Professor leads a jewish studies class in the library

Jewish Studies

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Pursue jewish studies at Fordham

About the Jewish studies minor

Home to one of the world’s largest Jewish communities, New York City is your gateway to the art, culture, history, and traditions of Judaism.

At Fordham, the interdisciplinary Jewish studies minor spans departments including history, theology, English, and women, gender, and sexuality studies—plus Fordham’s top-ranked School of Law. You’ll engage in dialogue with our expert faculty and participate in research like the Bronx Jewish History Project. Delve into the culture and sacred texts of Judaism. And use your knowledge to make a difference where you’re needed most, from museum curation to international diplomacy.

Our graduates go on to …

  • government agencies
  • journalism and global media outlets
  • careers in international relations, law, and education

Visit the Jewish studies department page

Jewish studies students travel abroad

Jewish studies program profile

  • Rose Hill CampusMinor
    Rose Hill
  • Lincoln Center CampusMinor
    Lincoln Center

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Program at a glance

12

renowned faculty teaching courses in ancient, medieval, early modern, and modern Jewish history, culture, law, literature, and contemporary society—among them winners of Guggenheim and NEH fellowships

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departments and programs represented across the minor, including history, theology, sociology, anthropology, art history, English, and law

1.4 million

Jews in the greater New York area, making NYC an unparalleled living classroom for Jewish studies students

Center for Jewish Studies

Fordham’s dedicated research center connecting students to internships at premier NYC institutions, including the Museum of Jewish Heritage

40+

years of Jewish studies course offerings at Fordham, with roots going back to the 1980s and a minor formally launched in 2016

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historical eras covered across the curriculum, including ancient, medieval, early modern, and modern, giving students a comprehensive view of Jewish history and impact

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Making an impact

Sophia Maier, Reyna Stovall, and Ayelet Brinn, Ph.D. discuss Jewish history in the Bronx at a March 1 event. Photos by Dana Maxson.

Piecing Together Jewish History                    

Fordham’s Center for Jewish Studies is home to the Bronx Jewish History Project, combining oral histories and artifacts to preserve the borough’s rich local cultural heritage. Learn how students capture these untold stories.

People sitting at a table laden with food and drink raise their drink glasses.

Why We Feast                    

For the spring holidays, Rams celebrated their faiths and the threads that unite them. Discover how food, shared tables, and rich cultural dining traditions—like the community seder—bring students together and foster a sense of belonging.

Rabbi Katja Vehlow in her office at Lincoln Center. Photo by Nicole Davis

Be a Light: Celebrating Jewish Life at Fordham                    

Rabbi Katja Vehlow, the Jewish chaplain and director of Jewish life on campus, shares the longstanding and brand new traditions that have shaped Fordham’s dynamic Jewish community. Explore campus events from Shabbat dinners to trivia parties.

Sophia Maier with two of her many interview subjects-Harold Schultz and Eva Yelloz—in the Walsh Library. Photos courtesy of Maier

Jewish Voices of the Bronx                    

Backed by grant funding and community partners, Sophia Maier became one of the first people to document the stories of the Bronx Jewish community. See how she mastered the art of the interview—and how she’s passing it on to the students who come after her.

Henry S. Miller

A Place for Jewish Research and Community Bonds                    

Fordham’s Henry S. Miller Judaica Research Room provides Jewish studies faculty and students a dedicated space for seminars, presentations, and art exhibitions. Discover the story behind the space.

Torah pointers, or yads, are often capped by a sculpted hand. Photo: Taylor Ha

From Intern to Co-Curator                    

Through a Jewish studies internship, Miriam Krakowski co-curated Fordham’s “Guiding Hands” exhibit, which explores the artistry of sacred Torah pointers. Dive into the history of yads and see how they gave her a chance to discover her career path.

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Jewish Studies program FAQs

  • Here, you’ll gain a unique academic perspective that allows you to explore Judaism through the lens of interfaith dialogue. By leveraging the resources of New York City and Fordham’s Center for Jewish Studies, you’ll build a rich understanding of Jewish life and culture.

  • Common majors paired with Jewish studies include history, comparative literature, political science, international studies, and theology. However, the minor in Jewish studies is meant for students in any major who want to augment their studies with a deeper knowledge of the faith and culture.

  • As a Jewish studies minor, you’ll take courses like Medieval Jerusalem, where you’ll explore the history and culture of the region from ancient to modern times, and Classic Jewish Texts, where you’ll examine Jewish beliefs through close readings of the Bible and post-biblical Jewish texts.

    In addition to studying in the classroom, you’ll be able to take community engaged learning courses that allow you to work with and learn from partner organizations across New York City. You’ll also have the chance to connect with the Jewish Student Organization and take part in Jewish life on campus.

  • With New York City as your college town, you’ll have access to internships with partner institutions and community organizations both on and off campus. Jewish studies minors have interned at places including the Derfner Judaica Museum, the Center for Jewish History, and the Museum of Jewish Heritage.

  • You’ll be prepared for a range of career paths unique to the major you choose. The Jewish studies minor will help prepare you for careers in government, law, media, nonprofits and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), teaching, academia, and many other fields.

  • At Fordham, you’ll use AI as a tool to enhance your learning. Our program will equip you with the skills to navigate the ever-changing landscape of AI in the workforce. As a Jewish studies minor, you might use AI to decipher historical manuscripts or digitize archives.

    You’ll also be able to earn credentials and paid micro-internships through IBM SkillsBuild’s Getting Started with AI course. All Fordham students and graduates have access to AI training through RamConnect, the University’s alumni and experiential learning platform.

    Above all, you’ll learn skills that can’t be replaced by AI, such as critical thinking, creativity, emotional intelligence, and integrity.

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