Education
Gratz College Launches America’s First Master’s Degree in Antisemitism Studies
PHILADELPHIA, February 22, 2024 (Newswire.com) - Gratz College is launching the first Master of Arts degree program in Antisemitism Studies in the United States in Fall 2024. This ground-breaking program will help fill the vacuum of knowledge about antisemitism across Jewish, non-Jewish, and governmental organizations responsible for generating policy to combat prejudice at a time of unprecedented Jew hatred.
It will:
• Provide an academic home for those seeking to develop both a deep theoretical and practical understanding of antisemitism;
• Help generate new and impactful research on the factors that contribute to growing antisemitism and test interventions that can successfully combat it; and
• Arm educators and practitioners with the most effective antisemitism pedagogy and programming.
Through degree concentrations in teaching, advocacy and research, graduates of this program will be uniquely qualified for prominent careers in education, think tanks, government relations, public policy, and community organizations (Jewish and non-Jewish).
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro is eager to see this program take shape:
“We’re seeing a dangerous rise in antisemitism, hatred, and bigotry across our country – and it’s more important than ever that Pennsylvanians be equipped with a thorough knowledge of our shared history and the skills to discern fact from fiction. Gratz College is already renowned for its Holocaust and Genocide Studies programs, and I am encouraged the College is expanding upon that work with a new Master’s degree in Antisemitism Studies. I wish the faculty, staff, and especially the inaugural class of Antisemitism Studies students, great success in their work.”
The program is directed by Dr. Ayal Feinberg, antisemitism studies expert and Director of the Center for Holocaust Studies and Human Rights at Gratz College. The program boasts a distinguished interdisciplinary faculty from academia and leading public advocacy organizations. Despite its infancy, the degree has been endorsed by nearly one hundred scholars and public policy experts from around the world. Professor of Political Science at Kalamazoo College R. Amy Elman asserts, “With an emphasis on operationalizing knowledge, informed teaching and ethical advocacy, Gratz’s innovative graduate program fulfills a deep need in countering antisemitism.”
Gratz’s Antisemitism Studies program is also establishing ground-breaking partnerships with the world’s most prominent Jewish organizations and programs to combat antisemitism in the classroom, on campus, and in professional workspaces. In the first such partnership, Gratz and The Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History have joined forces to launch the National Education Fellowship on Antisemitism. The aim of this fellowship is to generate and assess paradigm-shifting middle and high school curriculum to reduce Jew-hatred and prejudice more broadly.
As an early adopter of online education, a 128-year history of Jewish learning, and home to the world’s largest graduate program in Holocaust and Genocide Studies, Gratz is uniquely qualified to take on this necessary and overdue program.
On March 4, 2024, the master’s degree program will kick-off with a series of public lectures, including by scholars serving as affiliate faculty for the program. On April 2, 2024, Dr. Avinoam Patt, inaugural director of NYU’s Center for Study of Antisemitism and the Maurice Greenberg Professor of Holocaust Studies, will deliver a keynote lecture, titled, "Awake My People": Jewish Responses to Antisemitism in the Modern Period.” Additional talks will take place before the program officially begins in August.
Prospective students eager to start may apply now and take courses as early as March 2024 with electives in Antisemitism Studies already developed as a preview to the program.
Gratz College is grateful to the Isidore and Penny Myers Foundation for generously supporting the launch of the Antisemitism Studies program. Jay Myers, Board Chair, shared: “The Isidore and Penny Myers Foundation, a family foundation guided by Jewish American values, sees great worth in educating future generations about the roots of Antisemitism, and by doing so, working to combat it. This degree program will create scholars who can devote their talent to meet this challenge. Our Foundation is proud to support this work and by so doing, meet our obligation to help repair the world.”
Contact: lcohen@gratz.edu for more information.
Contact Information:Lori Cohen
Director of Marketing and Design
lcohen@gratz.edu
215-635-7300 x182
Original Source: Gratz College Launches America's First Master's Degree in Antisemitism Studies
Latest Fit News
Worthwhile Wear’s National ‘Act Challenge’ Smashes Participation Records and Raises Awareness About Human Trafficking
Worthwhile Wear's 2023 Act Challenge
Worthwhile Wear's 2023 Act Challenge was open to any and all participants. Over 850 people completed miles to raise awareness of the issue human trafficking by running, biking, walking, swimming and paddling
PHILADELPHIA, August 25, 2023 (Newswire.com) - On July 30, we recognized "World Day Against Trafficking" and on that same day Worthwhile Wear released the results of the national "Act Challenge." Participants and supporters from all over the globe logged miles in their communities and raised awareness about human trafficking with their actions by completing more than 192,000 miles. Worthwhile Wear operates a variety of restorative programs supporting survivors of trafficking and created the "Act Challenge'' as a way for the larger community to get involved. "When people hear about human trafficking, they want to act and get involved, so we created a way for people of all ages, abilities and locations to join with us in providing care to survivors, while also raising awareness about this growing issue," shared Dan Emr, Founder and Executive Director of Worthwhile Wear. As the challenge ran from May 1st to July 30th, individuals, groups, businesses, schools, churches and people from all over joined the mission by unlocking pledged dollars with every mile logged. Through the generosity of the Act Challenge sponsors and the efforts of all those who logged miles, over $102,000 was raised through the event which in turn will enable Worthwhile Wear to continue providing community outreach, long-term housing, employment, counseling, and restorative services to survivors of human trafficking. Since over 40 million people are trafficked worldwide, many survivors do not have access to resources for dealing with trauma, abuse, and addiction. Worthwhile Wear is forging a path for everyone to be a part of the solution. Dan Emr, Executive Director and Founder of Worthwhile Wear, is available for in-person or virtual interviews to discuss this event and the issue of human trafficking. Visit www.WorthwhileWear.org to learn more.
