The Bennett Center for Judaic Studies is a unique academic center that strives to enrich the intellectual, cultural, and spiritual dialogue of Fairfield University. Continuing the vision of Carl and Dorothy Bennett, the Center fosters continued learning experiences and campus-wide awareness about Jewish history, ethical values, and religious observances. It also seeks to engage the Greater Fairfield communities through inspiring lectures and annual programs. The Bennett Center works in collaboration with the Judaic Studies program, the Center for Catholic Studies, Campus Ministry, local Jewish community organizations, the Quick Center, and more.

 

Thank You to Our Supporters

The Center receives financial support from numerous generous individuals and foundations, including:

  • Carl and Dorothy Bennett Foundation
  • Adolph and Ruth Schnurmacher Foundation
  • Larry Roberts and Suzanne Novik
  • Andrew and Robert Feigenson and family
  • David and Edith Chaifetz
  • Frank Jacoby Foundation, maintained by Debby and David Zieff

Through these gifts, the Bennett Center has brought world-renowned lecturers to the University, including Pulitzer Prize finalist Nathan Englander; The New York Times Op-Ed columnist and author, Tom Friedman; Rabbi and theologian Yitz Greenberg; lawyer and activist Khizr Khan; American diplomat and author Dennis Ross; American Jewish historian, Jonathan Sarna; former US Ambassador to Israel, Dan Shapiro; Meet the Press moderator, Chuck Todd; painter, sculptor, and photorealist, Audrey Flack; and Nobel Peace Prize winner and author, Elie Wiesel.

 

From the establishment of the Chair in Judaic Studies to an annual service in remembrance of the Holocaust, the Bennett Center for Judaic Studies has established a permanent and growing reputation in the Fairfield County community – reaching out to its 70,000 Jewish residents and neighbors – as well as so many others. Through the Center, Fairfield University continues to be committed to building a bridge of understanding between the Jewish and Jesuit traditions.

KADIMA is Fairfield University's Jewish undergraduate club, under the guidance of Fairfield University’s Jewish Chaplain, Rabbi Jim Prosnit.

Read the Judaic Studies Annual Newsletter

Recent Events On Demand

Video Poster

Jewish Identity in Contemporary Morocco: Memory Reconciliation and Citizenship

The Joan and Henry Katz Lecture in Judaic Studies presented by Aomar Boum PhD.

Video Poster

Journalists in Hell: Reportage in the Lodz and Warsaw Ghettos

2024 Holocaust Remembrance Lecture by Dr. Samuel D. Kassow

Spring 2025 Lectures

All lectures and events are in-person and open to the public. For more information, contact Glenn Dynner, director of the Bennett Center for Judaic Studies at bennettcenter@fairfield.edu or (203) 254-4000, ext. 2066.

Image of Mark Ludwig Perf

Support the Bennett Center for Judaic Studies

Help us continue to enrich the intellectual, cultural, and spiritual life of Fairfield University through lectures, programs, monthly Shabbat services and dinners, and ongoing support of the College of Arts and Sciences undergraduate interdisciplinary program in Judaic Studies.

Robin Kanarek '96
Marc Bennett
Dr. Glenn Dynner
Dr. Patricia Behre
Doug Karp
Shelley Kreiger
Marissa Lischinsky '12
Rabbi Jim Prosnit
Sheila L. Romanowitz
Barbara Salop '75
David Zieff
Peter Willner

Contact Us

Glenn Dynner
Glenn Dynner
Professor & Carl & Dorothy Bennett Chair, Religious Studies
Maria King
Program Manager