The Jewish Studies Network focuses on Jews, Judaism, and Jewish communities worldwide, from the ancient world to the present day and into the future. Our members collaborate to expand curricular offerings and to foster research and artistic activity, both within the university and with community partners. 

News

Samira K. Mehta to discuss multiracial identity, Jews of color, and religion and contraception at upcoming events

Monday, March 3, 2025
Join the University of Iowa Jewish Studies Network for two events featuring author and scholar Samira K. Mehta as part of the inaugural year of the Program in Jewish Studies.

International Programs’ affinity groups contribute to Iowa’s global mission

Monday, July 1, 2024
The faculty-led affinity groups create opportunities for faculty to advance research and teaching through a focus on collegiate issues and perspectives, provide opportunities for faculty and students across disciplines to interact and collaborate, and develop public engagement projects to benefit communities in Iowa and abroad.

In the news: Aux Etats-Unis, la guerre Israël-Hamas jusque dans les assiettes

Monday, December 11, 2023
Ari Ariel, co-director of the Jewish Studies Network, was quoted by Le Monde in this piece on how the Israel-Hamas war extends to the dining table.

Upcoming Events

Book Reading by Samira K. Mehta promotional image

Book Reading by Samira K. Mehta

Tuesday, March 25, 2025 7:00pm to 8:00pm
Prairie Lights Books
Join the University of Iowa (UI) Jewish Studies Network, an International Programs affinity group, as they host Samira K. Mehta for the reading of her book at Prairie Lights Books.
Discussion of Contraception and American Religion promotional image

Discussion of Contraception and American Religion

Wednesday, March 26, 2025 4:00pm to 5:00pm
Jefferson Building
Join the University of Iowa (UI) Jewish Studies Network, an International Programs affinity group, as they host Samira K. Mehta for a discussion on contraception and American religion.
View more events

Courses

The University of Iowa offers a variety of courses for students interested in Jewish Studies.

See our course listing 

Contact us

Ari Ariel

Title/Position
Co-Director, Jewish Studies Network
Director, International Studies
Associate Professor of Instruction, International Studies & History

Elizabeth Heineman

Title/Position
Co-Director, Jewish Studies Network
Professor, History & Gender, Women’s and Sexuality Studies