings Foundation with help We are now completing the Project’s first film, calledThe from Ohio State’s College of Arts and Humanities and from Other Men in Black: The Hasidic Movement, Past and Present. individual donors. This half-hour movie about the Hasidic movement in Judaism Some sample historical scenes can be viewed at

meltoncenter.osu.edu features an engaging story line, historical re-creations, and excellent animation. It deals with the origins of the movement www.accad.osu.edu/meltoncenter. meltoncenter.osu.edu 3

On March 31 and April 1, Dr. Mitchell Bard came to Columbus April 1, Dr. On March 31 and and met with students and community members to promote Israel Studies at Ohio State. and a Bard holds a PhD in political science from UCLA He is degree in public policy from U. C. Berkeley. master’s a foreign policy analyst and the Executive Director of the non-profit a (AICE), American-Israel Cooperative Enterprise which seeks to strengthen the U.S.- organization nonpartisan Israel relationship by emphasizing the fundamentals of the alliance. Bard is also the author of numerous books and director comprehensive most the world’s Library, Virtual of the Jewish online encyclopedia of Jewish history and culture. visit to Columbus was an agreement Bard’s The occasion of Dr. of year one fund AICE and interested supporters to between As professorship in Israel Studies at Ohio State. visiting a for Jewish Studies has invited Center Melton the result, a in Israel Studies Professor Visiting as Matthew Silver to serve year. for the 2009-10 academic Our Exodus: Leon Uris and the Making and Unmaking of Our Exodus: Leon Uris and the Making and University and completed his MA and PhD degrees in Modern Jewish and his MA University and completed a number University of Jerusalem. He has taught History at the Hebrew of topics in Jewish history at the Hebrew the and served on University staff. newspaper editorial Ha’aretz politics taught numerous courses on contemporary Professor Silver has comparative studies, peace relations, Jewish-Israel American Israel, in For the 2009-2010 academic year, The Ohio State University will have a State University The Ohio academic year, For the 2009-2010 Professor Matt Silver. Studies scholar, visiting Israel College Middle East History scholar at Max Stern Professor Silver is a from Cornell degree received his BA in Israel. He Yezreel of Emek Israel Scholar for 2009-2010 for Scholar Israel Community, Campus Welcome Visiting Visiting Campus Welcome Community, Foreign Policy Expertthe Arab-Israeli Conflict Discusses Mitchell Bard autographing his book for an Ohio State student. The Melton Center is grateful to American-Israel Cooperative Enterprise (AICE), The Ohio State Cooperative Enterprise (AICE), The Ohio State American-Israel The Melton Center is grateful to Jewish Foundation, the Columbus Jewish Arts & Humanities, the Columbus College of University’s of Anna Robins for their financial support Brachman, and Danny and and Judy Federation, Merom Bringing a visiting Israel Studies scholar for the coming year is a great start. If you or someone you Bringing a visiting Israel Studies scholar endow a permanent chair in Israel Studies at Ohio State, know might be interested in helping us to please contact Matt Goldish at (614) 292-1358. contributed to numerous publications. His newest project, contributed to numerous publications. His published this year. State Press), is to be Founding Narrative (Wayne Israel’s our visiting scholar this coming year. religious history of Judaism, Islam, and Christianity; the Arab-Israeli conflict, and many other related topics. He has Arab-Israeli conflict, and many other related topics. the religious history of Judaism, Islam, and Christianity; meltoncenter.osu.edu 4 achievements. Afterwards, theauthortookquestionsandsignedcopiesofhis booksforaudiencemembers. The MeltonCenterpresentedMr. Grynberg withitsDistinguished Humanist Award afterhisreading,inhonorofalifeliterary He alsosharedsomeofhismost recentwork,fromabooknotyetpublished. Drohobycz andOtherStories:True Tales from theHolocaust andLife After. Swedish. Grynberg readfrom severalofhiscollections,including into English,French,German,Italian,Czech,Dutch,Hebrew, Hungarian,and trauma. HewritesprimarilyinPolish,buthismajorworkshave beentranslated essays, anddramadepictingtheHolocaustexperience post-Holocaust Holocaust survivorandhaspublishedmorethanthirtybooks of prose,poetry, Community CenterBookfairco-hostedMr. HenrykGrynberg. Mr. Grynberg isa On November12,theMeltonCenterforJewishStudiesand ColumbusJewish Humanist Award Receives Melton’s Distinguished Celebrated Polish Author at OhioState’s Hillel. Ken Steinspeakingtocommunityleaders Visiting ProfessorinIsraelStudiesforthe2009-10academicyear. some supporterstopursueapartnershipwiththeMeltonCenterthatwillenableMatthewSilverjoinOhioStateas Occupation?” HepresentedtheprospectsofIsrael’s control ofthe West Bankinthelarger MiddleEastpoliticalscene. In December, Dov Waxman, Professorof PoliticalScienceatBaruchCollege,addressedthequestion,“CanIsraelEnd on theMiddleEastconflict.BekerisGeorgetown University’s Goldman Visiting IsraeliProfessor. Chosen: TheHistoryofanIdea,andthe Anatomy ofanObsession. Healsoexploredtheimpactofthisconcept Bookfair discussedJudaism’s conceptofchosenness andwhatitmeanstobechosen,basedonhisbook, In November, Professor Avi Beker, aspeakerforIsraelandItsNeighborstheJewishCommunityCenter’s annual deeper understandingofthemyriadissuesaffecting Israelanditsrelationshipwith Arab neighbors. Neighbors Stein wasalsothefirstofthreescholarsaspartour Its and Israel Sparks Interestin Israel Studies Modern Israel Scholar KenStein as anacademicdisciplineatOhioState.Stein’s wisdom,energy, andenthusiasminspired Professor SteinalsometwithcommunitymemberseagertoseeIsraelStudiesestablished Jewish CommunityCentertoacrowdofcommunitymembers. United StatesintheMiddleEastandNext Administration” attheColumbus galvanize campusinterestinIsraelStudies.Laterthatevening,hepresented“The Foundation. Histalk“Israelon American Campuses—Teaching orPreaching?”helped Stein addressedstudentsandfacultyatalunchonOctober29theOhioStateHillel Jewish Federation. of theMeltonCenter’s IsraelandItsNeighborsseries,co-sponsoredwiththeColumbus Professor SteinvisitedboththeOhioStatecampusandColumbuscommunityaspart University’s MiddleEastResearchProgramanditsInstitutefortheStudyofModernIsrael. Professor KenSteinisarenownedscholar, acclaimedteacher, anddirectorofbothEmory IsraelandItsNeighborsseries. The seriesisdesignedtooffer a Drohobycz,

