From the 1830s to the 1930s, Jewish scholars played a major role in the development of the nascent field of Islamic Studies in Europe, describing Islam in highly positive terms, as the religion closest to Judaism. Dr. Susannah Heschel, Dartmouth College, will discuss their contributions to the field, the very different kind of "Orientalism" their work promoted, and the influence of their studies on modern Jewish self-understanding. It is cosponsored by the Allen and Joan Bildner Center for the Study of Jewish Life, the Center for Middle Eastern Studies and the Institute for Women's Leadership.
Sponsor: The Bildner Center for the Study of Jewish Life - Toby and Herbert Stolzer Endowed Program