The Jewish Theological Seminary of America Podcast

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Weekly news updates at The Jewish Theological Seminary of America

Episodes

  1. 09/08/2025

    JTS Campus News: High Holiday Webinars, Hebrew Manuscript Exhibit, Chancellor’s Announcement, and Semester Deadlines

    Good afternoon, and welcome to our campus news update for Monday, September 8, 2025. Let's dive into the latest happenings at the Jewish Theological Seminary of America. As we approach the High Holidays, JTS is launching a three-part webinar series titled "Standing Together: Prayer, Presence, and the Power of Community." The first session, "Beyond the Sermon: What High Holy Day Prayers Offer and Demand," will be led by Rabbi Jan Uhrbach, Director of the Block/Kolker Center for Spiritual Arts. This session is scheduled for today, September 8, from 1:00 to 2:00 pm Eastern Time. The series will continue on September 15 and 29, featuring other distinguished speakers. These webinars offer a meaningful opportunity to reflect and prepare for the upcoming High Holidays. For more details and to register, please visit the JTS website. Mark your calendars for September 17, when the exhibition "Jewish Worlds Illuminated: A Treasury of Hebrew Manuscripts from The JTS Library" opens at The Grolier Club. This exhibition showcases 120 manuscripts and books, providing a comprehensive tour of Jewish literary creativity across centuries and continents. It's a unique opportunity to explore the rich heritage preserved in these texts. A quick reminder for students: today, September 8, is the last day to register for the Fall 2025 semester. Additionally, the last day to add a class is September 16, and the last day to drop a class with a tuition refund is also September 16. Please ensure you complete any necessary registration or course adjustments by these deadlines. In institutional news, Chancellor Shuly Rubin Schwartz has announced that she will step down at the end of the 2025–26 academic year. As the first female chancellor in JTS's history, her tenure has been marked by significant achievements and leadership. Following her departure, she will become Chancellor Emerita and continue her involvement with the faculty. We also take a moment to remember Professor Emeritus Rabbi Neil Danzig, who passed away on July 3, 2025. Rabbi Danzig was a cherished member of the JTS community, contributing significantly to the field of Rabbinics during his tenure. His legacy continues to inspire students and faculty alike. That's all for today's update. Stay tuned for more news and events from the Jewish Theological Seminary of America.

  2. 09/01/2025

    JTS Fall Updates: High Holiday Events, Chancellor Schwartz’s Transition, Academic Deadlines, and Honoring Legacy

    Hello, and welcome to our latest episode, bringing you the most recent updates from the Jewish Theological Seminary of America. As we step into September, the JTS community is gearing up for the High Holidays with a series of enriching webinars titled "Standing Together: Prayer, Presence, and the Power of Community." This three-part series invites participants to delve into themes of vulnerability, responsibility, and connection during this sacred season. The sessions are scheduled for Mondays—September 8, 15, and 29—from 1:00 to 2:00 pm Eastern Time. Esteemed speakers include Rabbi Jan Uhrbach, Dr. David Kraemer, and Chancellor Shuly Rubin Schwartz. For more details and to register, please visit the JTS website. In academic news, today marks Labor Day, and tomorrow, September 2, classes for the Fall 2025 semester officially begin. Students are reminded that the last day to register for the semester is Monday, September 8. Additionally, the last day to add a class or drop a class with a tuition refund is Tuesday, September 16. For a comprehensive overview of important dates, refer to the academic calendar available online. Over the summer, Chancellor Shuly Rubin Schwartz engaged with various communities in New England. Her visits included Camp Ramah, a session of "JTS in the Berkshires," and a gathering with the congregation of Knesset Israel in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. These interactions underscore JTS's commitment to fostering connections and sharing knowledge beyond the campus. In a significant announcement, Chancellor Schwartz has shared her intention to step down at the conclusion of the 2025–26 academic year. As the first female chancellor in JTS's 139-year history, her leadership has been marked by dedication and vision. Post-transition, she will assume the role of Chancellor Emerita and continue her contributions as a faculty member. Lastly, we mourn the loss of Professor Emeritus Rabbi Neil Danzig, who passed away on July 3. A respected scholar in Rabbinics, Professor Danzig's teachings have left a lasting impact on the JTS community. Our thoughts are with his family and all who were touched by his wisdom. That's all for this episode. Stay tuned for more updates, and thank you for being part of our JTS community.