Mr. Grynberg withitsDistinguishedHumanistAward. Melton CenterdirectorMattGoldishpresents The

meltoncenter.osu.edu 6 Jewish community. This lectureseriesprovidesavaluableintellectualforumforthe support ofRobertShamansky, whowas Troy Feibel’s lawpartner. by Pearland Troy Feibel’s children,Jim,Don,andBarbara,withthe The Pearland Troy Feibel LectureonJudaismandLawwascreated from theJewishperspective. She alsodiscussedthemoralandethicalimperativesofcivilrights father, Rabbi Abraham JoshuaHeschel, inthecivilrightsmovement. Heschel ofDartmouthCollege,whorecalledtheactivitiesher Americans andJews. The lastspeakerwasProfessorSusannah in civilrightsandthesubsequentfallingoutbetween African of Historyspokenext,explainingboththepassionateJewishinterest War. ProfessorHasanKwameJeffries ofOhioState’s Department American fatherwhowasheldinManzanarduringtheSecond World personal commentsabouthisownbackgroundasthesonofaJapanese the backgroundandreasonsforshiftsincivilrightslaw, addingsome College ofLaw, isanexpertoncivilrightslegislation.Hespokeabout The firstspeaker, ProfessorDaniel Tokaji ofOhioState’s Moritz Jews foundcommongroundinsocialandpoliticalactivism. Rights movementofthe1960s,aperiodwhen African Americans and panelists examinedtheprominentparticipationofJewsinCivil by apanelfeaturingexpertsinlaw, history, andJewishStudies. The The topic,“JewsandCivilRights:Law, Action, Ethics,”wasdiscussed people onSunday, March29 at Wexner Heritage Village. Feibel LectureonJudaismandtheLawtoanaudienceofover125 The OhioStateUniversitypresentedthe21st Annual Pearland Troy The MeltonCenterforJewishStudiesandMoritzCollegeofLawat Robert Shamansky, Babetteand JimFeibel,SusannahHeschel,Daniel Tokaji, HasanKwameJeffries,Barbara andRonRobins,RonnieDonFeibel. Pearl and Troy Feibel Lecture Jews and CivilJews Rights: Law, Action, Ethics The 21st Annual Discusses

the MeltonCenteroveryears. Jewish learningandwasanadvisormentorto on October7,2008.Edwaspassionateaboutadult unexpected lossofcommunityleaderEdEllman The ColumbusJewishcommunitysuffered the Edwin M.Ellman and grandchildren. lences goouttohiswife Thelma andtheirchildren June 7,2009inDayton,Ohio.Ourheartfeltcondo- the MeltonCenter, passedawayattheageof94on Norman Harlan,whowasalong-timesupporterof Norman Harlan supporter ofJewisheducation. George willbefondlyrememberedasagenerous ing agraduatedegreeinanareaofJewishStudies. to awardthisfellowshipmanystudentspursu- their generosityovertheyears,wehavebeenable Graduate FellowshipinJewishStudies. Thanks to History andtheGeorge M.andRenéeK.Levine Levine EndowedProfessorshipinJewish Renée establishedtheGeorge M.andRenéeK. passed awayonJune8,2009.Heandhiswife One ofourmajorbenefactors,George Levine, George Levine In Memoriam meltoncenter.osu.edu 7 David Ladow Tom Tearney Tom George Johnson Shiran Bendor Josh Kramer Avram Shannon Avram Dena Rapoport Ellen E. and Victor J. Ellen E. and Victor Cohn Supporting Foundation Scholarship Shiran Bendor is this year’s recipient of the Cohn Scholarship for study at Hebrew University in Jerusalem. Shiran is a junior and a Middle Childhood She will Education major. study at Hebrew University in the spring of 2010. Melton Center for Jewish Studies Travel Grant Program The Melton Center awarded one travel grant to a third-year student who will be traveling to Israel. (not pictured), a Hebrew VanDeWalker Megan study to grant travel her use will major, Linguistics and modern Hebrew at Hebrew University in Jerusalem.

