Brandeis Alumni, Family and Friends
High Holiday Reader Features Reflections by Brandeis Faculty
September 10, 2025
Brandeis’ High Holiday Reader includes essays from six professors – recognized thought leaders in Jewish studies, philosophy, liturgy, history, and tradition.
As the Jewish people across the globe gather in community for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, Brandeis has produced a High Holiday Reader. “The High Holidays call us to take stock,” says Rabbi Seth Winberg, senior Jewish chaplain and executive director of Hillel at Brandeis. “Of our lives, our relationships, and our responsibilities.”
The reader includes essays from six Brandeis faculty who are nationally recognized thought leaders in Jewish studies, Jewish philosophy, liturgy, history, and tradition. They include: Jon A. Levisohn, Shulamit Reinharz, Jeffrey Shoulson, Jonathan D. Sarna, Jonathan B. Krasner, and Lisa Fishbayne-Joffe. In addition, recent graduate Zachary Miller ’25 has contributed an excerpt from his senior thesis about Justice Louis D. Brandeis.
The past several years have brought significant challenges to universities, particularly for Jewish students and scholars. “And yet, Brandeis continues to be an oasis,” says Rabbi Winberg. “One of the rare places in American higher education where Jewish life and Jewish scholarship are cherished, nurtured, and integrated into the core fabric of the institution.”
“As we welcome a new year, we hope these reflections from Brandeis scholars inspire readers to find meaning in the season’s themes, and remind us all that the renewal we seek is made possible through community, learning, and the enduring strength of Jewish life,” concludes Rabbi Winberg.
The Brandeis High Holiday reader is made possible by generous support from alumni, friends, and families to the Brandeis Antisemitism and Jewish Identity Fund.
Download a printable copy of the Brandeis High Holiday Reader.
Are you a leader in your synagogue? Would you like to share the Brandeis reader with your community? To request a supply of printed copies, please email emarks@brandeis.edu.