The David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library and the Center for Jewish Studies are pleased to announce the availability of new fellowships, with awards of $1500, to support scholars, students, and independent researchers whose work would benefit from access to the Judaica materials held by the Rubenstein Library, the Duke Divinity School Library, and/or Perkins Library. 

Who is eligible?

Any faculty member, graduate or undergraduate student, or independent scholar is eligible to apply.  All applicants must reside beyond a 100-mile radius of Durham, NC.

Research topics must be strongly supported by Judaica collections held by the Rubenstein Library, the Duke Divinity School Library, and/or Perkins Library. We encourage each prospective grant applicant to discuss his or her research project and the materials that might support it with Rachel Ariel, Librarian for Judaica/Hebraica, before submitting an application.

What kind of Jewish Studies materials do you have?

The Jewish Studies collections at Duke Libraries include a wide variety of resources, from current publications, films and videos to rare and unique manuscripts and archival material. An impressive collection of Pesach Haggadot is hosted in the Rubenstein Library, spanning over 1000 years of history, from five continents, written in several different languages, and created for a variety of specific purposes. Many of these Haggadot are part of the Abram and Frances Pascher Kanof Collection of Jewish Art, Archaelogy and Symbolism, which also has an exceptional collection of unique art books by Jewish and Israeli artists, as well as Jewish ceremonial art pieces.  The Rubenstein’s Southern Jewish History collections include the personal papers of prominent Jewish families and individuals in the region. Its Human Rights Archive holds the personal papers of the distinguished Jewish rabbi and human rights activist Marshall T. Meyer.

In addition to these special collections, Duke Libraries also holds a growing collection of modern Hebrew literature, both in the original Hebrew and in translation, as well as modern Jewish history, Zionism, the history and society of Israel, and the Arab-Israeli conflict.  The microform collection includes Testaments to the Holocaust from the Wiener Library, and the Guenzburg Collection of Hebrew Manuscripts in the Russian State Library, as well as Historical Hebrew Newspapers, to name but a few. The Divinity School Library holds our collections of ancient and medieval Jewish history, as well as Biblical studies, Ancient Near East archeology and cultures, and Rabbinic literature.

• Guide to Judaica collections in the Rubenstein Library
• Guide to Jewish Studies resources at Duke University Libraries
• Contact Rachel Ariel, Librarian for Judaica/Hebraica

What expenses does the grant cover?

Grant recipients will receive up to $1500 per week for funding, plus airfare. 

Are there other requirements?

We encourage each prospective grant applicant to discuss his or her research project and the collections that might support it with Rachel Ariel, Librarian for Judaica/Hebraica before submitting an application. In our experience, those who spoke with a staff member about their projects before submitting an application have produced stronger applications. Grant recipients will be required to submit a research report, either verbally via an informal luncheon colloquia or via written report.

How do I apply?

1. Download and complete an application form (Word document; 52 KB). Applications must be completed in English.
2. E-mail completed application and C.V. as attachments (Word document or PDF) to rachel.ariel@duke.edu. We will send you an e-mail confirming that your application was received.
3. Graduate students must submit a letter of recommendation from a faculty advisor. The application packet will not be considered complete until this letter is received. The letter may be submitted as e-mail attachment to the e-mail address above or by postal mail to:

   Jewish Studies Fellowship Program
   Attn: Rachel Ariel
   Librarian for Judaica/Hebraica
   Box 90195
   Duke University
   Durham, NC 27708-0185
   USA

What dates do I need to remember?

• The deadline for applications is March 29, 2013 by 5:00 PM EST.
• The fellowship recipient will be announced by April 30, 2013.
• Grants must be used between May 1, 2013 and June 30, 2014. Holiday closings and regular hours are posted online.
• During the Rubenstein Library's move, reference services will be limited from January 7-February 15, 2013. Read more about our upcoming renovation.