معرفی
Reuven Firestone is the Regenstein Professor of Medieval Judaism and Islam at Hebrew Union College in Los Angeles, affiliated with the Louchheim School for Judaic Studies and Rabbinical School. He joined the faculty in 1993 after teaching at Boston University and holding research positions internationally. Firestone holds a Ph.D. in Arabic and Islamic Studies from New York University (1988), rabbinic ordination from Hebrew Union College (1982), an M.A. in Hebrew Literature from Hebrew Union College (1980), and a B.A. in Sociology/Anthropology from Antioch College (1974).
His research specializes in comparative studies of Judaism and Islam, focusing on medieval religious traditions, scriptural interpretation, and interfaith dynamics. Key areas include the evolution of Abrahamic narratives, concepts of holy war in religious traditions (Jihad), Jewish-Muslim relations throughout history, and Qur'anic exegesis. His work bridges textual analysis with contemporary interreligious dialogue.
Firestone founded the Center for Muslim-Jewish Engagement (CMJE), a collaborative initiative between Hebrew Union College, the Omar Ibn Al-Khattab Foundation, and USC's Center for Religion and Civic Culture. He has held leadership positions including Vice President of the Association for Jewish Studies and President of the International Qur'anic Studies Association.
Major honors include:
- Alexander von Humboldt Foundation Advanced Research Award (2017-2019)
- Sigi Feigel Visiting Professorship at University of Zürich (2018)
- DAAD Grant for teaching at University of Potsdam (2012-2013)
- Fulbright Fellowship at American University in Cairo (2006)
- NEH Research Fellowship (2000)
Firestone regularly lectures globally on interfaith topics and teaches courses including Introduction to Islam, Qur'anic Narrative, Holy War in History, and Interreligious Dialogue. He has authored eight books translated into 15+ languages, addressing Jewish-Muslim relations and comparative theology.
