UVA Jewish Studies at 25: A Retrospective

Twenty-five years after its inception, Jewish Studies is one of the most vibrant programs at UVA, boasting over 35 affiliated faculty across a dozen departments, 40 graduate and undergraduate fellows, undergraduate and graduate degrees, and nearly 50 annual events with leading scholars and public figures. In this 25-year retrospective, learn firsthand from UVA Jewish Studies’ founders, faculty, and students all about how the program came to be, how it has evolved, and what it means for UVA. This film was created in honor of UVA Jewish Studies' 25-Year Anniversary Celebration in the fall of 2025. The film was directed and produced by UVA Jewish Studies Media Support Specialist Harrison Stewart, in consultation with Ida and Nathan Kolodiz Director of Jewish Studies Jennifer Geddes. Much of the music was composed, directed, and provided by Joel Rubin (retired Associate Professor of Music and Jewish Studies at UVA) and the UVA Klezmer Ensemble. The final piece was a composition by Professor Emeritus of Music Judith Shatin, performed by the UVA University Singers under the direction of Michael Slon. Chapters 00:00 An Introduction to Jewish Studies 00:43 Title Sequence 00:53 Founding of Jewish Studies 03:05 Why Jewish Studies at UVA? 03:54 Finding Faculty 05:42 Innovative and Creative Courses 07:00 The Diversity of Jewish Studies Students 09:25 Graduate Fellows Program 10:33 Undergraduate Fellows Program 12:54 A Caring, Scholarly Community 15:43 Alumni Support 17:19 The World Needs Jewish Studies