Elizabeth Shanks Alexander

Elizabeth Shanks Alexander is a Professor in the Department of Religious Studies at the University of Virginia. Her research focuses on Rabbinic literature, exploring textual transmission, hermeneutics, and gender studies within ancient Jewish contexts. She holds a PhD in Judaic Studies from Yale University, with additional degrees from Haverford College and Hebrew University.

Education:

• PhD (Judaic Studies), Yale University
• MPhil (Judaic Studies), Yale University
• MA (Judaic Studies), Yale University
• BA (Religion), Haverford College
• Visiting Student, Hebrew University

Research Interests: Alexander examines Rabbinic texts as dynamic literary and oral artifacts, analyzing ethical frameworks, legal reasoning, and gender roles. She employs orality theory and literary analysis to uncover theological themes and social constructs in works like the Talmud and Mishnah.

Awards & Grants:

• 2022-2024 IHGC Fellowship
• Repeated Hadassah-Brandeis Research Awards
• NEH Summer Research Stipend (2001)

Grants & Advising: Her work bridges ancient Rabbinic thought with contemporary religious studies, emphasizing interdisciplinarity. She has advised numerous graduate students and led research initiatives on gender and ritual in Jewish law.