You May Not Know

Jonathan Sarna

Joseph H. and Belle R. Braun Professor of American Jewish History;
Director, Hornstein Jewish Professional Leadership Program
Ph.D., Yale University

Current research
I am working on three projects: an illustrated atlas of American Jewish history (with Scott Kosofsky); a brief biography of Louis Brandeis; and a book entitled "When Grant Expelled the Jews," dealing with General U.S. Grant’s order, during the Civil War, expelling all Jews from the states under his command, and Grant’s subsequent relationship with the Jewish community.

Favorite classroom experience
Many years ago, when my mother was librarian at the American Jewish Historical Society, I sent students there to do research. One of the students politely introduced himself and explained that he was writing a paper for Professor Sarna’s class, and could she help him. “Yes,” my mother replied proudly, “he is my son.” The student was aghast. “Professor Sarna,” he exclaimed, “has . . . a mother!”

What makes Brandeis special
Brandeis trains the next generation of leaders for the American Jewish community and serves as something of a think tank for the American Jewish community. Jewish students represent the full spectrum of Jewish life, and when things go well, they learn from one another and come to understand one another.

Last book read for pleasure
"The Plot Against America," by Philip Roth.

Favorite world city to visit
Jerusalem, for obvious reasons.