Conf/CfP - 200 Years of the Science of Judaism: Historiography, Ideology and the Challenge of a Usable Past, 18-20 February 2018, Belgium

The conference will focus on the history and historiographical aspects of the Science of Judaism (Wissenschaft des Judentums), from its beginnings in the early 19^th century Germany, its geo-cultural diffusion, up and till contemporary Jewish Studies. We will examine the interaction between the various moments and centers of Jewish studies, their inter-connections and synergies as well as methodological and thematic divergences or disagreements. The unique characteristics of each of the regnant centers of the discipline will be considered. A special emphasis will be given to the present situation of Jewish Studies, its concerns and interests, its challenges as well as its future prospects.

Professor Ismar Schorsch (The Jewish Theological Seminary, New York) will deliver the keynote address.

We are inviting scholars from various disciplines to submit proposals for papers, including the following topics:

• The historical context of the founding of Jewish Studies
• Jewish Studies in various centers during the nineteenth century (Germany, Italy, England, France, Eastern Europe etc.) – institutional and informal professional networks promoting collaboration of scholars across national and cultural boundaries.
• The relation between Wissenschaft des Judentums, Hokhmat Yisra’el and Jewish Studies
• The reception and transfer of knowledge between Jewish Studies and other scholarly disciplines.
• Paradigm shifts in Jewish Studies: gender, language, culture, methods, technology
• Hebraism, Orientalism and Jewish Studies
• The relation between Jewish Studies and Jewish Orthodoxy
• From the traditional book-shelf to the Jewish Studies library
• Contemporary trends, directions and centers – comparative perspectives
• Cultural and ideological disputes and conflicts.