Jewish Studies Network

Clare Kinberg, headshot

Ask the Author: Clare Kinberg tells the story of her estranged aunt

Tuesday, February 24, 2026
The Jewish Studies Network hosted the author as she read from her memoir, “By the Waters of Paradise,” which delves into her family’s history with themes of racism and religion.
Clare Kinberg, headshot

Exploring family, race, and history: author Clare Kinberg at Prairie Lights

Wednesday, February 11, 2026
The University of Iowa Jewish Studies Network hosts an author reading and discussion with Clare Kinberg at Prairie Lights Books in Iowa City. Kinberg will read from By the Waters of Paradise, a memoir exploring family secrets and the intertwined histories of racism, antisemitism, and segregation in the United States. The event takes place on Monday, February 23, 2026.
Ayelet Tsabari, headshot

Award-winning author Ayelet Tsabari to read from Songs for the Brokenhearted at Prairie Lights

Wednesday, September 24, 2025
Tsabari will read from her novel, Songs for the Brokenhearted, and share insights about Yemeni Jewish identity, culture, and traditions.
Samira Mehta, headshot.jpeg

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.
students participating in the Tadoku Workshop in April 2022

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.
hummus

In the news: Among American chefs, the Israel-Hamas War has spread to food

Friday, November 3, 2023
Associate Professor and Co-Director of the Jewish Studies Network, Ari Ariel, was quoted in this piece, explaining how food can become part of a conflict.
Lisa Heineman

In the news: Lisa Heineman featured in Judaism and social justice roundtable

Monday, February 20, 2023
Lisa Heineman, co-director of the Jewish Studies Network, discussed her course "Jews, Judaism, and Social Justice" in a recent roundtable in the Association for Jewish Studies Perspectives.
Denise Filios

Denise K. Filios

I am a scholar of comparative literary and cultural studies whose research focuses on medieval Iberia. I am also an avid hiker whose current research project explores Christian, Jewish, and Islamic ‘medieval’ walking routes in Spain and Portugal, such as the Camino de Santiago, the Ruta del Califato, and Sephardic heritage itineraries. I am interested in the intersections between gender, race, religion, sexuality, place of origin, landscapes and belonging, as well as performance, cultures of fitness, memory studies, heritage tourism, foundational myths and national identity. I seek to promote inclusivity in my teaching, scholarship, and service.
Sonja Spear

Sonja Spear

Title/Position
Religious School Principal, Agudas Achim
Frank Salomon

Frank Salomon

Title/Position
John V. Murra Emeritus Professor of Anthropology, UW-Madison; Adjunct Professor, Anthropology, University of Iowa