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Jewish Studies

Why Minor in Jewish Studies?

Jewish civilization has a 4,000 year history of development and achievement from antiquity to today. Nested among civilizations from the ancient to the contemporary Near East and beyond, Jewish culture has contributed to (and drawn upon) the great ideas of both East and West.

Knowledge of Judaism is essential to a full understanding of the development of Christianity and Islam. The history of the Jewish Diaspora enlightens us about European and Middle Eastern history. Jewish literature chronicles the upheavals in both Jewish society and the larger world. Issues of Jewish identity — changing gender roles, the metamorphosis of the family, the loss of community — parallel developments in the modern world.

Finally, Jewish studies courses confront the best and the worst in human nature from the Biblical era through the Holocaust and the creation of Israel. The minor will appeal to students of varied backgrounds and career interests since it is interdisciplinary and presented in the wider context of ancient and modern society. Drawn from the liberal arts, Jewish studies will prepare students to live and work in a multicultural world.

New courses, special topics, or Minimester courses may be accepted for the minor, or counted toward it, with the approval of the director of the Jewish Studies program.

Event Calendar

Here are some of the events happening on campus in the approaching months. 

Mar
18
Mon
Spring Break
Mar 18 – Mar 22 all-day
Mar
23
Sat
Erev Purim
Mar 23 all-day

Celebration of Jewish deliverance as told by Megilat Esther. It commemorates a time when the Jewish people living in Persia were saved from extermination

https://hebcal.com/h/purim-2024?uc=ical-baltimore

Mar
24
Sun
Purim
Mar 24 all-day

Celebration of Jewish deliverance as told by Megilat Esther. It commemorates a time when the Jewish people living in Persia were saved from extermination

Torah: Exodus 17:8-16

https://hebcal.com/h/purim-2024?uc=ical-baltimore

Mar
27
Wed
Java with Jamie
Mar 27 @ 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Apr
3
Wed
Java with Jamie
Apr 3 @ 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Apr
10
Wed
Java with Jamie
Apr 10 @ 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Apr
17
Wed
Java with Jamie
Apr 17 @ 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Apr
22
Mon
Erev Pesach
Apr 22 all-day

Passover, the Feast of Unleavened Bread. Also called Chag HaMatzot (the Festival of Matzah), it commemorates the Exodus and freedom of the Israelites from ancient Egypt

https://hebcal.com/h/pesach-2024?uc=ical-baltimore

Apr
23
Tue
Pesach I
Apr 23 all-day

Passover, the Feast of Unleavened Bread. Also called Chag HaMatzot (the Festival of Matzah), it commemorates the Exodus and freedom of the Israelites from ancient Egypt

Torah: Exodus 12:21-51; Numbers 28:16-25
Haftarah: Joshua 5:2-6:1

https://hebcal.com/h/pesach-2024?uc=ical-baltimore

Apr
24
Wed
Pesach II
Apr 24 all-day

Passover, the Feast of Unleavened Bread. Also called Chag HaMatzot (the Festival of Matzah), it commemorates the Exodus and freedom of the Israelites from ancient Egypt

Torah: Leviticus 22:26-23:44; Numbers 28:16-25
Haftarah: II Kings 23:1-9, 23:21-25

https://hebcal.com/h/pesach-2024?uc=ical-baltimore

Rosh Hashanah Packages

A TU Hillel Tradition

With just weeks until the start of the 2023-2024 academic year, and just over one month until Rosh Hashanah 5784 it’s the perfect time to order your Towson University Hillel Rosh Hashanah Package(s)

These packages are a great way to share the love with student(s), friends, family, and neighbors, all while supporting TU Hillel!


NEW for 5784!

Support older adults in need in our community through TU Hillel’s partnership with Jewish Community Services (JCS) by purchasing a Rosh Hashanah Package!

Packages gifted to local adult clients of JCS will bring great joy and sweetness to them during the holiday; as many of them are isolated and without family nearby.