  3. 08/25/2025

    JTS Prepares for High Holidays, Announces Leadership Transition, and Celebrates Faculty Achievements

    Good afternoon, everyone. Today is Monday, August 25, 2025, and welcome to our latest episode covering recent events at the Jewish Theological Seminary of America. As we approach the High Holiday season, JTS has been actively preparing with a series of educational programs. On August 14, Rabbi Ayelet Cohen led a webinar titled "Malchuyot, Zichronot, Shofarot—Majesty, Memory, and the Call of the Shofar: A Roadmap for Our Times." This session explored the complex themes of the Rosh Hashanah liturgy and their relevance to contemporary challenges. Looking ahead, on September 4, Rabbi Gordon Tucker will present "Confession and Community," a webinar examining the communal aspects of the Yom Kippur confession and its ethical implications. In other news, JTS has announced that Chancellor Shuly Rubin Schwartz will step down at the end of the 2025–26 academic year. As the first female chancellor in the institution's history, her tenure has been marked by significant achievements, and she will continue to serve as Chancellor Emerita and remain on the faculty. Additionally, Dr. Yael Landman, Assistant Professor of Bible, has been awarded the Berkowitz Fellowship from the NYU School of Law for the upcoming academic year. This fellowship recognizes her outstanding contributions to biblical scholarship. That's all for today's update. Stay tuned for more news and events from JTS in our next episode.

  4. 08/18/2025

    JTS News: Remembering Rabbi Danzig, Chancellor Schwartz’s Transition, High Holiday Webinar, and Key Fall 2025 Dates

    Hello, and welcome to the latest episode of our campus news podcast. Today is Monday, August 18, 2025, and we have several important updates from the Jewish Theological Seminary of America. First, we are deeply saddened to report the passing of Professor Emeritus Rabbi Neil Danzig, who taught Rabbinics at JTS for many years. Rabbi Danzig passed away on July 3, 2025. His contributions to the field and our community will be profoundly missed. In other news, Chancellor Shuly Rubin Schwartz has announced her intention to step down in 2026. Serving as the first woman chancellor since 2020, Chancellor Schwartz has been a transformative leader for JTS. She plans to return to the faculty, where she has been a member since 1991. Looking ahead, JTS is offering a three-part webinar series titled "Standing Together: Prayer, Presence, and the Power of Community." These sessions are scheduled for Mondays, September 8, 15, and 29, from 1:00 to 2:00 pm Eastern Time. The series will explore themes of vulnerability, responsibility, and connection during the High Holidays. For more details and to register, please visit the JTS website. As the new academic year approaches, here are some key dates to keep in mind: - Sunday, August 24: List College orientation begins, and residence halls open for new students attending orientations. - Monday, August 25: Orientations for the Rabbinical School, H. L. Miller Cantorial School, Kekst Graduate School, and the Davidson School commence. - Wednesday, August 27: Registration for new students takes place. - Sunday, August 31: Residence halls open for returning students. - Tuesday, September 2: Classes for the Fall 2025 semester begin. For a comprehensive overview of the academic calendar, please refer to the JTS website. That concludes our updates for today. Thank you for tuning in, and we look forward to bringing you more news in our next episode.

