Maurice and Marilyn Cohen Center for Modern Jewish Studies

Maurice and Marilyn Cohen Center for Modern Jewish Studies. The Maurice and Marilyn Cohen Center for Modern Jewish Studies is a premier research institute dedicated to the scientific study of American Jewry and contemporary Jewish life. Founded in 1980 and based at Brandeis University in Waltham, Massachusetts, the center conducts rigorous social scientific research on issues of identity, community, and continuity. Its work provides critical data and analysis for Jewish organizations, policymakers, and scholars worldwide.

History and founding

The center was established in 1980 through the philanthropic support of Maurice Cohen and Marilyn Cohen, who envisioned an academic hub for the objective study of modern Jewish communities. It was founded at Brandeis University, an institution with a deep historical connection to Jewish culture and scholarship. The creation of the center responded to a growing need for empirical data on the demographic and social trends affecting American Jews in the late 20th century. Under the early guidance of scholars like Calvin Goldscheider, it quickly became a national leader in the field of Jewish social science.

Research focus and programs

The center's research focuses extensively on the demography, sociology, and education of Jewish populations in the United States and internationally. A cornerstone of its work is the National Jewish Population Survey, which it has been involved with for decades, providing foundational data on trends in Jewish identity and practice. Other major initiatives include long-term studies of Jewish summer camps, birthright Israel trips, and Jewish day schools, assessing their impact on community engagement. The center also houses the Steinhardt Social Research Institute, which specializes in innovative methods for estimating the size and characteristics of religious groups.

Key publications and findings

Researchers at the center have produced influential studies that have shaped understanding of contemporary Jewish life. Seminal publications have analyzed the effects of the birthright Israel program, demonstrating its significant impact on participants' connection to Israel and Jewish heritage. Their demographic work has documented major trends such as rising intermarriage rates, shifting patterns of religious observance, and the growth of Jews with no religious affiliation. The center's analyses of Jewish education have provided evidence for the community-building efficacy of immersive experiences like summer camp and Israel travel.

Leadership and notable scholars

The center has been directed since its early years by prominent social scientist Leonard Saxe, who also leads the Steinhardt Social Research Institute. Under his leadership, the center has expanded its research portfolio and national influence. Notable affiliated scholars have included sociologist Calvin Goldscheider, a foundational figure in Jewish demographic studies, and Fern Chertok, a leading researcher on Jewish philanthropy and volunteerism. The work of these and other center researchers is frequently cited in academic journals, major media outlets like The New York Times, and policy discussions within organizations like the Jewish Federations of North America.

Affiliations and impact

As an integral part of Brandeis University, the center collaborates closely with other academic units such as the Department of Near Eastern and Judaic Studies and the Hornstein Jewish Professional Leadership Program. It maintains strong partnerships with major Jewish communal organizations, including the Jewish Federations of North America and the Jim Joseph Foundation, which often fund and utilize its research. The center's data-driven reports directly inform the strategic planning and programming of synagogues, community centers, and educational institutions across the United States and beyond, making it a pivotal institution in understanding 21st-century Jewish identity.

Category:Research institutes in the United States Category:Brandeis University Category:Jewish studies organizations