Ceremony recognizes the work of students who helped amplify the rich history and heritage of the Jewish people. On May 12, the Judaic Studies Department handed out eight scholarship awards totaling $8,400 to a dozen students at its annual student awards event. The scholarships came courtesy of several generous donors, and they reflected the contributions the students have made, both in and out of the classroom. “Thanks to the generosity of alumni, professors emeriti, and their families, the Judaic Studies Department was able to reward these extraordinary students with scholarships that helped amplify the rich history and heritage of the Jewish people,” said David Brodsky, associate professor and department chair of Judaic Studies. “We are very fortunate to have such generous support, as it goes a long way in inspiring and empowering our students.” Jonathan Taubes, who earned a Rose Goldstein Memorial Scholarship, is in his first semester in Judaic studies. He said receiving the award was incredibly gratifying. Taubes is currently working at a Jewish non-profit and aims to continue serving his community in the future through similar work. “I am really happy to be involved with the Judaic Studies Department at Brooklyn College,” Taubes said. “I immediately felt right at home when I started here and that this was the right place for me to be.” Esther Hidary is an English major who received a Holocaust Studies Memorial Award. She said taking the course “Holocaust Literature” really opened her eyes, and that she plans on taking more Judaic studies courses. “The class was incredible, and I really feel honored to receive this award to be a part of this program,” Hidary said. The awardees and their scholarships they earned included: Norma Sutton: Pearl Altman Memorial Scholarship—awarded to a junior, senior, or graduate student majoring in Judaic studies or a program under the guidance of the department. Alyssa Rodes: John F. Kennedy Human Relations Award—awarded to an outstanding student majoring in Judaic studies who has rendered meaningful human service to the school or community. Chaya Pearson, Daniel Silverstein, Esther Hidary, Savannah Berk, Aharon Grama, Effy Gottlieb, and Jonathan Taubes: Rose Goldstein Memorial Scholarship—an endowed scholarship dedicated to meeting the financial needs of students. Sylvia Cohen: Abraham S. Goodhartz Memorial Scholarship—an annual scholarship for a student pursuing Judaic studies. Shannon Nizard: Faculty Hillel Associates in Judaic Studies Award—awarded to a graduating senior for excellence in Judaic studies. Alyssa Rodes: Israel Gerber Memorial Award—awarded to a senior who has achieved distinction in Judaic studies and who has completed Judaic studies. Esther Hidary and Daniel Silverstein: Holocaust Studies Memorial Award— awarded to students who have done work of distinction in Holocaust studies courses. Norma Sutton: Leon and Rosa Reznik Memorial Award—awarded to an outstanding adult student majoring in Judaic studies. Learn more about the Judaic Studies department at Brooklyn College.
