Jack, Joseph & Morton Mandel Chair in Jewish Studies

The Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Chair in Jewish Studies was established in 2022 to facilitate the exploration of Judaism through curricular development, research, and collaboration with students, faculty, and local communities.

The Mandel Chair was made possible thanks to a collaboration between The Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Supporting Foundation; The Milton and Tamar Maltz Family Foundation; and �ۿ۴�ý alumna Norma Geller '87, who was an early advocate of the University’s efforts to create this opportunity. Learn more.

The inaugural holder of the Mandel Chair is Dr. Noah Bickart.

The Mandel Chair offers several courses to �ۿ۴�ý undergraduates, TRS majors, minors, and graduate students. These include:

Hebrew Bible
Introduction to Judaism
Abraham: Father of Many Nations
The Rabbis on Sex and Gender
Jewish Messianism
Senior Seminar on Interreligious Understanding

Cover of The Scholastic Cultures of the Babylonian Talmud

Dr. Noah Bickart new book, The Scholastic Cultures of the Babylonian Talmud studies how and in what cultural context the Talmud began to take shape in the scholastic centers of rabbinic Babylonia. Bickart tracks the use of the term tistayem ("let it be promulgated") and its analogs, in contexts ranging from Amoraic disciple circles to Geonic texts, and in comparison with literatures of Syriac-speaking Christians. The study demonstrates increasing academization during the talmudic period, and supports a gradual model of the Talmud's redaction. .

The Mandel Chair sponsors lectures and other events on topics ranging from the Hebrew Bible to contemporary issues facing the Jewish community. With a special focus on Jewish history from the Talmudic period to today, the Mandel Chair also collaborates with the Breen Chair in Catholic Theology and the Nursi Chair in Islamic Studies to promote greater interreligious understanding. A selection of recent events can be viewed here.

Dr. Noah Bickart

Dr. Bickart was appointed in 2022 as the inaugural holder of the Mandel Chair. An ordained rabbi, his research explores the Talmudic academies of late antiquity.

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Courses

Check out courses offered through the Mandel Chair in Jewish Studies

Lectures & Events

Video archive of past lectures, panels, and events sponsored by the Mandel Chair

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Theology & Religious Studies

Visit the Department of Theology & Religious Studies to learn more about events, programs, and course offerings.