Religion, Culture & Society

How a vision for Jewish studies transformed a community and inspired generations.

As Ben Wright approaches retirement, the renowned scholar celebrates a career unraveling the mysteries of the Second Temple period and advancing fresh perspectives in early Judaism studies.

The Berman Center for Jewish Studies will be celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2024. Lehigh spoke with Berman Center director Jodi Eichler-Levine, as well as former director Hartley Lachter and history professor Nitzan Lebovic, about the milestone and the center’s vision going forward.

Disney theme parks provide connections to fantastic stories and film-inspired fantasies, but it has also become a place of pilgrimage similar to traditional religions.