Hadassah-Brandeis Institute

The Hadassah-Brandeis Institute (HBI) develops fresh ways of thinking about Jews and gender worldwide by producing and promoting scholarly research, artistic projects and public engagement.

One of the world's only academic centers of its kind, HBI provides research resources and programs for scholars, students and the public. The Institute publishes books and a journal, convenes international conferences and local programming, and offers competitive grant and internship programs. 

Visit our events page to see a full roster of our upcoming events and watch past events.

On March 10, 2024, Dr. Cochav Elkayam-Levy, international law and human rights expert Cochav Elkayam-Levy is a White woman with long light brown hair and founder of The Civil Commission on Oct. 7th Crimes by Hamas Against Women and  Children, presented the Diane Markowicz Memorial Lecture on Gender and Human Rights, "War Crimes Redefined: The Oct. 7th Attack by Hamas on Women, Children and Families." Watch Here. On March 20, 2024, it was announced that Elkayam-Levy received this year's Israel Prize in the field of Solidarity, Arvut Hadadit, for her tireless work to raise awareness and acknowledgement of the crimes committed by Hamas.

HBI is delighted to announce the recipients of the 2024 HBI Research Awards. Every year HBI awards grants to support research or artistic projects in Jewish women’s and gender studies. This year, HBI awarded $44,000 in grants to 10 junior and senior researchers.

Upcoming Events

May 6
Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day | Listening to History: Memory of the Holocaust and Competing Narratives of the Israel/Palestine Crisis
May 22
Sandra Seltzer Silberman HBI Conversations Series Featuring Shulamit Reinharz, Co-Editor, "100 Jewish Brides: Stories from Around the World"

Fresh Ideas from HBI: The HBI Blog, Anniversary Edition

collage of images relating to HBI's events and work over the year, including faces, artwork, bookcovers.
Celebrate HBI's 25th Anniversary!

Twenty-five years ago, in a small office at Brandeis, the Hadassah-Brandeis Institute opened its doors to a single scholar, published one book, and gave out 20 HBI Research Awards. Learn more about our journey and important accomplishments in 25 daily posts. 

“HBI is providing an important model of women supporting other women, by saying, ‘We think your work and creativity is really valuable and we think it should be heard around the world and we will help you with that.’ Who else is going to do that?”

Elana Sztokman, HBI Author, recipient of two Jewish Book Awards