Dr. Jonathan Boyarin

Biography

Jonathan Boyarin is the Mann Professor of Modern Jewish Studies in the Department of Anthropology at Cornell University. His academic work centers on Jewish communities and their cultural dynamics, exploring themes of memory and identity. His ethnographic research spans significant Jewish populations in urban centers such as Paris, Jerusalem, and New York's Lower East Side. His focus on historical anthropology illuminates the experiences of Jews during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, particularly within the context of Polish Jewish life. Boyarin's interdisciplinary approach intersects critical theory and modern Jewish politics, and he is noted for his comparative studies in diaspora and the evolving nature of identity. He engages with a wide array of texts in Jewish life, from ancient scriptures to contemporary literature, reflecting the rich tapestry of Jewish experience. Boyarin has authored several influential publications, including "Jewish Families" and "Unconverted Self: Jews, Indians, Identity in Christian Europe," which contribute to the discourse in Jewish Studies and anthropology. His work emphasizes the importance of understanding Jewish identities within both historical and contemporary frameworks.

Research Interests