Worthwhile Wear is a 501(c)3 non-profit dedicated to reaching lives affected by human trafficking and restoring these survivors with a sense of belonging and worth. The road to healing requires a comprehensive response. It's not enough to offer a single solution, which is why Worthwhile Wear first engages survivors where they are, in our communities, then offers long-term stability with safe housing, and finally provides them with opportunities for financial independence by employment through its thrift stores. This wraparound approach is how Worthwhile Wear offers the most comprehensive services to survivors of trafficking in the state of Pennsylvania.
Contact Information:Tina Tranauskas
ttranauskas@worthwhilewear.org
Related Files
Postcard Front - no dates.jpg
Original Source: Worthwhile Wear's National 'Act Challenge' Smashes Participation Records and Raises Awareness About Human Trafficking
Pray.com Launches ‘Heroes in the Bible’ Podcast Hosted by Dr. Tony Evans
LOS ANGELES, August 24, 2023 (Newswire.com) - Pray.com, the No. 1 app for prayer and faith-based content, is thrilled to announce "Heroes in the Bible" with Dr. Tony Evans, focused on the life of King David. It is sponsored by America's Christian Credit Union (ACCU) which, since 1958, has provided banking services to churches, ministries, Christian schools and individuals who belong to these Gospel-centric organizations.
Not only does this podcast walk through the lives of biblical characters, it inspires listeners to consider how lessons from their stories can be applied to ours. The first episode, "Chapter 1: A Rejected God," lays the series' foundation, beginning with Saul, Israel's first king. Episodes release weekly beginning this month, with 30 episodes planned.
This series focuses on the extraordinary character hidden within ordinary people, reminding listeners the same God who strengthened His people then is the same God who strengthens us today. Dr. Evans shares these experiences through cinematic storytelling, captivating listeners with the transformative power of the Bible.
"When you understand that the greatness of God affects our ability to handle the 'giants of life,' it will encourage, inspire and challenge all of us to our faith in God," Dr. Evans said. "David's story is one that should, can and will equip every believer to understand the giants we face don't have to have the last word."
One of the country's most respected evangelical leaders, Dr. Evans is a pastor, teacher, author and speaker, serving the body of Christ by communicating complex theological truths with simple, profound illustrations. "I'm excited to have [listeners] join me on this podcast," Dr. Evans added. Learn more at https://tonyevans.org.
"We're honored to release Heroes in the Bible, enriched by Dr. Evans' profound insights and expertise," said Pray.com VP of Content Max Bard. "This series interweaves biblical narratives, providing an exploration of Scripture that reveals its interconnections, enthralling listeners eager to delve into the Bible's intricacies."
Alongside "Heroes in the Bible," Pray.com hosts pastor podcasts, meditative prayers and Bible resources to aid listeners in their spiritual journeys, available at www.pray.com/podcasts, on Apple or Spotify.
About Pray.com
Founded in 2016 to grow faith and cultivate community, Pray.com is the No. 1 app for daily prayer and Bible-based content. Reaching 15 million, Pray.com provides encouragement and inspiration through daily devotionals, pastor podcasts, and Bedtime Bible Stories. Founders are Steve Gatena, Mike Lynn, Ryan Beck and Matthew Potter. See more: www.alarryross.com/pray-com.
About Tony Evans
Dr. Evans has served as senior pastor of Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship since 1976, witnessing its growth from 10 people to over 10,000. He is president of The Urban Alternative, a national ministry seeking to restore hope and transform lives through the proclamation and application of God's Word. His radio broadcast, The Alternative with Dr. Tony Evans, is heard as a podcast and on the Tony Evans App.
Contact Information:Melany Ethridge
melany@alarryross.com
(214) 912-8934
Original Source: Pray.com Launches 'Heroes in the Bible' Podcast Hosted by Dr. Tony Evans
