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Winnipeg Free Press - PRINT EDITION

U of M revives Judaic studies program it cancelled in '89

By: Nick Martin

Posted: 07/13/2009 1:00 AM | Comments: 0 (including replies)

The University of Manitoba dropped Judaic studies two decades ago, just as the program took off in major Canadian universities.

This fall it will finally be back at the U of M, with nine courses covering a wide range of Jewish culture, history, religion and language, says Prof. Justin Jaron Lewis, a professor of religion, who'll run the program along with history Prof. Benjamin Baader.

Judaic studies appeal equally to Jewish students and to non-Jews who want to understand Judiasm and the role Jews have played in western history, including the history of Israel, and the ways in which cultures have reacted to Jews both positively and negatively, Lewis said.

Some of the courses have been offered in other programs scattered across the campus.

"The project in Judaic studies pulls them together," he said.

Although Judaic studies will be part of the faculty of arts, "it's not within any department; it's a separate program," he said.

Lewis said most large Canadian universities offer Judaic studies, some as a major area of study, and there are master's and doctoral programs available.

"It's ironic it was diminished here at the time it was taking off elsewhere," he said. "It was largely budgetary.

"We hope in time to build up to a major -- it's a matter of how many courses can be offered."

Lewis said students who've already taken some of the courses will be able to retroactively declare Judaic studies as their minor area of study.

It should be especially attractive to high school students who have attended Jewish schools, he said.

The U of M says it was the first Canadian university to establish a department of Judaic studies in the 1950s, but it was dropped as a separate program in 1989.

"I am delighted that the faculty of arts has been able to revive this important academic program, which will enhance the quality and breadth of education we can offer to our students," said arts dean Richard Sigurdson.

"Winnipeg and Manitoba have long been central to the Jewish experience in Canada, and the University of Manitoba is determined to be at the forefront in scholarship, teaching and service in the field of Judaic studies," he said.

"We look forward to working closely with members of the local community to preserve and create knowledge about the language, literature, history and culture of the Jewish world," Sigurdson said.

nick.martin@freepress.mb.ca

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition July 13, 2009 B5

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