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.