This year’s theme is “Jews and Politics: America, Israel, Europe”

The annual Greenfield Summer Institute showcases the research of UW–Madison faculty and acclaimed Jewish studies scholars from around the country. This year’s Institute is centered around the theme “Jews and Politics" and will be held online for the first (and hopefully last!) time.

As the premier outreach event of the George L. Mosse / Laurence A. Weinstein Center for Jewish Studies, the Greenfield Summer Institute demonstrates our commitment to lifelong learning and testifies to the vision, legacy, and generosity of Center founders Laurence Weinstein and George Mosse. The Greenfield Summer Institute was the brainchild of Lawrence (Larry) Greenfield, a member of the Mosse/Weinstein Center for Jewish Studies Board of Visitors, who first proposed the idea of an adult summer institute in the mid-1990s. The first Greenfield Summer Institute, held in 2000, brought together people from the Madison community and beyond to participate in a unique blend of continuing education, entertainment, and fellowship. Now underwritten by the generosity of Larry and Ros Greenfield, the Institute showcases the research of UW–Madison faculty and acclaimed Jewish studies scholars from around the country. Each year the Institute’s lectures center around a theme. Recent themes have included business, entertainment, the arts, and science.

This year’s Greenfield Summer Institute will take place on the heels of an exceptionally eventful period in politics. The year 2020 witnessed great social unrest, a sharply politicized pandemic, and a contentious U.S. presidential election. In early 2021, a new administration set a dramatically different course for America, while Israel prepared for another national election—its fourth in two years. Throughout these changes, Jews and issues of Jewish concern have been highly visible. To help us make sense of these developments, Greenfield 2021 will focus on the political history of Jews in America, Israel, and Europe. What role have Jews played in modern politics? Is there a distinctly Jewish political identity? How do Jewish politics vary across time and place? Join us in exploring these and similar questions with distinguished scholars from across fields.

THIS YEAR'S GREENFIELD SUMMER INSTITUTE WILL BE HELD ONLINE VIA ZOOM.
To accommodate the different schedules of our attendees, we are offering a variety of registration options. We hope that you will be able to join us for the whole conference. Or, you may select a package of four or six lectures.