a PhD

Joshua Kramer also a PhD student in Near George Johnson, also a PhD student in a history and philosophy a history and philosophy David Ladow, George and Emily Severinghaus Beck Fund for Study at George and Emily Severinghaus Beck Institute Yiddish Vilnius The Beck Scholarship enabled student winner Diane M. Cummins Scholarship Cummins recipient of the Dena Rapoport is this year’s in Hebrew. Scholarshship for outstanding achievement Meier When presenting the award, Professor Sam was unanimous emphasized that the selection committee Morris and Fannie Skilken Family Foundation and Endowment Fund Scholarship for Yiddish Ashkenazi Studies of the Skilken recipient Caldwell (not pictured) is this year’s Aaron which provides a scholarship to students who are actively Award, Aaron, a Hebrew Ashkenazi studies. and Yiddish engaged in Jewish Studies courses has taken several and Linguistics major, Ashkenazi themes. and investigated Norbert and Gretel B. Bloch Endowed Scholarship Fund in Jewish Studies received this a German and Jewish Studies major, Tearney, Tom The Bloch Endowed Scholarship Fund Bloch Scholarship. year’s provides a $1,000 scholarship to a student engaged in Jewish Studies and requires that student to collaborate with Melton to facilitate a program or programming Center staff that focuses on Jewish life, culture or history (see story on page 12). student in Near Eastern Languages and . His paper was Languages and Cultures. His paper was student in Near Eastern 28.” Fallen: Reversal of Fortunes in 1 Samuel “How the Mighty are Second prize went to Ark: a Cultures, for his essay “The Lost Eastern Languages and Commentary on 1 Samuel 4:1-11.” Text-based student for in its decision to recognize the third-year her excellent abilities and enthusiasm. Institute in Yiddish Vilnius to attend a summer program at the Lithuania. Josh is a political science major in the International The Beck Fund was established by an Scholar Program. Affairs in the intense interest anonymous donor to help support students’ Vilnius. at workshop and cultural experience offered graduating senior the “Jesus, was Jewish Studies. His essay major with a minor in In the graduate Temple.” the of Cleansing the and Maccabees, Shannon, to Avram first prize was awarded category, Charlotte Susan Roth Memorial Fund Essay Contest Fund Essay Susan Roth Memorial Charlotte first prize won Art major, and History of a Hebrew Dena Rapoport, “Hayim Nahman Bialik: for her essay category in the undergraduate poetry Hebrew a the paper in Dena wrote Tension.” Poetry and category went to undergraduate the in prize Second course. 2009 Student Awards Student 2009 meltoncenter.osu.edu 8 dance, Women’s Studies,Jewishhistory, and JewishStudies. History, andherworkalsoanalyzestheintersectionsbetween folk dance,orboth?”Hannahhas aminorfieldin Women’s no connectiontoanything‘Jewish’? Isitconcertdance, by Jewswhoarecompletelysecular andotherwisehave cultural? Orboth?Isitdancecreated and/orperformed And arethosethemesconnectedtotheologyorthey constitutes Jewishdance.“Isitdancewiththemes? from 1927-1961.Inherresearch,Kosstrinquestionswhat modernism intheworkofchoreographer Anna Sokolow Her dissertationinvestigatesJewishness,radicalism,and way toexamineandarticulatethe“Jewishness”ofdance. Kosstrin, aPhDcandidateinDanceStudies,hasfound encounters afellowshipapplicantlikeHannahKosstrin. It isnotoftenthattheMeltonCenterforJewishStudies Jews and Dance:Jews Graduate Student Wins Accolades to workinacoreareaofJewishStudies. Fellow inJewishStudiesreceivesa15,000stipendandfullfeeremissionforoneacademicyear from the1930sto1950sinUnitedStates(seestorybelow). The SamuelM.MeltonGraduate Her workfocusesonsocialandpoliticalramificationsofartisticexpressionJewishidentity is aPhDcandidateinDanceStudies.HannahreceivedherMA inDancefromOhioState2003. Hannah Kosstrinisthewinnerofthisyear’s Meltonfellowship.She Samuel M.MeltonGraduateFellowinJewishStudies for oneacademicyeartoworkinacoreareaofJewishStudies. Jewish Studiesreceivesa$15,000stipendandfullfeeremission Israel between1918and1948. The LevineGraduateFellowin is currentlystudyingthemassiveimmigrationof Turkish Jewsto Ottoman historyHereceivedhisMA inhistoryfromOhioState.He Ufuk Ulutasisthisyear’s LevineFellow. UfukisaPhDcandidatein in JewishStudies George M.andRenéeK.LevineGraduateFellow Graduate Fellowships phenomenon andapoliticaltool.”HannahKosstrininherpiece“… don’t knowifI’mrunningorgoinghome”(2005). Kosstrin says,“Istressaninterdisciplinaryapproachtomyresearchandteaching,asdanceexistsnotonlyartformbutalso asocial

count thisinnovative thinkerasoneofitsfellows. Sokolow’s Holocaustwork. The MeltonCenterishonoredto Scholars Conference.Kosstrin won forherpaperon Anna will bepresentedattheannual Society ofDanceHistory The Cohen Award isgiventoupthreegraduatepapers that Cohen Award fromtheSocietyofDanceHistory Scholars. Organization Sisterhood; and been awarded the Selma Jeanne by the International Chapter of the Philanthropic Educational named a“PhilanthropicEducationalOrganization Scholar” for Researchon Women, Gender, orGenderEquity;been Cola CriticalDifference for Women GraduateStudiesGrant M. MeltonGraduateFellow, KosstrinhasalsowonaCoca- addition toherselectionastheMeltonCenter’s Samuel garnering honorsduringhertrainingatOhioState.In An energetic dancerandscholar, Ms.Kosstrinisbusily Ufuk Ulutas

