Western Jewish Studies Association Conference
Spertus Institute
Chicago, IL April 4-5, 2027
The Western Jewish Studies Association (WJSA) is a nonprofit organization founded in 1995 to organize a Jewish Studies conference every spring at alternating sites in the western United States and Canada. The conference serves as a regional forum for Jewish Studies scholars to present their research, discuss pedagogical issues, explore issues facing academic Jewish Studies programs, and network with colleagues in their disciplines. In 2027, we will meet in Chicago for the first time.
We invite proposals in all areas of Jewish Studies regardless of discipline, geographical focus, or period. The WJSA always devotes some sessions to the experiences of Jews in the American West, pedagogical approaches in Jewish Studies, and contemporary Jewish issues, and welcomes presentations devoted to major anniversaries of events in Jewish history or birthdays and Yahrzeits of important Jewish individuals (see partial list on pg. 2). This year, we welcome proposals that explore Jewish history in Chicago and in the Midwest and West in focus and in comparative perspective. We also welcome proposals that explore the history and impact of and the challenges faced by independent institutes of Jewish higher learning in the US.
Faculty, graduate students, and independent scholars of Jewish Studies are invited to submit proposals for papers, panels, and/or roundtable discussions (panel and roundtable submissions are preferred). No more than one proposal per individual will be considered; however, one may serve as chair of another session in addition to being a panelist or presenter.
● Paper: A paper proposal is a scholarly presentation of independent research, to be delivered in a 20-min oral presentation. Paper proposals should be submitted as a single document that includes: 1) a no longer than one double-spaced typed page Abstract, and 2) a short CV that contains contact information. Accepted papers will be thematically grouped into a panel session at the discretion of the program committee. If you would like, indicate on your proposal the subfields of Jewish Studies that your paper addresses.
● Panel: A panel proposal is a thematically grouped set of 3-5 papers. Panel proposals should be submitted as a single document that includes: 1) A cover sheet with the title of the session, organizer name, session Chair name if different, a description of the panel in a single paragraph, and the titles for each paper, with presenter names, affiliations, and contact information; 2) an Abstract no longer than one double-spaced typed page for each paper, and 3) a short CV for the Panel organizer.
● Roundtable: A roundtable is a dynamic, discussion-based session format designed for interactive dialogue among presenters and audience members on cutting-edge topics, emerging issues, and/or topics of regional/historical importance. Roundtable proposals should be submitted as a single document that includes: 1) a cover sheet with a) the title of the session; b) the name, affiliation, and contact information of the presenters; and c) who will serve as the session Chair (this may be one of the participants), 2) a no longer than one double-spaced typed page Abstract for the Roundtable that outlines the issue(s) and varying viewpoints that will be elaborated upon in the session, and 3) a short CV for the panel Chair.
Deadline for submission of proposals is November 13, 2026. Proposals should be emailed to Joshua Furman at joshua.furman@DU.edu.
More Conference details:
● The conference will be entirely in-person at the Spertus Institute.
● Registration fees will be $250 for general attendees and $150 for graduate students and those without access to institutional funding.
● A block of hotel rooms has been reserved at Le Meridien Essex Chicago, in close proximity to Spertus. More information about lodging will be shared in December.
● The WJSA bestows the $200 Baron Award for the best graduate student paper.
● A few hotel cost stipends are available for graduate students and those without access to institutional funding. To inquire, email joshua.furman@DU.edu.
● There is no WJSA membership requirement for participation in the conference, but membership is encouraged since WJSA dues help fund the graduate student stipend. To become a WJSA member, visit http://www.wjsa.net/dues.html.
● If you would be willing to serve as a session chair, please contact Joshua Furman at joshua.furman@du.edu to indicate your availability and fields of expertise.
Selected Jewish Anniversaries in 2027
● 1977 – 50 years since the Likud/Menachem Begin electoral victory (“Mahapach”)
● 1967 – 60 years since the Six-Day War
● 1927 – 100 years since The Jazz Singer premiered in October 1927
● 1837 – 190 years since the city of Chicago was incorporated
● 1827 – 200 years since Tsar Nicholas I issued forced conscription of Jewish boys
● 1777 – 250 years since the New York State Constitution guaranteed religious freedom
