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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