Hannah Kosstrin

meltoncenter.osu.edu 9 Israel Jewish Music Zip You allow the Melton Center to fulfill its mission. We its mission. allow the Melton Center to fulfill You series, co-sponsored by the Jewish the by co-sponsored series, Neighbors Its and Israel Email ____I want to learn more about planned giving. featuring a panel of experts discussing Jews and the Civil Rights featuring a panel of experts discussing State $360 __ $108 __ other $______$500 __ The Ohio State University State Ohio The Invest in Jewish Studies at at Jewish Studies in Invest Feibel Lecture on Judaism and Law Feibel Lecture of the University of Haifa, an expert on Israel and world media, who will be visiting in Ohio State’s who will be visiting in Ohio State’s Haifa, an expert on Israel and world media, of the University of program; wonderful lectures about Israel in our in Israel about lectures wonderful program; Phone( ) ____I want to learn more about naming opportunities. with this form to: Make checks payable to The Ohio State University Development Fund and return Ohio 43210-1311 Columbus, 17th Avenue, The Melton Center for Jewish Studies, 306 Dulles Hall, 230 W. City Address Name Enclosed is my gift of: $1,000__ We are so grateful that your generosity has allowed us to do all these things, and to continue doing them at a time when are so grateful that your generosity has allowed us We drastically or even folding. many other institutions are cutting back Matt Goldish At the same time, the Melton Center maintains its position as one of the biggest and best Jewish Studies programs among its position as one of the biggest and best Jewish Studies programs among At the same time, the Melton Center maintains in the U.S. except more Jewish Studies courses than any academic institution American universities. Our catalogue offers to study in Israel and Europe with the generous support of our support student travel We York. University in New Yeshiva with the Melton and Levine fellowships break new ground in creative The graduate students whom we support donors. and our faculty in turn speak at top and faculty, bring in outstanding lecturers to teach our students We scholarship. universities around the world. hopes for our future, great With Movement; and numerous other terrific public programs. Movement; and numerous other terrific resources. I always welcome stewards of your trust as responsible and effective will do our best to continue to earn your your ideas and feedback. One of our milestone accomplishments this year has been the launch of what we hope will become a permanent the launch of what we hope will become accomplishments this year has been One of our milestone Thank you for helping make this past year one of achievement and growth for the Melton Center, despite the unprecedented despite the unprecedented and growth for the Melton Center, make this past year one of achievement Thank you for helping financial support and we deeply appreciate your generous we all share. In light of these circumstances financial challenges involvement. amazing group of musical performances and lectures in our ongoing Other highlights of the year include an Dear Friends, the Cooperative Enterprise (AICE), American-Israel the generous support of the With Studies program at Ohio State. donors, private beneficent and Federation, Jewish Columbus Foundation, Jewish Columbus Humanities, and Arts of College Matthew are thrilled that Professor We year. position for the 2009-10 academic Israel Studies scholar we funded a one-year enjoy the presence of Professor will also We position. of historical and cultural expertise to that Silver will bring his wealth Jonathan Cohen that the presence of Israel experts at Ohio State and in the sincerely hope We School of Communication this year. to step forward and make this a permanent program. Columbus community will inspire others West and East

Federation; a novel meltoncenter.osu.edu 10 it hasmetonce a yearatmajormidwesterninstitution. Studies Association’s annualconference.Sincethe inauguralmeetingatNorthwesternUniversityinMarch2005, GLOW waslaunchedin2005asamoreintimateandintensive supplementtoOttomanistpanelsattheMiddleEast groups intheOttomanEmpire between thesixteenthandnineteenthcenturies. five participantsspeakingona varietyofinfluentialfiguresand centerpiece wasaroundtableon “WhowasanOttoman?”featuring Comparative Studies.Forthesecondyearinarow, theworkshop’s Medieval andRenaissanceStudies,theDepartmentof the CenterforSlavicandEastEuropeanStudies, International SecurityStudies,theMiddleEastStudiesCenter, Department ofHistory, sponsorsweretheMershonCenterfor Workshop (GLOW)on April 18-19.Inadditiontoitshost, the Department ofHistoryorganized thesixth GreatLakesOttoman Professor JaneHathawayofOhioState’s MeltonCenterand Ottoman Workshop History ProfessorOrganizes piece Individual Excellence Award for2009.ProfessorSilver’s Professor SuzanneSilverreceivedanOhio Arts Council Department ofPoliticalScience. Professor GoldieShabadwaspromotedtofullProfessorinthe Research Award inOctober2008. Professor Carolina Lopez-Ruiz receivedthe Virginia Hull numerous concertsinprestigiousvenues(seestory, page14). Piano PerformanceintheSchoolofMusicthisspring.Heplayed Professor StevenGlaser and Mentoring. Botoman Award forDistinguished Undergraduate Teaching Professor RobinJuddisthe2009recipientofRodicaC. by theUndergraduate Organization, EUGO. Department’s Undergraduate Professorofthe Year asselected and Mentoring.ProfessorFinkwasalsonamedtheEnglish Botoman Award forDistinguished Undergraduate Teaching Professor SteveFinkisthe2008recipientofRodicaC. one ofthe Times LiterarySupplement’s BestBooksofthe Year. and JewishSelf-fashioninginfin-de-siècle Vienna waslistedas Professor PaulReitter’s bookThe Anti-journalist: KarlKraus Libros tobetranslatedandpublishedinSpanish. (Duke, 2009). The bookisnowundercontractwithPromoteo Performing CharityandCreating Rightsin Argentina 1880-1955 Professor DonnaGuypublishedWomen BuildtheWelfare State: Kafka inSpace(ParsingtheEruv) waspromotedtofullProfessorof Faculty Books And Honors wasincludedin

