Kylee C. Pastore
The Jewish Studies Program at CCNY is a vibrant and diverse academic community. Its students hail from various corners of the globe, representing a multitude of linguistic, cultural, and religious backgrounds. Interestingly, most of the students are not Jewish. They are drawn to the program by its excellent and approachable faculty, a commitment to academic success, and a tradition of fostering camaraderie in a commuter school setting. A glance through the program’s office door often reveals a handful of students who call this program home.
The curriculum is broad and diverse, covering topics such as the Hebrew Bible, Jewish antiquity, Eastern and Western European Jewish history, Yiddish literature in translation, the Holocaust, Jewish music, American Jewish fiction, modern Hebrew, Jews and Muslims of Morocco, Jews of New York, Hollywood Jews, Israeli and Palestinian cinema, illuminated Jewish manuscripts, and Jewish ethics.
Dr. Amy Kratka, the newly appointed Director of the Michael and Irene Ross Program in Jewish Studies at CCNY, brings a wealth of experience and passion to her role. After receiving her Ph.D. in English from Boston University, Kratka has been teaching in CCNY’s Jewish Studies program for 20 years. Her scholarly focus is on American fiction about the Jewish experience. Her courses introduce students to both classic novelists like Saul Bellow, Bernard Malamud, and Cynthia Ozick, and contemporary voices such as Dara Horn, Nicole Krauss, and Gary Shteyngart.
Kratka is dedicated to employing fiction to teach about Judaism. She describes how, in teaching “Call it Sleep” to her Freshman writing students, she explores the ways young David Schearl utilizes the book of Isaiah, using the prophecy for his own purposes. Kratka’s approach to syllabus preparation is thoughtful and student-centered, aiming to make each class profound and stimulating, especially for students who may only take one Jewish Studies course. Kratka describes her students as intellectually and culturally curious, eager to investigate new texts, learn about people, and examine what makes them tick. They thrive on being introduced to new perspectives and making connections between themselves and the city around them.
Communal Space
Fostering community has a strong tradition in Jewish Studies, and likewise, Kratka places high importance on providing a communal space for students. This passion derives from her fond memories of her own undergraduate experiences at Queens College. The CCNY Jewish Studies lounge is a welcoming space where students can study, review for exams, eat, and spend time with friends. This space fosters a sense of belonging and community that she believes is essential for a commuter campus.
Faculty Access
Students are frequently drawn to the program because of their access to faculty. The faculty in the Jewish Studies Program is wholeheartedly committed to the success of its students. Full-time faculty and adjuncts offer support with academic questions, syllabi, and even resume tweaks for job-seeking students. By getting to know their students’ academic interests and career aspirations, faculty members suggest relevant scholarships, internships, and opportunities.
Diverse Careers
Thanks to the broad and comprehensive education they receive, graduates of the Jewish Studies Program at CCNY pursue a wide range of career paths. Alumni have pursued roles such as: Proprietor of the Yiddish Farm in Upstate NY, Human Rights Lawyer for the Anti-Defamation League, FBI Agent, Physical Therapist and Kinesiologist developing exercise curricula for army veterans, Ph.D. in Philosophy, and Curator at a NYC art museum.
Kratka explains that exposure to varied perspectives and texts equips students with a comprehensive understanding of the world. They are prepared to apply their knowledge of Jewish culture, history, and religion to any job, becoming team players with well-honed academic skills in reading, writing, and critical thinking. The program also supports students with resume and application materials, sometimes offering role-playing exercises to prepare for interviews. Post-graduation, many students keep in touch with the program, reflecting the lasting impact of their experience.
With Dr. Amy Kratka as the new director, the Jewish Studies Program at CCNY continues its tradition of excellence, fostering an inclusive and intellectually stimulating environment for all its students. We also extend our sincere gratitude to former Director Roy Mittelman for his dedicated leadership and invaluable contributions to the program.