  5. 08/11/2025

    JTS News: Honoring Rabbi Danzig, New Barnard Partnership, Creative Writing MFA, and Upcoming High Holiday Events

    Good afternoon, everyone. Today is Monday, August 11, 2025, and welcome to our latest episode covering recent events at the Jewish Theological Seminary of America. We begin with a solemn note. On July 3, we lost Professor Emeritus Rabbi Neil Danzig, a cherished member of our community who dedicated many years to teaching Rabbinics at JTS. His contributions to Jewish scholarship and education have left an indelible mark, and he will be deeply missed. In academic developments, JTS has entered into a groundbreaking agreement with Barnard College. Building upon our existing dual degree program, this partnership now allows Barnard students to enroll in Jewish studies courses at JTS without any additional cost. This initiative aims to broaden access to Jewish education and foster deeper academic collaboration between our institutions. Our faculty and students have also been making significant strides beyond our campus. Professor Marjorie Lehman recently participated in a paleography workshop at the University of Toronto’s Fisher Library, contributing her expertise to the study of ancient manuscripts. Additionally, JTS students and staff made a notable impact at this year’s Association of Jewish Libraries online conference, showcasing our commitment to advancing Jewish learning and scholarship. Looking ahead, we are excited to announce a new Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing program set to launch this fall. Directed by acclaimed Israeli author Etgar Keret, this two-year, low-residency program aims to cultivate Jewish fiction writers by blending creative arts with Jewish studies. The program will feature a distinguished roster of advisors, including Jonathan Safran Foer, Shalom Auslander, and Nicole Krauss, among others. As we approach the High Holidays, JTS is offering a three-part webinar series titled "Standing Together: Prayer, Presence, and the Power of Community." Scheduled for Mondays, September 8, 15, and 29, from 1:00 to 2:00 pm ET, the series will explore themes of vulnerability, responsibility, and connection during this sacred time. Sessions will be led by esteemed faculty members, including Rabbi Jan Uhrbach, Dr. David Kraemer, and Chancellor Shuly Rubin Schwartz. In leadership news, Chancellor Schwartz recently visited New England, where she engaged with the community at Camp Ramah, led a session of "JTS in the Berkshires," and joined the congregation of Knesset Israel in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. These visits underscore our ongoing commitment to connecting with Jewish communities beyond our campus. Finally, we want to remind our students that the fall semester is just around the corner. Orientation for new students begins on August 24, with classes commencing on September 2. We look forward to welcoming everyone back to campus for another enriching academic year. That's all for today's update. Thank you for tuning in, and we'll be back soon with more news from JTS.

  6. 08/04/2025

    JTS Launches Creative Writing MFA, Announces Leadership Changes, Partnerships, and Honors Beloved Scholar in Campus Update

    Good afternoon, and welcome to the latest episode of our campus news podcast. Today is Monday, August 4, 2025, and we have several exciting updates from the Jewish Theological Seminary of America. First, we're thrilled to announce the launch of a new Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing program at JTS. This two-year, low-residency program is directed by the acclaimed Israeli author Etgar Keret. The program aims to cultivate Jewish fiction writers by providing mentorship from renowned authors such as Jonathan Safran Foer, Shalom Auslander, and Nicole Krauss. This initiative reflects JTS's commitment to nurturing Jewish storytelling in various forms. In other news, JTS has entered into a groundbreaking partnership with Prizmah: Center for Jewish Day Schools to enhance the Day School Leadership Training Institute, known as DSLTI. This collaboration aims to strengthen the capacity of leaders serving Jewish day schools across North America by providing comprehensive training and support for new and aspiring heads of school. On the academic front, JTS is offering a winter learning series titled "What’s Next? New Ways of Engaging Jewish Sources." Running from February 3 to March 24, 2025, this series explores innovative approaches to Jewish texts, including digital revelations and pastoral care. It's an excellent opportunity for those interested in deepening their engagement with Jewish studies. In leadership news, Chancellor Shuly Rubin Schwartz has announced her intention to step down at the end of the 2025–26 academic year. As the first woman to serve as chancellor in JTS's history, her tenure has been marked by significant advancements in academic programs and community engagement. She will continue to contribute to JTS as Chancellor Emerita and remain on the faculty. Finally, we remember Professor Emeritus Rabbi Neil Danzig, who passed away on July 3, 2025. Rabbi Danzig was a beloved teacher of Rabbinics at JTS for many years, and his contributions to the seminary and the broader Jewish community will be deeply missed. That's all for today's update. Stay tuned for more news and events from JTS in our next episode.