forthcoming 2009)(seestory, page11). and publishedMaimonides(Blackwell-Wiley Press, Seventeenth Century History ofJewishPhilosophy:From Antiquity tothe Professor Tamar Rudavskyco-edited History, UniversityofMinnesota,forthcoming2009). Essays inHonorofCaesarFarah(CenterforEarlyModern Publishers, 2009)andThe Arab LandsintheOttomanEra: of Egypt Professor JaneHathawaypublishedAl-Jabarti’s History German-Israeli Relations.” Conclusion, andthechapterentitled: University Press,2009)andauthoreditsIntroduction, 1969-1974: European andGlobalResponses.(Cambridge Professor Carole Finkco-editedthebook College StudentCouncilOutstanding Teaching Award. Recognition Award andwas afinalistforthe ArtsandScience Meier alsoreceivedtheMortarBoardandSphinxFaculty in OldTestament Prophecy. (InterVarsity Press,2009).Professor Professor SamMeier Technology andtheCostofNaziRacism.” on anti-Semitismandgivingapubliclectureentitled“Science, in ResidenceatBexleyHighSchool April 22-23,teachingclasses Professor Alan Beyerchen servedasthe2009HolocaustScholar and Designthisspring(seestory, page14). the exhibit“InOtherSpaces”atColumbusCollegeof Art (an abridgedprimarysource)(Markus Wiener (Cambridge UniversityPress,2009) publishedThemesandTransformations “Ostpolitik andWest The Cambridge Ostpolitik, meltoncenter.osu.edu 11

(1984); and Divine (2000). She has Omniscience and Omnipotence in Omniscience and Omnipotence in Medieval Philosophy: Islamic, Jewish, and Christian Perspectives and Gender and Judaism: Tradition (1995). Now that these Transformation works have been completed, she is embarking upon a succinct history of medieval Jewish philosophy (Oxford University Press), focusing on the tensions between Judaism and science in the medieval period. “In this volume, as well, I hope to a to philosophy Jewish medieval of present the high points is proud of The Melton Center she says. readership,” wider who these fine scholarly studies by Professor Rudavsky, director for 18 years. served as the center’s time as well as a pre-eminent Torah scholar. Professor scholar. Torah time as well as a pre-eminent an intellectual book not only provides Rudavsky’s examines also but figure, multi-faceted this of biography philosophical works of in depth the most critical is Although its primary focus canon. Maimonides’ material from the the work incorporates philosophy, legal and medical works as well. philosopher’s premises is that central One of Professor Rudavsky’s philosophical in engaged himself considered Maimonides his contemporaries but also with dialogue not only with All too often ancient Greek and Islamic philosophers. from his Maimonides has been studied in total isolation rectify this philosophical peers; Rudavsky has tried to ideas about narrow view by situating Maimonides’ miracles, God, the afterlife, creation of the prophecy, the context world, divine providence, and morality in of his philosophical cohorts. and presents them Rudavsky takes these philosophic writings little background in in a style accessible even for readers with by “I was particularly excited Jewish or medieval philosophy. is the first this project,” she says, “since Maimonides series entitled Jewish thinker to be included in this book Maimonides’ taught Having Philosophy.’ in Minds ‘Great and in various adult works for many years, both at Ohio State felt I community, Jewish the in education courses and venues and sustained was right to grapple in a more time the work.” disciplined way with Maimonides’ In addition to these most recent Rudavsky is the publications, Dr. Matters: Creation, author of Time and Cosmology in Medieval Time Jewish Philosophy edited two other volumes:

of Maimonides of Professor Tamar Rudavsky was Tamar Professor her doubly industrious during a co-editing sabbatical this year, of ancient comprehensive history philosophy as and medieval Jewish in-depth study well as authoring an of Maimonides. of Jewish The Cambridge History Antiquity to Philosophy: From the Seventeenth Century (Cambridge University Press, Professor Co-Edits History of Jewish of History Co-Edits Professor Philosophy and Publishes Definitive Study Study Definitive Publishes and Philosophy in Jewish Studies Jewish Studies in Melton Center for Center for Melton Jewish Studies at The The at Jewish Studies Ohio State University State Ohio Graduate Fellowships Fellowships Graduate

