The John Singer Visiting Professorship in Judaic Studies

The Program in Judaic Studies at Tufts University invites applications for the inaugural John Singer Visiting Professorship in Judaic Studies.

Established to foster a deeper understanding of Jewish history, culture, literature, and intellectual life, the John Singer Visiting Professorship brings distinguished and emerging scholars to Tufts for teaching, research, and engagement with students and faculty. The annual theme for the inaugural appointment is Modern Hebrew and Israeli Literature.

We seek a scholar whose work explores modern Hebrew and Israeli literary and cultural production and whose research illuminates the relationship between literature and broader questions of Jewish history, religion, language, politics, and identity. We welcome applications from scholars working in Modern Hebrew Literature, Israeli Literature, Comparative Literature, Modern Languages and Literatures, Cultural Studies, Jewish Studies, or related fields.

Particularly welcome are scholars whose work examines one or more of the following:

• The rise of Hebrew as a modern literary and vernacular language
• Modern Hebrew literature and the classical Jewish textual tradition
• Israeli literature and culture
• Hebrew literature and political imagination
• Hebrew literature in comparative and global perspective
• Questions of language revival, multilingualism, and translation

Appointment Structures

The search will proceed on two parallel tracks. The Program intends to make one appointment, with the final structure determined by the strength and character of the applicant pool.

Visiting Postdoctoral Fellow (Academic Year Appointment to begin September 1, 2027)

The successful candidate will hold a two-semester appointment, teach one course each semester, and participate in a smaller faculty workshop during the academic year.

Visiting Associate Professor (One-Semester Appointment; Fall or Spring Semester)

The successful candidate will hold a one-semester appointment, teach one course, and deliver a public lecture connected to the annual theme.

Salary and appointment details will be determined according to the appointment structure.

Teaching Responsibilities

All candidates should be prepared to teach the following course:

The Making of Modern Hebrew Culture

This course should introduce students to the emergence of Hebrew as a modern literary and vernacular language and explore the literary, cultural, and political developments associated with modern Hebrew culture. The course should examine the transformation of Hebrew from a classical language of textual tradition into a medium of modern literature, public discourse, and national culture.

Possible topics include:

• The Hebrew Enlightenment (Haskalah)
• The revival of spoken Hebrew
• The development of modern Hebrew poetry and fiction
• The relationship between modern Hebrew literature and classical Jewish texts
• Modern Jewish nationalism and cultural revival
• Israeli literature and political imagination
• Contemporary Israeli literary culture

For candidates appointed to the year-long postdoctoral track, an additional course will be designed around the candidate's area of scholarly specialization.

Because Judaic Studies at Tufts is an interdisciplinary program, we especially encourage applicants whose work engages neighboring fields and who are excited to participate in a broader intellectual community that includes scholars of religion, history, literature, philosophy, political thought, and cultural studies.

Applicants should hold a PhD by the time of appointment and demonstrate both an active program of scholarship and a strong commitment to undergraduate teaching.

Applicants considered for the postdoctoral track should demonstrate promise as scholars and teachers. Applicants considered for the associate professor track should possess a record of scholarly and pedagogical achievement appropriate to the rank of appointment.

The strongest candidates will combine scholarly distinction or promise with the ability to engage students from diverse backgrounds and to communicate the significance of modern Hebrew and Israeli literature to audiences beyond the field.

Applicants should indicate in their cover letter whether they wish to be considered for the year-long postdoctoral appointment or the one-semester visiting professorship.

Please submit the following via Interfolio to: apply.interfolio.com/196093

• Cover letter
• Curriculum vitae
• Research statement
• Teaching statement
• A sample syllabus for The Making of Modern Hebrew Culture
• For applicants to the year-long postdoctoral track, a brief description of possible additional courses in the candidate's area of specialization
• Two (2) confidential letters of recommendation to be uploaded directly to Interfolio by the recommenders.

About Judaic Studies at Tufts

The Program in Judaic Studies at Tufts University is an interdisciplinary program within the School of Arts and Sciences. Its affiliated faculty include scholars from Religion, History, English, International Literary and Cultural Studies, Theatre, Dance and Performance Studies, and related fields. The program supports the study of Jewish history, literature, philosophy, religion, culture, and politics through a broad curriculum, public programming, and sustained engagement with students.

The John Singer Visiting Professorship reflects Tufts University's commitment to fostering innovative scholarship and teaching in Jewish Studies and to supporting conversations that connect literature, language, culture, and public life.

Review of applications will begin 12/1/26 and continue until the position is filled.

For questions about this position, please contact Yonatan Brafman at yonatan.brafman@tufts.edu .

All offers of employment are contingent upon the completion of a background check.