An Institute of Jewish Studies was opened here this week on the campus of Syracuse University. The project is, more or less, the result of an experiment conducted last summer. Sponsored by the local Communal Center, in co-operation with the University, the Institute has for its aim to provide Jewish students with knowledge of Jewish life. In short, the Institute will attempt to answer the needs of the present adult Jewish generation for a better knowledge of Judaism, for a keener understanding of Jewish history, for a wider acquaintance with Jewish literature and for a more adequate conception of contemporary Jewish life and problems.
Classes will be held evenings at Lyman Hall on the campus. The faculty will consist largely of local rabbis, teachers and educational leaders, including Rabbi Jesse Bienenfeld, of Temple Adath Yeshurun; Rabbi Benjamin Friedman, of Temple Society of Concord; George M. Hyman, executive secretary of Communal Center; Samuel Israeli, of Hebrew School; Lazar Lasavin, of Arbeiter Ring Shule, and Abraham Yedidia of Hebrew School. The courses offered will be of the following nature: Jewish history, Biblical literature, current Jewish problems, Hebrew, advanced Hebrew literature and Judaeo-German literature.
In addition to the members of the faculty listed, prominent guest speakers will present special lectures on various phases of Jewish history. The list includes Dr. Abram Sachar, of the University of Illinois; Prof. Oscar Janowsky, of the College of the City of New York; Rabbi S. Joshua Kohn, of Temple Beth-El, Utica; Prof. Victor Levine, of Syracuse Law School; Rabbi Maurice Pekarsky, director of the Hillel Foundation at Cornell; Rabbi Nathaniel Share, recent graduate of the Hebrew Union College, and Rabbi Samuel Yalow, leader of local orthodox Jewry.
The courses will be open to both Jewish and non-Jewish students, to Sunday school teachers, club and recreational leaders, parents and others who wish to become acquainted with the Jewish cultural heritage and to explore for themselves the delightful treasures of Jewish literature and learning.
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