Professor Rudavsky’s solo project, forthcoming from solo project, forthcoming from Professor Rudavsky’s Maimonides, Press, is a study of Moses Blackwell-Wiley of all one of the most important Jewish philosophers histories or guides to Jewish philosophy, this innovative this innovative histories or guides to Jewish philosophy, topic rather than by by philosophical volume is organized Sections include: chronology or individual figures in the field. logic and language; natural philosophy; epistemology, and philosophy of mind, and psychology; metaphysics Professors philosophical theology; and practical philosophy. an in method organizational this Nadler and Rudavsky chose by made contributions philosophical the emphasize to attempt to ongoing philosophical problems and issues. thinkers Jewish 2009), co-edited with Steven Nadler, has been praised by has been 2009), co-edited with Steven Nadler, The readers for its depth, breadth and organization. Unlike most contributors are top scholars in the field. Jewish Studies at [email protected]. or contact Matt Goldish, director of the Melton Center for information, go to our website, ( ), Application deadline is February 1, 2010. For full application affiliated graduate programs at The Ohio State University. The Ohio State University. affiliated graduate programs at waiver for one year. Applications must be made through Applications waiver for one year. Each fellowship provides a $15,000 stipend plus a full tuition Samuel M. Melton Graduate Fellowship in Jewish Studies. Levine Graduate Fellowship in Jewish Studies and the We are invite applications for the George M. and Renée are invite applications for the George We meltoncenter.osu.edu 12 Matt Goldish. Professor JaneHathaway, directorVivienne Roumani-Denn,andMeltonCenterdirector Rabbi Avraham Elbaz. Professor OrenKosanskyandLéaSchottensteinwithMattGoldish.Notpictured: aliyah toIsrael. Ethiopia andleaving atageelevenwhenherfamily made session. Ms.Bayasinsharedher experiencesgrowingupin Ethiopian cultureandtraditions, andaquestionanswer Ethiopian dinner, apower pointpresentationonJewish Melton Centerstaff. The eventincluded afreetraditional supported herdevelopmentof this programwiththehelpof recipient oftheNorbertandGretelB.BlochScholarshipwhich by OhioStateseniorCoriZarem.Zaremwasthe2008-09 featuring Hillel’s IsraelemissaryKasaBayasinandfacilitated Jewish Studiespresented“EthiopianandJewish,”aprogram On May14,OhioState’s HillelandtheMeltonCenterfor CultureJewish to Campus Shlicha Bring Ethiopian Bloch Scholar and Israel “Jews of“Jews North Africa” Series Highlights Libyan and Moroccan Jewry

was livelyandveryenthusiastic. audience forallthreepartsof“TheJewsMorocco” at LewisandClarkCollegeinPortland,Oregon. The pilgrimages. Dr. KosanskyisProfessorof Anthropology presentation abouthisstudyofMoroccanreligious multi-media a gave Kosansky Oren scholar visiting an authenticandtastyMoroccankosherdinner. Finally, growing upMoroccanandJewish.Next,attendeesenjoyed and nativesofMoroccowhosharedtheirexperiences Avraham Elbaz andLéaSchottenstein,communitymembers included threeparts.First,apaneldiscussionfeaturedRabbi The secondeventintheseries,“TheJewsofMorocco” communities underIslamicrule. Hathway, ProfessorofHistory andanexpertonJewish The filmmakerwasintroducedbyOhioState’s ownJane question-and-answer sessionswithMs.Roumani-Denn. well attendedandfollowedbylivelyinformative Jewish CommunityCenter. Bothscreeningswerevery screenings—one oncampusandoneattheColumbus as immigrantstotheUnitedStates. There weretwo Roumani-Denn’s family, asresidentsofBenghaziand Jews ofLibya. The filmfocusesontheexperiencesofMs. Roumani-Denn presentedheraward-winningfilm North Africa” series,New York-based filmmaker Vivienne For thefirsteventinMeltonCenter’s two-part“Jewsof bread. Kasa BayasinandBloch ScholarCoriZaremmakingtraditional Ethiopian TheLast

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Assaf Yossi Chajes with his daughter Levana Yossi daughter, Levana on Saturday, February 28 at Wexner Wexner February 28 at Levana on Saturday, daughter, Chajes is a Professor of Jewish History Village. Heritage accomplished at the University of Haifa as well as an “soul music.” Jewish folk musician, known for his Jewish with a Power Chajes combined a musical performance the values Point analysis, explaining how music reflects Jewish spiritual and philosophies of diverse contemporary movements. diverseA array of songs were featured, on a few well- with audience participation welcomed known tunes. in an event co-sponsored with Ohio State’s with Ohio State’s Shelleg in an event co-sponsored performed “Israel—Diaspora, School of Music. Shelleg by late 19th and early Musical Dialogue,” playing works A and Eastern European composers, 20th century Israeli School Jan Radzynski of Ohio State’s including Professor event was an “explained The Center. of Music and Melton seating arranged so that Shelleg could concert” with intimate academic and cultural contexts of share with his audience works before playing their pieces. the composers and their with two The expressive pianist closed the evening followed by an challenging Mazurkas by Jan Radzynski, encore of one of his own compositions. Chajes Shares “Songs of the Lord in Yossi the Faces Strange Lands: Sacred Music and of Contemporary Jewish Spirituality” guitarist and The Jewish Music series concluded with Chajes, who was joined by his violinist pianist Yossi Israeli Composer and Pianist Assaf Shelleg Offers Assaf Shelleg and Pianist Israeli Composer Concert”“Explained was Israeli composer and pianist Next in the line-up Assaf Shelleg

