The Elie Wiesel Center for Jewish Studies (EWCJS) is a vibrant hub within Boston University’s College of Arts and Sciences, dedicated to exploring the rich and diverse dimensions of Jewish history, religion, and culture. as well as Holocaust, Genocide, and Human Rights Studies and Israel Studies. As an interdisciplinary academic program, the Center brings together scholars and students through a wide array of courses, public lectures, and cultural events that engage both the university community and the broader public.
The Center hosts the programs in Jewish Studies, Israel Studies, and Holocaust, Genocide, and Human Rights Studies (HGHRS), the only major of its kind in the country. Our interdisciplinary approach is supported by faculty spanning the fields of religion, philosophy, literature, world languages, archaeology, and more. Beyond the classroom, the Center is committed to supporting our community through research grants, travel awards, scholarships, fellowships, and merit-based awards.
Named in honor of Elie Wiesel, the 1986 Nobel Peace Laureate and long-time BU faculty member, our Center embodies his commitment to education, scholarship, and meaningful public engagement. Our events bring together members of Boston University and the wider community for intellectual exchange and the celebration of contemporary Jewish thought and culture.
Housed at 147 Bay State Road—a historical building once home to BU President John Silber—the Center was rededicated in 2005 as Beit Schlomo in memory of Elie Wiesel’s parents, Schlomo and Sarah Wiesel. Thanks to the generous support of Ira and Ingeborg Rennert, who endowed the Center, it continues to be a welcoming environment for scholars, students, and visitors alike.