Research and Internship Opportunities

JDS 496: Jewish Studies Internship Program

Earn academic credits by combining internship experience with educational knowledge of the Jewish tradition.

Develop and use the skills involved in researching and acquiring an internship/job.
Gain real world work experience including:
- Hands-on work experience.
- Building your professional network.
- Learning and developing professional skills.
- Becoming accustomed to a professional working environment.
- Relate community leadership to Jewish tradition, history, thought and culture.

In most instances, internship hours are earned on-site. However, outside activities connected with the internship may count toward the total number of hours. Each student will be responsible for tracking hours

The following Buffalo community organizations are looking for UB student interns for 2023-2024

Organization: The Jewish Repertory Theatre is a program of the Jewish Community Center of Greater Buffalo. Founded in 2002, the JRT is a professional theatre whose mission is to present high quality plays grounded in Jewish life, themes, and values. Through our productions, audiences of diverse beliefs and backgrounds explore both the uniqueness of Jewish heritage and cultural experiences, as well as those that are shared with others.

Show One: Sisters In Law

Running: October 26-November 19, 2023

Necessary availability: specific evenings September 26-November 19, 2023, with possible daytime work during this period. Aside from a few particular date’s availability is somewhat flexible.

Internship details:

Jewish Repertory Theatre is looking for a dramaturgical intern for its production of Sisters in Law, running October 26-November 19, 2023.

This keen portrayal of legends Sandra Day O’Connor and Ruth Bader Ginsburg tells the story of two polar opposites who just happen to be the first and second women on the US Supreme Court. As they grapple with big questions, the gloves come off, revealing two very different people with a great deal in common.

JRT is seeking an eager and well-written student to assist in historical research for this production. Applicants should have experience with historical writing as well as public speaking. Some of the work for this internship will include:

- Assembling a research packet for the cast and crew of the production on the themes and history of the play, including information on: The lives and careers of Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Sandra Day O’Connor, Jewish influence on American politics and the life of Ruth Badger Ginsburg, and Court cases ruled over by these two justices viewed through a Jewish lens.

- Presenting this research to the cast and crew during rehearsals and being available to answer any historical questions the actors and director might have during the rehearsal process.

- Writing a playbill insert detailing the research done during the process with a focus on viewing this play from a Jewish lens

- Participating in a panel discussion on the play and its history on Wednesday, November 1, at 6:30 pm in the Maxine and Robert Seller Theater.

- Some availability throughout the show to help with house management, ushering, and box office.

- Joining the cast for one or two Thursday night audience talkbacks during the run of the show.

- Possible work with the JCC communications team on promotional material for the production.

Show One: Kindertransport

Running: February 1-25, 2024

Necessary availability: specific evenings January 1-February 25, 2023, with possible daytime work during this period. Aside from a few particular date’s availability is somewhat flexible.

Internship details:

Jewish Repertory Theatre is looking for a dramaturgical intern for its production of Kindertransport, running February 1-25, 2024.

In this powerful play, nine-year-old Eva, a German Jewish girl, is sent by her parents on the Kindertransport to start a new life with a foster family in Britain just before the outbreak of World War Two. Over forty years later, she has changed her name to Evelyn and denied her roots. When her own daughter discovers some old letters and photos in the attic, she is forced to confront the truth about who she really is and reveal a dark secret that she has done to keep everything hidden.

- Assembling a research packet for the cast and crew of the production on the themes and history of the play, including information on: The history of the Kindertransport and the Jewish diaspora after WWII, deeper historical insight into the history and themes of the show, Jewish identity post WWII, The lasting impact of the holocaust on modern Jewish Identity

- Presenting this research to the cast and crew during rehearsals and being available to answer any historical questions the actors and director might have during the rehearsal process.

- Writing a playbill insert detailing the research done during the process with a focus on viewing this play from a Jewish lens

- Participating in a panel discussion on the play and its history on Wednesday, February 7, at 6:30 pm in the Maxine and Robert Seller Theater.

- Some availability throughout the show to help with house management, ushering, and box office.

- Joining the cast for one or two Thursday night audience talkbacks during the run of the show.

- Possible work with the JCC communications team on promotional material for the production.

Application Process:

To apply for one or more of these internships, send your CV and a letter of application explaining your interest and qualifications for the internship to Professor Alex Green at agreen6@buffalo.edu

Summer Internships

Summer internships are an excellent way to build professional skills and gain valuable experience. Check out some of the exciting summer internships our students have participated in:

The Collegiate Leadership Internship Program (CLIP)

CLIP is a paid summer internship and Jewish leadership training program at the Bronfman Center for Jewish Student Life at New York University. The program seeks to foster and develop professional and lay leadership in the Jewish community. CLIP matches undergraduate students who have an interest in pluralistic Jewish life and culture with engaging, substantive internships at a variety of for-profit, non-profit and Jewish communal organizations, where they are provided with mentorship and guided development.

CLIP is open to rising sophomores, juniors and seniors. Applicants must commit to residing in the New York metropolitan area for the summer.

Learn More About CLIP

Machon Kaplan Summer Internship

Machon Kaplan is an internship program for undergraduate students interested in Judaism and social justice. Based in Washington, D.C., it provides students with a meaningful social justice internship, the opportunity to engage in study related to their internships and and making change more broadly, as well as an open reflective community with whom to share their experience. Students learn, through study and action, the interrelationship of Judaism and American ideals, as well as how change happens.

Machon Kaplan is open to students currently enrolled in and attending college. Prior to the start of the program, students must have completed one year of college.

Learn More About Machon Kaplan

Assist in Faculty Research

Through an Independent Study course (JDS 499), students may gain research experience and strengthen their resumes by assisting the Department of Jewish Thought faculty in their current research, or engage in directed research projects under a faculty member's supervision.

Before registering, students should contact the faculty member they wish to work with to discuss their plans.

Contact a Faculty Member