Profile: The Harold Schnitzer Family Program in Judaic Studies

Education is the only way in which we can learn about different cultures, religions and traditions. With this knowledge comes understanding, acceptance and compassion.

- Jordan Schnitzer, May 2002

The Harold Schnitzer Family Program in Judaic Studies at Portland State explores the encounter of Jews and Judaism with the modern world. Seeking to further the understanding of Judaism and Jewish history as part of Western and world history, Portland State is developing a minor combining foundation courses in Judaism and Jewish History with elective concentrations in Judaic Studies. The core principles of the Portland State program are interdisciplinary teaching and scholarship, a flexible curriculum, and a commitment to partnerships with local and regional educational, cultural and religious institutions.

"This is a monumental occasion both for the University and for the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences," said Marvin Kaiser, dean of Portland State University's College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. "One of our primary objectives for the College is to create opportunities that encourage students to investigate and understand many cultures. This program presents just such an opportunity."

The program is funded by a $1 million challenge grant from the Harold and Arlene Schnitzer CARE Foundation that must be matched by community funds. Until now, Portland was the only major city on the West Coast without a Judaic Studies program; the Harold Schnitzer Family Program in Judaic Studies at Portland State, in collaboration with a similar program at University of Oregon, will fill that void, not only for the University, but for the community at large.

The Harold Schnitzer Family Program in Judaic Studies at Portland State University will play a major role in transforming the educational and cultural life of our entire community by providing high-level formal and informal learning opportunities at the university level. It will strengthen the cultural identity of the rapidly growing Jewish population in our region. All students, Jewish and non-Jewish alike, will benefit greatly by understanding the Jewish role in Western civilization. It is truly a dream coming true, and I invite your financial and moral support of this great new venture.

- Rabbi Joshua Stampfer, Adjunct Associate Professor, PSU, and Founder, Institute for Judaic Studies

For additional information, or to join our e-mail list of Portland arts, lectures, and courses, e-mail pearlmana@pdx.edu or call Aaron Pearlman, Community Outreach Director at (503) 725-8449.