Dazzles its Les Yeux Noirs gave Yeux Les Les Yeux Noirs Les Yeux The Golem: How He Came into the The Golem: How He Brought to Life by Performance Brought and Columbus’ own Carpe own David Krakauer and Columbus’

The Golem Les Yeux Noirs French Ensemble Les Yeux an especially exciting introduction to the rest of the introduction to the rest of the an especially exciting of cultural event normally This type Jewish Music series. Los York, cities, such as New takes place only in large The event was co-sponsored by the Tel-Aviv. Angeles and Arts and the Lenore Schottenstein Center for the Wexner Arts Endowment of the Columbus Jewish Foundation. Jewish Columbus Audience On January 22 the French sextet house at the an electrifying performance for a packed ensemble This energetic Tomorrow. Fawcett Center for its unique blend thrills audiences around the world with The ensemble jazz. and manouche Yiddish of Gypsy, brothers who features two classically trained violinist influences on share entertaining tidbits about the Jewish By the group’s their music in between furious fiddling. dancing in the encore, many audience members were the The concert was co-sponsored by CityMusic, aisles. Arts Council, Columbus Foundation, Greater Columbus Arts Council. and the Ohio clarinetist The screening and concert filled . Diem String Quartet film theater and proved Arts’ Center for the Wexner the accompanied by a live performance of Betty live performance of Betty accompanied by a World of Musical Score of Musical kicked of its 2008-09 Jewish Music The Melton Center of the classic 1920 series with a screening West East and German silent film Olivero’s haunting score by famed virtuoso klezmer Jewish Music, East and West, Concert Series Concert West, East and Jewish Music,

Mikkelson violinist Charles Wetherbee, and conductor Russ and conductor violinist Charles Wetherbee, violist Korine Fujiwara, cellist Diego Fainguersch, Clarinetist David Krakauer, violinist John Ewing, Clarinetist David Krakauer, meltoncenter.osu.edu 14 Steven Glaseratthepiano. An Artist atWorkAn Artist work, see http://religion.osu.edu/news/. Hebrew and English.” ForSilver’s complete discussionofher space andfunctions literallyasasigntoannounce eruvinboth Other Spaces.’ The neoneruvrepresents theideaofaninscribed personal artandasitrelatesto my projectfortheexhibition‘Of of publictoprivateandsecular tosacredinthecontextofmy Silver says,“Iaminterestedin notions ofthetransformation College of Art and Designthisspring. included intheexhibit“InOther Spaces”atColumbus through ritual.ProfessorSilver’s Kafka installation was commentary onhowreligioncreatesandmanipulatesspace diagram ofKafka’s wordsbelow, isastrikinglyinnovative Thus, thepiece,whichcontainsaneonEruvoverheadand that areaontheSabbath. public spaceintoprivatespace—soobjectsmaybecarriedin joins aneighborhoodintosingledomain—thatis,itturns Kafka isreferencingtheEruv, awireorfencethatsymbolically stumble thantobewalkedupon.”InSilver’s creative reading, close totheground.Itseemsmoreintendedmakepeople true pathleadsacrossaropethatisnotsuspendedonhigh,but three-dimensional explorationofFranzKafka’s quotation:“The and muslintopigmentneon.Silver’s pieceisanintriguing found, recycled,andnewbuildingmaterialsrangingfromrope Kafka inSpace(ParsingtheEruv). visual, physicalandliteraryconventionsinherinstallation Professor SuzanneSilverinvestigatesreligious,linguistic, confluence ofsoundsandculturesdriftingintothemusicroomcreatedauniqueatmosphereonlyfoundinJerusalem.” Muslim calltoprayer, allthisundertheIsraeliStarofDavidflyingfromflagpolesonrooftopsabovecity. This intermission, thechurchbellsincitywereallringingandminaretsthatencircleHospiceblaringout his performancetookplaceonthe200thanniversaryofdeathgreat Austrian composerJosefHaydn.“During Of themanyhighlightsofhistrip,ProfessorGlasersingledoutrecitalat Austrian Hospiceasmostmemorable, Glaser metwithworld-renownedmusiciansandmusicologists. at theJerusalem Academy ofMusicandDance. Inadditiontoattendinglectures,performing,andteaching,Professor Sound andImages:JewsEnteringtheFine Arts” atHebrewUniversity. Healsooffered sevenhoursofMasterClasses Pianist Concert GivesInaugural and Travels to Israel The installationincludes Salonandparticipatedintheinternationalworkshop“Emancipationthrough Hebrew University. Hegave a solorecitalatthe Austrian HospiceMusic Academy ofMusicandDanceina“Beethoven, The Titan” seriesheldat venues. HeplayedachambermusicconcertwithmembersoftheJerusalem In June,ProfessorGlasertraveledtoIsraelperformatseveralprestigious Op. 61byFredericChopin. using examplesfromstandardrepertoire,includingthe also sharedhisownapproachtomusicmakingandmusicalinterpretation teaches atthecollegelevelandhowmusicianscreateinterpretations.He concert, ProfessorGlaserdiscussedhowandwhataofPiano full ProfessorofPianoPerformanceintheSchoolMusic.During Interpreting Music: A Lecture-Performance,”markinghispromotionto On Monday, April 27,ProfessorStevenGlaserpresented“The Art of

