The Cohen Center
The Cohen Center for Modern Jewish Studies is dedicated to conducting scholarly work that can enhance understanding of the Jewish community. The Center is a multi-disciplinary research institute and an integral part of Brandeis University's distinguished programs in Jewish studies and communal service. Research conducted at the Center focuses on studies of American Jewry and Jewish institutions and is widely disseminated.
Leonard Saxe, director
Affiliated Centers
Len Saxe, Cohen Center Director and Hornstein Faculty Member
Hornstein students have access to the leading institutes, centers, programs, and seminars housed at Brandeis. Through field experiences, apprenticeships, and fellowship assignments, students may assist faculty engaged in research, programming, training, and policy development to chart new thinking in contemporary Jewish life.
The following initiatives are associated with the Hornstein Program:
Brandeis Genesis Institute (BGI), established in 2009, prepares Russian-speaking Jews from around the world to become effective community leaders fortified by Jewish knowledge, a systematic understanding of Russian Jewry, and a commitment to the future of the Jewish people.
Fisher-Bernstein Institute for Leadership Development in Jewish Philanthropy works to strengthen the lay-professional partnership in North American Jewish organizations through research, education and advocacy.
Amy Sales, director (Cohen Center)
Genesis is a summer program for high school students empowering teens to relate their secular interests to Judaism by integrating their studies of the arts and humanities with social and political action.
Bradley Solmsen, director
Institute for Informal Jewish Education is dedicated to keeping Jewish youth involved with the North American Jewish community by strengthening the field of informal Jewish education through professional education, innovative programming, research, and advocacy.
Joseph Reimer, director (Hornstein Program)
Kaplan Seminar for Emerging Professionals brings outstanding Jewish professionals to the Brandeis campus for a three-day institute combining innovative learning, case analysis and text-based study with networking opportunities.
Amy Sales, director (Cohen Center)
Mandel Center for Studies in Jewish Education is dedicated to the study and improvement of Jewish education. Focusing on the teaching and learning of Jewish children, youth and their teachers, new ways of thinking are developed through research, publications, programming, public forums, and apprenticeship opportunities.
Sharon Feiman-Nemser, director (Hornstein Program and NEJS)
Schusterman Center for Israel Studies, founded in 2007, is dedicated to promoting exemplary teaching and scholarship in Israeli history, politics, culture, and society at Brandeis University and beyond.
Ilan Troen, director
Steinhardt Social Research Institute was established in 2006 to collect, analyze, and disseminate unbiased data about the Jewish community and about religion and ethnicity in the United States.
Leonard Saxe, director