  7. 07/28/2025

    JTS News: Honoring Rabbi Danzig, Leadership Change, Barnard Partnership, New MFA, and Upcoming High Holiday Events

    Good afternoon, everyone. Today is Monday, July 28, 2025, and welcome to our latest episode covering recent events at the Jewish Theological Seminary of America. We begin with a solemn note. On July 3, we lost Professor Emeritus Rabbi Neil Danzig, a cherished member of our community who dedicated many years to teaching Rabbinics at JTS. His contributions to Jewish scholarship and education have left an indelible mark, and he will be deeply missed. In academic developments, JTS has entered into a groundbreaking agreement with Barnard College. Building upon our existing dual degree program, this partnership now allows Barnard students to enroll in Jewish studies courses at JTS without any additional cost. This initiative aims to broaden access to Jewish education and foster deeper academic collaboration between our institutions. In other news, Chancellor Shuly Rubin Schwartz has announced her decision to step down at the end of the 2025–26 academic year. Appointed in 2020 as the first woman chancellor in JTS's history, Chancellor Schwartz has led the institution through significant challenges and achievements. She plans to return to the faculty after a sabbatical, emphasizing the importance of healthy leadership transitions. Looking ahead, JTS is offering a three-part webinar series titled "Standing Together: Prayer, Presence, and the Power of Community." Scheduled for Mondays, September 8, 15, and 29, from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. ET, the series will explore themes of vulnerability, responsibility, and connection during the High Holidays. Sessions will be led by Rabbi Jan Uhrbach, Dr. David Kraemer, and Chancellor Schwartz herself. For more details and registration, please visit the JTS website. In a significant expansion of our academic offerings, JTS has launched a new Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing program. This two-year, low-residency program will be directed by acclaimed Israeli author Etgar Keret and aims to nurture Jewish fiction writers by providing mentorship and access to JTS's rich resources. The program reflects our commitment to fostering Jewish literature and storytelling. Finally, we reflect on the recent "Israel at a Crossroads" convening held in April. The event featured discussions on Israeli identity, democracy, and justice, with notable speakers including former Israeli Attorney General Avihai Mandelblit. Building on this, JTS hosted a follow-up webinar series titled "Israel at a Crossroads—Expanding the Conversation," engaging alumni in conversations about the evolving challenges of Israeli culture and resilience. That's all for today's update. Stay tuned for more news and events from JTS in our next episode. Thank you for listening.

  8. 07/21/2025

    JTS News: Remembering Prof. Danzig, New Barnard Partnership, MFA Launch, Chancellor Schwartz’s Departure, and Faculty Achievements

