Sarah Bunin Benor

Sarah Bunin Benor is a Professor of Contemporary Jewish Studies at Hebrew Union College and an Adjunct Professor in the University of Southern California Linguistics Department. She holds a Ph.D. in Linguistics from Stanford University and a B.A. in Comparative Literature from Columbia University. Her work bridges sociolinguistics, Jewish language studies, and cultural identity.

• Ph.D., Stanford University (2004)
• M.A., Stanford University
• B.A., Columbia University (1997)

Her research focuses on Jewish languages, including Yiddish, Hebrew, and Judeo-Greek, analyzing how language reflects and shapes Jewish identity. She explores topics like language contact, ethnolinguistic repertoire, and name-changing practices. Recent projects examine Sephardi/Mizrahi Jews in Los Angeles and linguistic diversity in Jewish communities.

Dr. Benor has received prestigious awards such as the National Jewish Book Award and the Sami Rohr Choice Award. She founded the Hebrew Union College Jewish Language Project, which maintains the Jewish Language Website and Lexicon. As a sought-after speaker, she discusses Jewish languages in media and education.