معرفی
Shaye J.D. Cohen is the Nathan Littauer Professor of Hebrew Literature and Philosophy at Harvard University's Department of Near Eastern Languages & Civilizations (NELC). He is currently on leave. Before joining Harvard in 2001, he served as the Samuel Ungerleider Professor of Judaic Studies and Professor of Religious Studies at Brown University, and held roles at the Jewish Theological Seminary, including ordination and serving as Dean of the Graduate School and Shenkman Professor of Jewish History. He earned his Ph.D. in Ancient History with distinction from Columbia University in 1975.
His research interrogates the boundaries between Jews and gentiles, and between Judaism and its surrounding cultures. Central questions include the definition of Jewish identity, processes of conversion, gender distinctions within Judaism, and comparisons with other cultural and religious boundaries. His scholarship is widely recognized, with notable works such as Why aren't Jewish Women Circumcised? (2005), From the Maccabees to the Mishnah (1987; 2nd ed. 2006), and The Beginnings of Jewishness (1999). These publications explore topics like ritual practices, socio-religious dynamics, and historical transitions in Jewish communities.
Prof. Cohen has been honored with an honorary doctorate from the Jewish Theological Seminary and multiple fellowships. He has also held distinguished visiting roles, including the Croghan Visiting Professorship at Williams College, the Louis Jacobs Lecturer at Oxford University, and the Lady Davis Visiting Professor of Jewish History at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.
In addition to his academic work, Cohen has contributed to public education through appearances on PBS (From Jesus to Christ, Nova), A&E (Mysteries of the Bible), and History Channel programs. His administrative experience includes leadership in graduate education and theological training, reflecting his dual commitment to scholarship and institutional stewardship.