    Good afternoon, everyone. Today is Monday, July 21, 2025, and welcome to our latest episode covering recent events at the Jewish Theological Seminary of America. We begin with a solemn note. On July 3, we lost Professor Emeritus Rabbi Neil Danzig, a cherished member of our community who dedicated many years to teaching Rabbinics at JTS. His contributions to Jewish scholarship and education have left an indelible mark, and he will be deeply missed. In academic developments, JTS has entered into a groundbreaking agreement with Barnard College. Building upon our existing dual degree program, this partnership now allows Barnard students to enroll in Jewish studies courses at JTS without any additional cost. This initiative aims to broaden access to Jewish education and foster deeper academic collaboration between our institutions. Our faculty and students have also been making significant strides beyond our campus. At the recent Association of Jewish Libraries online conference, JTS representatives played a pivotal role. Notably, five of our graduates were among the 80 participants in the Certificate of Jewish Studies program, highlighting our commitment to advancing Jewish scholarship on a global scale. In a moment of reflection, Chancellor Shuly Rubin Schwartz participated in a symposium honoring Dr. Jonathan D. Sarna, a distinguished professor at Brandeis University. The event underscored the importance of scholarly dialogue and the enduring impact of Jewish historical studies. Looking ahead, we have some exciting events on the horizon. On August 8, Rabbi Gordon Tucker will lead the second session of "JTS in the Berkshires Summer 2025." This program will delve into the complexities of seeking certainty in an inherently uncertain world, offering participants profound insights into contemporary challenges. In a significant academic expansion, JTS has launched a new Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing program. This two-year, low-residency program is directed by acclaimed Israeli author Etgar Keret and features a roster of esteemed Jewish writers. The initiative aims to cultivate a new generation of Jewish fiction writers, providing them with a supportive environment to explore and express their narratives. In administrative news, Chancellor Shuly Rubin Schwartz has announced her intention to step down at the conclusion of the 2025–26 academic year. As the first female chancellor in JTS's history, her leadership has been marked by significant advancements in academic programs and institutional growth. She will continue to serve as Chancellor Emerita and remain an active member of our faculty. Finally, we celebrate Dr. Yael Landman, Assistant Professor of Bible, who has been awarded the Berkowitz Fellowship from the NYU School of Law. This prestigious fellowship recognizes her outstanding contributions to biblical studies and will support her continued research in the field. That's all for today's update. Stay tuned for more news and events from the Jewish Theological Seminary of America. Thank you for listening.

  9. 07/14/2025

    JTS Update: Honoring Legacies, Expanding Partnerships, New MFA Launch, and Leadership Changes – July 2025 Highlights

    Good afternoon, everyone. Today is Monday, July 14, 2025, and welcome to our latest episode covering the recent events at the Jewish Theological Seminary of America. We begin with a solemn note. On July 3, we lost Professor Emeritus Rabbi Neil Danzig, a cherished member of our community who dedicated many years to teaching Rabbinics at JTS. His contributions to Jewish scholarship and education have left an indelible mark, and he will be deeply missed. In academic developments, JTS has entered into a groundbreaking agreement with Barnard College. Building upon our existing dual degree program, this partnership now allows Barnard students to enroll in Jewish studies courses at JTS without any additional cost. This initiative aims to broaden access to Jewish education and foster deeper academic collaboration between our institutions. Our faculty and students have also been making significant strides beyond our campus. At the recent Association of Jewish Libraries online conference, JTS representatives played a pivotal role. Notably, five of our graduates were among the 80 participants in the Certificate of Jewish Studies program, highlighting our commitment to advancing Jewish scholarship on a global scale. In a moment of reflection, Chancellor Shuly Rubin Schwartz participated in a symposium honoring Dr. Jonathan D. Sarna, a distinguished professor at Brandeis University. The event underscored the importance of scholarly dialogue and the enduring impact of Jewish historical studies. Looking ahead, we have some exciting events on the horizon. On August 8, Rabbi Gordon Tucker will lead the second session of "JTS in the Berkshires Summer 2025." This program will delve into the complexities of seeking certainty in an inherently uncertain world, offering participants profound insights into contemporary challenges. In a significant academic expansion, JTS has launched a new Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing program. This two-year, low-residency program is directed by acclaimed Israeli author Etgar Keret and features a roster of esteemed Jewish writers. The initiative aims to cultivate a new generation of Jewish fiction writers, providing them with a supportive environment to explore and express their narratives. In administrative news, Chancellor Shuly Rubin Schwartz has announced her intention to step down at the conclusion of the 2025–26 academic year. As the first female chancellor in JTS's history, her leadership has been marked by significant advancements in academic programs and institutional growth. She will continue to serve as Chancellor Emerita and remain an active member of our faculty. Finally, we celebrate Dr. Yael Landman, Assistant Professor of Bible, who has been awarded the Berkowitz Fellowship from the NYU School of Law. This prestigious fellowship recognizes her outstanding contributions to biblical studies and will support her continued research in the field. That's all for today's update. Stay tuned for more news and events from the Jewish Theological Seminary of America. Thank you for listening.

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Weekly news updates at The Jewish Theological Seminary of America

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