Philip S. Bernstein Lecture

The Center for Jewish Studies holds an annual endowed lecture named after Rabbi Philip S. Bernstein. Bernstein served as the spiritual leader to local congregation Temple B'rith Kodesh in 91×ÔÅÄÂÛ̳ for nearly fifty years and played a key role in advising U.S. Army Commanders in Europe, helping to resettle European Jews after World War II. In addition, he was known for his outspokenness on civil rights, particularly in advocating for integrated neighborhoods and the construction of affordable, integrated residences for low-income families. 

For more information, please contact Professor Aaron Hughes at aaron.hughes@rochester.edu.

Past Lectures

Boyarin Lecture PosterWhat is the Jews? A Defense of Diaspora Nationalism as a Third Option for a Jewish Future

Daniel Boyarin PhD, Departments of Near Eastern Studies and Rhetoric, University of California at Berkeley

Thursday, April 4, 2019
5 p.m.
Welles-Brown Room, Rush Rhees Library

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Heschel Lecture PosterThe Prophetic Tradition and the Civil Rights Movement: How Can We Respond to Antisemitism and the Rise of White Nationalism?

Susannah Heschel PhD, Eli Black Professor of Jewish Studies, Dartmouth College

Thursday, October 26, 2017
5 p.m.
Hawkins-Carlson Room, Rush Rhees Library

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Gordan Lecture PosterRabbi Philip S. Bernstein: Explaining Judaism to America

Rachel Gordan PhD, Boston University

Monday, April 3, 2017
7 p.m.
Temple B'rith Kodesh

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Dayan Lecture PosterTransitions: Personal and Political

Yael Dayan, Member of 13th, 14th and 15th Knessets

Wednesday, November 2, 2016
6 p.m.
Hawkins-Carlson Room, Rush Rhees Library

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Holding the Past Jewish Memory and the Promise of Justice

Laura S. Levitt PhD, Professor of Religion, Jewish Studies and Gender, Temple University

Tuesday, October 20, 2015
4 p.m.
Eisenberg Rotunda, Schlegel Hall


Wolfson Lecture PosterNot Yet Now: Speaking of the End and the End of Speaking

Elliot R. Wolfson PhD, Department of Religious Studies, University of California, Santa Barbara

Monday, November 10, 2014
4:30 p.m.
Welles-Brown Room, Rush Rhees Library

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