Kafka in Space (Parsing the Eruv) the (Parsing Space in Kafka Polonaise Fantasy Suzanne Silver , meltoncenter.osu.edu 15 Stuart Lishan, Associate Professor Associate Stuart Lishan, of Utah) (PhD, University American Literature Jewish Assistant Professor López-Ruiz, Carolina Chicago) (PhD, University of Cultures Greek and Near Eastern Associate Professor Samuel Meier, (PhD, Harvard University) Semitics Hebrew and Comparative Professor Associate David Neal Miller, Calif., Santa Cruz) (PhD, University of Language and Literature Yiddish Assistant Professor Gabriella Modan, University) (PhD, Georgetown Analysis Sociolinguistics and Discourse Jan Radzynski, Professor University) Yale (DMA, Composition, Jewish Music Associate Professor Paul Reitter, (PhD, University of Calif., Berkley) Modern German Jewish Literature Professor Rudavsky, Tamar (PhD, Brandeis University) Medieval Jewish and Scholastic Philosophy Goldie Shabad, Professor (PhD, University of Chicago) East European Politics Professor Stewart Shapiro, at Buffalo) (PhD, SUNY Philosophy of Mathematics Amy Shuman, Professor (PhD, University of Pennsylvania) Jewish , Assistant Professor Suzanne Silver, The Ohio State University) (MFA, Art Painting and Drawing, Jewish Associate Professor David Stein, (PhD, University of Michigan) Adult Education, Distance Learning Michael Swartz, Professor University) York (PhD, New Rabbinic Literature, Jewish Mysticism Associate Professor Tanenbaum, Adena (PhD, Harvard University) Thought, Medieval Jewish Literature and Modern Hebrew Literature

Robin Judd, Associate Professor Robin Judd, (PhD, University of Michigan) Gender Modern Jewish History, Theory History and Neil G. Jacobs, Professor (PhD, Columbia University) Linguistics, Jewish Geography Yiddish Jane Hathaway, Professor Jane Hathaway, (PhD, Princeton University) Jews Under Islamic Rule Donna Guy, Professor Donna Guy, (PhD, Indiana University) American History Latin Matt Goldish, Melton Professor of Jewish History and Matt Goldish, Melton Professor of the Melton Center Director (PhD, Hebrew University) Messianism Early Modern Jewish History, Steven Glaser, Professor Professor Steven Glaser, (MM, University of Michigan, BM, Juilliard) Piano Performance Joseph Galron, Associate Professor Joseph Galron, (MLS, Hebrew University) Jewish Studies Librarian Evelyn Freeman, Professor Evelyn Freeman, The Ohio State University) (PhD, Preparation Teacher Daniel Frank, Associate Professor Daniel Frank, (PhD, Harvard University) Medieval Jewish History and Literature, Judeo-Arabic, Karaitica Steven S. Fink, Associate Professor Steven S. Fink, Washington) (PhD, University of Literature American Jewish Howard Fink, Professor Emeritus Howard Fink, Professor University) Yale (LLB, Civil Procedure and Legal Classics Carole Fink, Professor Fink, Carole University) Yale (PhD, History 20th Century International Helen Fehervary, Professor Helen Fehervary, Wisconsin) (PhD, University of Literature, Modern German Jewish Theory Critical Naomi Brenner, Assistant Professor Assistant Naomi Brenner, Calif., Berkley) (PhD, University of Modern Hebrew Literature Alan Beyerchen, Associate Professor Alan Beyerchen, Barbara) of Calif., Santa (PhD, University History Modern German Faculty, 2009-2010 Faculty, Suzanne Silver Nonprofite Org. U.S. Postage PAID Columbus, Ohio Permit No. 711 306 Dulles Hall, 230 West 17th Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43210 • 614.292.0967 • meltoncenter.osu.edu

Our 2009-2010 Program Resource Guide For Synagogues, Agencies, and Volunteer Groups is Now Online

Now in its third publication, our Program Resource Guide provides communal institutions and volunteer groups with lecture topics which Melton Center faculty members are available to teach for the coming year. You can find the guide by going to our website, www.meltoncenter.osu.edu. Click on “Publications.”

Jewish Camping Course Offered by Ohio State, Siegal College, and Camp Wise

This summer the Melton Center for Jewish Studies and the “Camping and Jewish Identity” was designed by Melton board College of Physical Activity and Educational Services at member Professor David Stein, who teaches in the College The Ohio State University joined Siegal College of Jewish of Physical Activity and Educational Services, Rabbi Jeffrey Studies and Camp Wise in developing and running a college- Schein at the Siegal College of Jewish Studies, and Camp credit course for counselors at Camp Wise on “Camping and Wise director Jodi Sperling. Jewish Identity.” Scholarships for all of the students were provided by The course included an intensive study of the camping Siegal College’s Mahar regional partnership fund for experience as it relates to Jewish youth identity formation. the Jewish future. The coursework blended field experiences with readings, discussion, and reflective assignments. Students examined We hope to offer this course to other Jewish camps in the influence of camping activities on Jewish ethical the future. concerns, spiritual development and engagement with Jewish thought.

Melton Center Staff

Matt Goldish Lori Fireman Nancy Golden Jared Boyd Director Program Coordinator Program Coordinator Fiscal Manager

(614) 292-1358 (614) 292-0700 (614) 247-7882 (614) 292-0967 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]