New Center for Jewish Law and Judaic Studies Established at DePaul University
 
The College of Law at DePaul University has established a new Center for Jewish Law and Judaic Studies (JLJS) to provide top-quality Jewish legal education in Illinois. Founded and co-directed by DePaul law professors Roberta Rosenthal Kwall and Rabbi Steven H. Resnicoff, the center will promote multi-disciplinary education in Jewish law, philosophy, theology, history and culture and help facilitate understanding about what Judaism has to say about issues of critical contemporary importance.

"By sponsoring educational programs and encouraging scholarship, the center will work to influence both the national and international debate on fundamental matters of societal concern," said Glen Weissenberger, dean of the College of Law. "The center will help the legal community and law students gain a better understanding of Jewish law and how it fits into the framework of the legal landscape."

Judaism encompasses a comprehensive way of life that involves specific laws and practices derived from the Torah and its commentaries that affect every aspect of life, from dietary mandates to ethical business practices. Some JLJS programs will focus on practical issues confronting professionals who are Jewish or who have Jewish clients or patients. Others will explore broader and more profound philosophical, theological and jurisprudential questions. The center will achieve its goals by collaborating with key Jewish institutions in Chicago, including the Spertus Institute for Jewish Studies, the Jewish Federation, local congregations and the American Friends of the Hebrew University.

"JLJS is the only law school center in Illinois, and one of only a handful in the entire country, which focuses on Jewish law and culture," said Resnicoff. "In addition to engaging in traditional Jewish law scholarship, JLJS will promote serious interdisciplinary scholarship and explore contemporary legal issues of special importance to the Jewish community as well to other religious groups."

For more information about JLJS, visit http://law.depaul.edu/center_institutes/jljs.



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