The Levinas Philosophy Summer Seminars
4/30/18

The annual Levinas Philosophy Summer Seminars bring together scholars from across the globe for discussion of Emmanuel Levinas, one of the most original and important philosophers of the 20th century.

Graduate Program in Jewish Thought
6/30/23

Graduates of the Master of Arts in Jewish Thought program will contribute to the development of new ways of thinking in a truly interdisciplinary perspective, while rooting itself in the rigorous study of the Jewish intellectual tradition.​

 

Conduct Research with Faculty Experts
3/5/18

Our faculty are widely published and internationally recognized for their work in the study of ethics, gender, history, literature, philosophy and politics.

Study Modern and Classical Hebrew
3/5/18

Develop language skills in modern Hebrew for conversation and classical Hebrew to read ancient texts in their original language.

Take Your Education to the Next Level
3/5/18

A BA or Minor in Jewish Studies provides students with a comprehensive view of Jewish thought, history and life.

Attend Lectures and Community Events
3/5/18

Join us for one of our visiting scholar or community lecture series, as well as symposiums, seminars and more!

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What is Jewish Thought?

Jewish Thought is for students from all walks of life.

MA in Jewish Thought

Prepare for advanced research in Jewish texts

BA in Jewish Studies

Dive deep into the Jewish intellectual tradition.

Minor in Jewish Studies

Complement a major in art, history, philosophy and more.

Scholarships and Awards

Undergrad and grad funding!

The Department of Jewish Thought is dedicated to studying Judaism as an intellectual, ethical and literary tradition, highlighting its importance to the development of Western civilization from antiquity until today. We work to foster inquiry and expand knowledge through scholarship and instruction that makes this tradition available to broader humanities.

Department News

  • Faculty updates from 2020-2021
    9/5/25
    The Department of Jewish Thought is pleased to share these accomplishments and updates from our faculty during the 2020-2021 academic year. We are grateful to our students and the community for their engagement this year.
  • Where Is Palestinian Talmud Going?
    9/5/25
    On May 12, 2021 Professor Sergey Dolgopolski gave a virtual talk at Temple Beth Tzedek in Williamsville, NY. Dolgopolski's talk, titled "Where is the Palestinian Talmud Going?“, was recorded on Zoom and is available to watch here (passcode ?28gD%a?).
  • Professor Richard Cohen Wins Prestigious NEH Award!
    9/5/25
    The Department of Jewish Thought is proud to announce the National Endowment for the Humanities has awarded Professor Richard A. Cohen a grant to direct a one-week seminar to be held in Augusts 2020 on the topic “Emmanuel Levinas: Ethics of Democracy,” at the University at Buffalo. 
  • Introducing Our Newest Faculty Member, Alexandra Zirkle!
    9/5/25
    Alexandra Zirkle will be our inaugural Irving M. and Marilyn C. Shuman Visiting Professor in Jewish Studies.
  • 2019 Graduation and Awards Celebration!
    9/5/25
    UB’s Department of Jewish Thought was delighted to host its 2019 graduation and awards celebration for its graduating students and award winners. The event took place on Tuesday April 30, 2019 at 7 pm in the Samuel J. Friedman Library in Clemens Hall.

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Mourning the loss of Gordon Gross