28 | AUGUST 6 • 2020
the world.
”
Of the more than 600 stu-
dents who have gone through
the minor, a fair number have
been non-Jewish students. Some
found their way to the minor
through friends, and others
through taking a few classes
and realizing they were already
halfway there. At some points
in time, the split between Jewish
and non-Jewish students has
been almost even.
“We prioritize undergraduate
education, mentor and advise
our students, guide and high-
light their research, provide the
most generous scholarships in
the country to support mul-
tiple faculty-led study abroad
opportunities in Israel, as well
as research and internships in
Israel, and form lasting relation-
ships with students throughout
their time at MSU and after
graduation,
” the director of the
program, Yael Aronoff, said.
The minor includes courses
on Jewish history and Israel,
as well as finance and business
classes with visiting Israeli schol-
ars who teach topics like “Israel:
Startup Nation.
”
This variety extends into the
study abroad programs, which
are made accessible to all stu-
dents through scholarships;
many students are able to study
abroad in places like Israel for
free or at a greatly reduced cost,
thanks to the support of donors.
Cultural and intellectual events
held throughout the year are
often co-sponsored by other
departments at MSU.
Jewish Studies alumni work in
many different career fields such
as law, medicine, social work,
teaching and government, and
some alumni have pursued rab-
binical school.
The faculty make an effort to
include students in the program
itself through focus groups and
surveys.
I spoke with Alan Shulman, a
Jewish MSU student who is the
president of SpartyPac, an Israel
advocacy group on campus. He
told me, “The professors are tre-
mendous and have been incred-
ibly helpful, not just in my own
academics, but in the constant
fight against anti-Semitism on
campus.
”
The relationships created
within the Jewish Studies minor
seem to be a focal point for
many students.
The switch to online classes
as a result of the COVID-19
pandemic was quite a surprise to
everyone, but I can say that all
of my Jewish Studies professors
have been incredibly under-
standing and, like always, the
lines of communication have
stayed open.
Aronoff said the “number
of minors continues to be at a
historic level and rising, 45, with
new minors joining even during
the pandemic.
”
Students can join the minor at
any point during the year.
I am grateful to be a part of
the Jewish Studies minor and
would encourage anyone who is
interested to contact the office.
Jews in the D
continued from page 26
Serling Institute students and faculty in Israel.
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