Author Archives: zjb

About zjb

Zachary Braiterman is Professor of Religion in the Department of Religion at Syracuse University. His specialization is modern Jewish thought and philosophical aesthetics. http://religion.syr.edu

(Jewish Studies Program) Student Survey (Syracuse University)

Posted on November 18, 2025 by zjb

I designed a student survey for the major in Modern Jewish Studies and the minor in Jewish Studies as part of the “portfolio review” at Syracuse University. What are the impediments that weigh against a student declaring a major or … Continue reading →

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Jewish Studies in the World (Flyer)

Posted on November 14, 2025 by zjb

Major in Modern Jewish Studies or minor in Jewish Studies The academic study of Jewish society and culture, texts and ideas, is a platform upon which to develop unique perspectives out onto the world in which we live. Courses explore … Continue reading →

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(Pausing the BA) Jewish Studies Program (Syracuse University)

Posted on November 13, 2025 by zjb

At a moment when the country and its culture are fundamentally confused about race, religion, Jews, and the Middle East, Syracuse University is pausing the enrollment of new majors in the Jewish Studies Program along with majors in the Department of African … Continue reading →

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(Pausing the BA) Middle Eastern Studies Program at Syracuse University

Posted on November 11, 2025 by zjb

As part of a “portfolio review,” Syracuse University is pausing the enrollment of new students in BA programs in Religion, Jewish Studies, Middle Eastern Studies as well as foreign languages and other programs in the Humanities. The onus is placed … Continue reading →

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(Ansche) New York Jews & Mamdani (Chesed)

Posted on November 6, 2025 by zjb

A complex set of thoughts going after the NYC mayoral election with Mayor-Elect Mamdani winning some half of the city-wide vote. On one hand, Mamdani ran on an affordability platform, not Palestine and Israel, and there was a concerted and … Continue reading →

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King David Picks Himself Up

Posted on November 5, 2025 by zjb

When David saw his servants talking in whispers, David understood that the child was dead; David asked his servants, “Is the child dead?” “Yes,” they replied. Thereupon David rose from the ground; he bathed and anointed himself, and he changed … Continue reading →

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(In The Image) Duchamp or Talmud (Other Side of the Glass)

Posted on October 28, 2025 by zjb

It seems that this will be the cover image for In the Image: Virtual Religion and Philosophical Talmud Marcel Duchamp, To Be Looked at (from the Other Side of the Glass) with One Eye, Close to, for Almost an Hour … Continue reading →

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Avinu Malkeinu Splits the Difference

Posted on October 3, 2025 by zjb

Jewish tradition is internally oriented and self-reflecting. As the concluding refrain of Yom Kippur, the Avinu Malkeinu, Our Father Our King, splits the difference between maintaining vigilance vis-a-vis anti-Jewish violence and communal sin and iniquity. The prayer holds the tense … Continue reading →

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(Yom Kippur) Vidui (Circles)

Posted on October 1, 2025 by zjb

The vidui recited throught the long day of Yom Kippur is a confession composed of t5wo parts. The “ashamnu” is a short confession, an alphabetical acrostic, a list that starts with the first letter alef scrolling down to the last … Continue reading →

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(Days of Awe) A Skull Floats On The Face of Water (Memento Mori)

Posted on September 29, 2025 by zjb

Reflecting on a human skull floating on the face of the waters, the judgment attributed to Hillel by the rabbis in Pirkei Avot is harsh to the point of cruel. Because you drowned others, they drowned you, and they who … Continue reading →

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