The Reform movement in Israel represents essentially the third phase in the development of the reform idea in the Jewish world – after its inception in Europe some 200 years ago, and its later evolvement in North America from the mid-nineteenth century and beyond. The uniqueness of the reform project in Israel lies in its distinct response to Israeli statehood, and theological adaptations thereof; in its challenging relations with Orthodox dominance and the struggle to establish a foothold in Israel; and its ties with the North American Jewish center in the US.
The research Hub "World Jewry: Views from Israel" at The Center for Israel Studies at The Ben-Gurion Research Institute for the Study of Israel and Zionism, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, and the Israel Movement for Progressive Judaism (IMPJ) invite Post-Doctoral candidates to submit proposals for thorough research that will explore the Reform Movement in Israel, in accordance with the following suggested topics:
» The development of Reform congregations in Israel, from an historical and sociological perspective.
» The views of various Israel thinkers, political leaders and constitutions, on the role of the Reform movement in the Jewish World and in Israel.
» The role of the Reform movement in Israel-Diaspora relations.
» Inter-Reform relations between Israel and the US – political, theological, congregational and institutional.
» Reform Thought in Israel – uniqueness and adaptations.
» Reform thought and action in the context of progressive phenomena in Israel.
The researcher will receive funding in the sum of 61,680 NIS per year. We encourage applicants from the US to apply for this position as well.
NOTICE: Fluency in Hebrew is required.
Candidates should submit the following documents:
» Research proposal – a concise outline of up to 800 words.
» Curriculum Vitae and list of publications.
» Two recommendation letters – one of which must be from PhD's advisor. **
Submission deadline: August 8, 2019.
Applications and recommendation letters (mailed directly from referees) should be sent to: einavmel@bgu.ac.il
Date of beginning: October 27, 2019
