EUGENE–The University of Oregon’s Harold Schnitzer Family Program in Judaic Studies has invited acclaimed historian and Jewish studies scholar Judith Baskin to give a free public lecture at the University of Oregon.

The speech, on "The Sexual Politics of Piety: Studying Medieval Jewish Women," is the inaugural event sponsored by the program, which began offering classes in September.

The talk is set for 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 19, in the Alumni Lounge at Gerlinger Hall,
1468 University St. A reception will follow.

In Christian Europe, medieval Jewish communities strictly limited women’s access to the religious, intellectual and leadership activities deemed appropriate for men, while tolerating a high degree of female involvement in economic undertakings and in the domestic realm. Baskin’s lecture will investigate how medieval Jewish women were also able to assert themselves in those spheres in which Jewish tradition endeavored to enforce their secondary status.

Baskin is professor and chair of the Department of Judaic Studies at the University of Albany, SUNY. She is the author or editor of five books on women, medieval history and Judaic studies.

Her honors include a 1992 Education Endowment Award from the Woman’s Institute for Continuing Jewish Education, a 1993 Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching from the State University System of New York, and a 1995 Collins Fellow for Extraordinary Service to the University of Albany.

Baskin studied at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem. She received her bachelor’s degree in history from Antioch College and her doctoral degree in medieval studies from Yale University.

The Harold Schnitzer Family Program in Judaic Studies was established at the University of Oregon last year with a contribution from the Harold and Arlene Schnitzer CARE Foundation.

For more information, contact the UO College of Arts and Sciences Development Office, (541) 346-3950.

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