Jewish Faculty, Administration, and Staff (J-FAS)

June 9, 2021

The Jewish Faculty, Administration, and Staff group (J-FAS) emphatically condemns the alarming rise in antisemitic incidents and rhetoric locally, across the United States, and around the world. At our own university, we are seeing an alarming escalation of divisive rhetoric that seeks to undermine connections between colleagues and equivocal statements that effectively excuse antisemitism. Yet we are convinced that these statements do not reflect the opinions of the vast majority of faculty, staff, and administrators at Rutgers. As members of a scholarly community, we are committed to education about the long history, insidious nature, and devastating effects of antisemitism. As we have done for several years, we will continue to collaborate with the university administration to assist in ensuring that Rutgers provides a safe and supportive environment for Jews and for all people.

J-FAS (Jewish Faculty, Administration, and Staff) is an organization that seeks to connect Jewish faculty, administrators, and staff members across Rutgers University to address issues of mutual interest and concern. The group provides a venue for Jewish academics and professionals to establish relationships, share research, and discuss opportunities and challenges facing the Rutgers Jewish community as a whole.

J-FAS (formerly the Jewish Faculty Forum) was established in the fall of 2016. Our past activities include hosting a workshop by the ADL titled “Combating Discrimination, Promoting Dialogue,” as well as a lecture by Dr. Deborah Lipstadt on “Antisemitism, Here and Now.”

We have held regular meetings with campus leaders on issues of climate and antisemitism. We have also hosted discussions on faculty research interests such as dance in Israel, the Dead Sea Scrolls, and the creation of a new prayer book for the Jewish High Holidays. Co-chairs Rebecca Cypess (Department of Music, Mason Gross School of the Arts) and Jenny Mandelbaum (Department of Communication, School of Communication and Information) set agendas for meetings and secure guest speakers from within or outside the Rutgers Jewish community.

Faculty, staff, and administrators who wish to join the J-FAS mailing list or attend meetings are encouraged to contact:

                                                                                                      

          Jenny (j.mandelbaum@rutgers.edu)                                                  Rebecca (rebecca.cypess@rutgers.edu)

 

 

J-FAS (Jewish Faculty, Administration, and Staff) Advisory Board