Dr. Beth Wenger

Biography

Beth S. Wenger is the Moritz Josephine Berg Professor of History at the University of Pennsylvania, where she also serves as Associate Dean for Graduate Studies. With a focus on Jewish history, her recent works include the co-edited anthology "Gender, Judaism, Islam: Common Lives, Uncommon Heritage" (New York University Press, 2014) and "History Lessons: Creation of American Jewish Heritage" (Princeton University Press, 2010). Wenger has made significant contributions to the field through her publications including "New York Jews and the Great Depression: Uncertain Promise" (Yale University Press, 1996), for which she received the Salo Baron Prize from the American Academy for Jewish Research. Her scholarly output extends to numerous articles in journals such as American Jewish History and Jewish Social Studies. Throughout her career, she has held various administrative roles, including Department Chair and Jewish Studies Program Director. An active public historian, Wenger has played a pivotal role in creating exhibitions at the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History. She has received multiple fellowships and awards for her contributions to Jewish studies, including the Lee Max Friedman Medal for excellence in research and teaching in the field and the Richard S. Dunn Award for Distinguished Teaching. Wenger completed her education with a B.A. from Wesleyan University, M.A.s from Columbia University and the Jewish Theological Seminary, and a Ph.D. from Yale University.

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