The University of Miami is establishing a Center for Contemporary Judaic Studies (CCJS), which will become one of the first academic teaching and research centers in the United States focusing primarily on 20th century Jewish studies as well as trends affecting the future of the Jewish people.

The center will be a resource dedicated to the academic pursuit of studying and exploring all aspects of modern Jewish society and culture in an effort to foster within South Florida and the world a better understanding of the contemporary Jewish experience.

"Establishing an academic center dedicated to contemporary Jewish studies has been a dream of ours at the University for many years," says President Edward T. Foote II. "The University of Miami has a long tradition of involvement with South Florida's Jewish community, a large Jewish student population, and strong ties to Israel."

By concentrating on the 20th century, CCJS will examine an important historical period that includes the birth of Zionism through the horrors of the Holocaust and the creation of the State of Israel into the present. These momentous events signify two pivotal themes in Jewish history and particularly in shaping the lives of Jews today, according to Haim Shaked, director of the CCJS and the holder of the Dr. M. Lee Pearce Chair in Middle East Peace Studies at the University.

"The new center will provide international standards of academic excellence," says Shaked. "It will incorporate existing relevant activities at UM and strive to expand them in its area of interest. Also it will emphasize dialog with, and outreach to, the South Florida community."

The center, which will have a multidisciplinary focus, will be affiliated with both the College of Arts and Sciences for studies involving the Holocaust and general Judaic knowledge as well as the School of International Studies for studies focusing on Israel. A broad spectrum of faculty members from the history, literature, art, music, religion, sociology, geography, political science, and international studies departments will be involved in teaching and researching a wide variety of issues particular to the Jewish culture.

Among the issues the center will explore will be the role of religion vs. secularism, the roles of tradition and modernity in Jewish life, the complexities of the Israel-Diaspora relationship, Jewish demographic trends and population movements, and continuity and change in Israel's policies and politics.

"The thrust of this center, and what will make it special, is the contemporary Jewish experience, which has much to teach all of us about humanity," says Executive Vice President and Provost Luis Glaser. "This century was a tumultuous time in world history, a period of extraordinary achievement in the Jewish community and of extraordinary horror. We expect the center to be an asset not only to the academic community but also to the broader community of South Florida."

CCJS officials hope that the center will lead to the University offering bachelor's, master's, and possibly doctoral degree programs in contemporary Jewish studies through the University's existing Judaic Studies programs. In addition, lectures and conferences will be held throughout the year featuring political and religious experts from the University, throughout the United States and abroad.

"The Jewish community worldwide deserves a resource that will bring outreach, teaching, and scholarship to new levels," says Leonard Miller, chairman of the Board of Trustees. "This is a moment of profound importance for our community and for the University of Miami."

Ultimately, CCJS seeks to create a resource where current and future generations of students can learn about Jewish politics, history, culture, and religion through traditional and more innovative methods. CCJS officials hope to organize study abroad programs to Israel and expand the Hebrew language offerings at the University.