Elie Wiesel Center for Jewish Studies

The Elie Wiesel Center for Jewish Studies (EWCJS) was founded in 2005 and named for Nobel laureate Elie Wiesel (1928–2016). We create and support a wide range of lectures, events, and conferences for academic and nonacademic audiences. We strive for excellence in teaching and research, the fostering of human rights, and building common ground across racial, ethnic, and religious divides.

We offer academic degree programs in Jewish Studies and Holocaust, Genocide & Human Rights Studies, consisting of a minor in Jewish Studies and both a major and a minor in Holocaust, Genocide & Human Rights Studies. We also offer a graduate certificate in Holocaust, Genocide & Human Rights Studies, as well as graduate courses in Jewish Studies in conjunction with the Graduate Program in Religion.

The study of Judaism, the Holocaust, and modern Israel has a long and distinguished history at Boston University. Our courses provide students with the opportunity to explore the history, religion, literature, philosophy, and politics of one of the world’s most ancient living civilizations and its many connections with regions and cultures across the globe. Jewish literature, including the Bible, is part of our world’s great heritage. Our courses are taught by faculty trained in anthropology, archaeology, religious studies, Near Eastern and Judaic studies, medieval and modern history, English and Romance literature, medicine, law, Hebrew language, comparative literature, philosophy, theology, and other fields and disciplines.

Students enrolled in our courses benefit from small classes with dedicated teachers, compete for awards and scholarships, enjoy support for study abroad in Israel, and find opportunities for independent research.

Students are also encouraged to participate in the many co-curricular programs offered by our center. The EWCJS sponsors conferences, lectures, film screenings, and cultural events that are open to all students, faculty, and staff. For a calendar of events, please refer to our website.

Study Abroad

Students accepted to Boston University’s Haifa Israeli & Middle Eastern Studies Program, or another accredited academic institution in Israel, are encouraged to apply for financial support from the EWCJS. Preferential consideration will be given to students minoring in Jewish Studies and related programs, including Hebrew, Middle East & North Africa Studies, and Holocaust, Genocide & Human Rights Studies.