Jean-Marc Dreyfus on BBC Radio Manchester

Dr. Jean-Marc Dreyfus discusses the importance of Holocaust education. On 3 October, Jean-Marc Dreyfus will be interviewed by Basil Herwald about the free one-day Holocaust conference on 10 October 2011, which he has organised in conjunction with the Imperial War Museum North. Listen from 7-8pm to BBC Radio Manchester's 'Jewish Citizen Manchester' (95.1FM / DAB).

 If you miss it, you can listen again online for 7 days and we shall put the recording on the CJS website's media page.

Research Seminars, Semester 1, 2011-12

We would like to announce the CJS research seminar series for semester one of the new academic year. All CJS seminars will take place in SG1 (South Ground lecture theatre 1) in the Samuel Alexander Building (Building 67 on the Campus Map). See directions.

16:00 Thu 27 Oct: Les Lancaster (Liverpool John Moores University)
“From Pico to Jung: Jewish Influences on the Psychohistory of Western Culture”

16:00 Thu 10 Nov: Daniel Falk (University of Oregon)
"Material Aspects of Prayer in the Dead Sea Scrolls"

16:00 Thu 8 Dec: Hedva Abel (University of Manchester)
“An Ancient Rabbinic Commentary on Exodus: Literary Structures in the Mekhilta”

We would also draw your attention to some other university events which might be of interest:

14:00 Thu 29 Sept: George Brooke (University of Manchester)
"Jacob and His House in the Scrolls from Qumran"
Venue: Samuel Alexander Building A7 (Ehrhardt Seminar)

14:00 Thu 10 Nov: Dorothy Peters (Trinity Western University)
"The Sword and Its Substitutes: Activism and Pacifism in the Dead Sea Scrolls"
Venue: Samuel Alexander Building A7 (Ehrhardt Seminar)

19:00 Thu 10 Nov: Esther Eshel (Bar Ilan University) 
"Old and New Inscriptions Found in Herodium"
Venue: Samuel Alexander Building A101 (CBS and AIAS Lecture)

Major Research Project

International Study on Corpses of Genocide. The University of Manchester is a partner institution in a 1.2m euro research project funded by the European Research Council on "Corpses of genocide and mass violence". Jean-Marc Dreyfus and Elisabeth Anstett (École des Hautes études en Sciences Sociales - IRIS) will lead this 3 year project that will consider the tracing, exhumation, commemoration, and disposal of the material remains of the victims of mass violence. Further information.

Modern Hebrew Language

A new bursary for students studying Hebrew at Hebrew University. Sophie Garside has been awarded a grant from the BFHU (British Friends of the Hebrew University) of £5000 per year for two years. These awards will be used to offer bursaries for students at the University of Manchester who need extra classes in modern Hebrew to compliment their ulpan sessions at the Rothberg International School at HU. For further information contact
 sophie.garside@manchester.ac.uk 

Hebrew University

Student exchanges with the University of Manchester. A new student exchange programme with Hebrew University has been developed by Sophie Garside. Last year 3 undergraduate students from the University of Manchester studied at HU for a year, and 4 students went out this year. In return, we have been able to host 4 Israeli students over the same period. Such inter-cultural exchanges signal the University's high regard of the Israeli academy as a valued educational partner. Further information on studying Hebrew.

New Publication

A study of the Jewish refugee experience in Manchester. Between 1933 and 1940 Manchester received between seven and eight thousand refugees from Fascist Europe. In this book Bill Williams brings to fruition his long-running research project (sponsored by the AJR) which sought to assess the responses to this crisis in the 'liberal city' of Manchester. Using documentary and oral sources he explores the work of those sectors of local society which took part in the work of rescue. Further information. 

ICCJ Manchester 2012

The International Conference of Christians and Jews (ICCJ) 2012 Manchester Conference. The Centre for Jewish Studies is delighted to be co-sponsoring with Manchester CCJ the ICCJ 2012 conference in Manchester, Sun 01 July - Wed 04 July 2012. A keynote speech will be given by the Chief Rabbi, Lord Sacks. Further information.

Holocaust Conference 10 October 2011

Free One Day Conference on New Directions in Holocaust Research. The Centre for Jewish Studies and the Department of Religions and Theology at the University of Manchester, together with the Imperial War Museum North, are presenting a free one-day conference on Monday 10 October 2011 entitled "New Directions in Holocaust Research". The conference is aimed at anyone wishing to deepen their knowledge of the Holocaust.

The conference, held at the Imperial War Museum North, will include: recent research on the Holocaust from a variety of viewpoints (the afternoon talks are focused on family history); the opportunity to network, debate and discuss the Holocaust and issues of knowledge and memory; and a FREE buffet lunch (Kosher and other dietary needs can be met if requested by 26 September).

Speakers include: Ivan Jablonka, College de France; Alex Korb, University of Leicester; Jackie Mesrie; and Michael Salter, University of Central Lancashire.

To book your place please email Victoria Howarth, Formal Learning Manager, Imperial War Museum at vhowarth@iwm.org.uk. Full programme.

Bill Williams' 80th Birthday

Last week we celebrated Bill Williams' 80th birthday. Bill has been for many years and continues to be an integral part of the Centre. His knowledge about Manchester Jewry is unparalleled and his work on behalf of the Jewish community tireless, as has been well documented. Likewise, the time and support Bill gives to the Centre, and in particular the donation of his library, is greatly appreciated. On behalf of all here at the Centre for Jewish Studies, we wish Bill a very happy birthday.

Tonight, Monday 5 September at 7pm, you can listen to Bill, founder of the Manchester Jewish Museum, being interviewed by Basil Herwald on BBC Radio Manchester's 'Jewish Citizen Manchester' (95.1FM / DAB). If you miss it, you can listen again online for 7 days and we shall put the recording on the CJS website's media page.

Jewish Studies resources

New Library acquisitions. At a time of considerable financial pressure, Jewish Studies library holdings at the University of Manchester continue to grow. In addition to the John Rylands' ongoing acquisition budget for library resources, Alex Samely's AHRC project has generated £3000 for books relating to ancient Jewish texts, and Jean-Marc Dreyfus' ERC project has set aside £5000 for books related to Holocaust and anti-Semitism.

New Publication

A textbook on Holocaust Studies. Co-edited by Jean-Marc Dreyfus and Daniel Langton, the book provides students and teachers with an accessibly written overview of the key themes and major theoretical developments which continue to inform the nature of historical writing on the Holocaust. Further details