The Hadassah-Brandeis Institute, originally known as the International
Research Institute on Jewish Women, opened at Brandeis University
in January 1997. the Institute, established with a generous
grant from Hadassah, the Women’s Zionist Organization
of America, Inc., represented a bold venture for both Brandeis
University and Hadassah.
The idea for a research institute on Jewish women and gender
issues originated in Voices for Change: Future Directions
for American Jewish Women (1995), a report of the Hadassah-sponsored
National Commission on American Jewish Women. The report highlighted
the fact that research is just beginning on Jewish women’s
history, lives and culture. Hadassah took up the challenge
to help make this new field flourish by committing substantial
resources to the creation of the Institute.
The Institute has several defining characteristics. It is
international and interdisciplinary, and incorporates Jewish
women’s and gender issues in diverse contexts. Our activities
include initiating and supporting research projects, holding
conferences and seminars, creating a monograph series, and
working in many other ways to enhance information about and
understanding of Jewish women and Jewish gender issues. Many
of our activities are carried out in partnership with other
universities and organizations. Some of our work is undertaken
by research associates who work at locations other than Brandeis
University. We have extensive relations with scholars in Israel
and in other countries.
A free-standing research enterprise that represents the highest
academic and cultural standards, the Institute is guided by
a board of directors and by advisory committees composed of
scholars, students and prominent individuals.
Brandeis University
 Characterized
by academic excellence since its founding in 1948, Brandeis
is one of the youngest private research universities, as well
as the only nonsectarian Jewish-sponsored college or university
in the country. Named for the late Justice Louis Dembitz Brandeis
of the U.S. Supreme Court, Brandeis University combines the
faculty and resources of a world-class research institution
with the intimacy and personal attention of a small liberal
arts college. Brandeis is ranked in the top tier of the nation's
universities.
Hadassah, the Women’s Zionist Organization of America,
Inc.
Hadassah was founded in 1912 by Henrietta Szold. Since its
inception, Hadassah has remained unwavering in its devotion
to Judaism, Zionism, and American ideals. As the largest volunteer
organization and the largest women's organization in America,
Hadassah is committed to strengthening the unity of the Jewish
people. In Israel, we accomplish this through progressive
healthcare, education, youth institutions, volunteerism, and
land reclamation. In the U.S. we reach our goals through Jewish
and Zionist education programs, Zionist Youth programs, and
health awareness programs, as well as by advocating for issues
of importance to women and to the American Jewish community.
Major Supporters
Anonymous
Phyllis Hammer
Tony Hananel
Mah Jongg Foundation
Janis Levine
Talia Carner
Joyce Kramer
Suzanne Priebatsch
Gary and Susan Jacobson
Jane Zolot
Birthright Israel
Rita and Irwin Blitt
Buddy (Beatrice) Cummings
Moses and Phyllis Deitcher
The Edmond J. Safra Philanthropic Foundation
Rochel Gober
Shirley Gralla
Harold Grinspoon and Diane Troderman
Hadassah, the Women's Zionist Organization of America, Inc.
Jennifer Malkin
The Righteous Persons Foundation
Annie and Art Sandler
Milly and Jerry Sudarsky
Judy and Sidney Swartz
Roselyne Chroman Swig
The Weinberg Foundation
Dena Zimmerman |
