Stroum Center
for Jewish Studies
As a premiere hub for Jewish Studies, the Stroum Center features an internationally recognized Sephardic Studies Program and a vibrant undergraduate and graduate community.
Latest Articles
The Jewish Roots of Psychotherapy—and What the Response to October 7th Reveals
Jewish thinkers helped shape modern psychology, from Sigmund Freud to Viktor Frankl and Aaron Beck. Yet the field’s response to October 7th has exposed troubling gaps in its understanding of antisemitism and Jewish identity. Sivan Komatsu examines this contradiction and calls for a more inclusive approach to mental health.
Fall Letter from Director Devin Naar
Professor Devin Naar, Director of UW's Sephardic Studies Program, writes about recent and upcoming public programs, digital and library projects, teaching, and graduate student research.
Reflections on the 2026 International Summer Institute on Modern Balkan and Eastern Mediterranean Jewries
In June 2026, Professor Devin Naar led the first-ever International Summer Institute on Modern Balkan and Eastern Mediterranean Jewries in Thessaloniki, Greece.
SCJS Book Launch Series Celebrates Recent Faculty Publications in Leading Presses
In 2025-2026, the Stroum Center hosted a book launch series celebrating three new faculty publications.
The Memories of Greek Jewish Left-Wing Activism from Avraam Benaroya to Michael Moissis Bourlas
This article by Graduate Fellow Alexandra Ritsatos examines how Greek Jewish left-wing activists remembered political struggle, resistance, and identity across the twentieth century.
Synchronization, Assimilation, Decay, and the Jews of China
How did Jewish communities in China change over time? Graduate Fellow Micah Sprouffske looks at words with Chinese and Jewish roots in the stele outside the Kaifeng Synagogue.
Israel Studies
Promoting and encouraging the critical study of the histories, societies, cultures, and politics of the State of Israel
Sephardic Studies Program
World-renowned for the study of Sephardic culture and history, the Sephardic Studies Program features a growing online library and museum, undergraduate and graduate courses, public programs like Ladino Day, and academic conferences.
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Graduate Fellowship
Convening students from departments across campus to learn about Jewish studies and public scholarship.
Stroum Lectures Archive
For over 30 years, the annual Stroum Lectures at the University of Washington have showcased leading scholars in the field.