معرفی
Leonard Saxe serves as the Klutznick Professor of Contemporary Jewish Studies at Brandeis University’s Heller School for Social Policy and Management, where he directs the Cohen Center for Modern Jewish Studies. His work focuses on socio-demographic analysis of American Jewish life, with emphasis on identity formation, educational interventions, and community dynamics.
His educational background includes a Ph.D., M.S., and B.S. in Psychology from the University of Pittsburgh. Saxe’s research spans Jewish Studies, Social Psychology, and Demography, examining how programs like Birthright Israel shape Jewish identity and how antisemitism manifests in contemporary society. He employs rigorous survey methodology and data synthesis techniques to address methodological challenges in studying religious populations.
Recent publications (2024-2025) reveal a strong focus on campus antisemitism, political polarization within Jewish communities, and longitudinal impacts of Jewish educational programs. These works demonstrate methodological innovation in community studies while addressing urgent social issues facing American Jews.
His significant honors include:
- Congressional Science Fellow (Office of Technology Assessment, 1980-1981)
- Fulbright Senior Lecturer (U.S.-Israel Educational Foundation, 1981-1982)
- APA Early Career Award for Distinguished Contributions to Psychology in the Public Interest (1989)
- Heller Mentor Award (2005)
- Marshall Sklare Award (2012)
Saxe has mentored numerous researchers through the Cohen Center and secured substantial grant funding for community studies across 20+ U.S. regions. His work directly informs communal planning and policy decisions through data-driven insights about Jewish population dynamics.
As director of the Cohen Center for Modern Jewish Studies, he leads a multidisciplinary team conducting demographic surveys, program evaluations, and methodological research that shapes understanding of contemporary Jewish life in North America.
