UA Welcomes New Judaic Studies Chair

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Long-time Rabbi Dr. Steven Jacobs has accepted the position as the Aaron Aronov Chair of Judaic Studies within The University of Alabama’s College of Arts and Sciences’ department of religious studies.

Jacobs, who comes to UA from Huntsville, will also serve as professor of religious studies. His official appointment as chair holder by the University Board of Trustees is expected on Feb. 15. Jacobs has earned bachelor’s degrees from Penn State and the Hebrew Union College’s Jewish Institute of Religion. He also holds a master’s degree of Hebrew letters and doctorates in Hebrew letters and divinity.

A rabbi with the Temple B’Nai Sholom in Huntsville, Jacobs will continue in his capacity there on a part-time basis until Aug. 1. He will then become the new rabbi at Tuscaloosa’s Temple Emanu-El.

“It’s like I’m flip-flopping in roles, going from 26 years as a full-time rabbi into a full-time teaching role,” said Jacobs. “I’m truly excited to have this wonderful opportunity to come to The University of Alabama and take on the challenge of directing such an outstanding program.”

“The Aaron Aronov Chair in Judaic Studies is extremely important in its contribution to the College’s academic quality, as well as to the quality of life in the University and Tuscaloosa communities,” said Dr. Robert Olin, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. “It is fitting that the state’s most comprehensive University includes a scholar and rabbi who can give our students and faculty valuable understanding and insights of our Judeo-Christian culture from the Jewish perspective. We are fortunate that the University’s many alumni and friends have established this chair, and we look forward to many good things from Dr. Jacobs’ presence on our campus and in our community.”

In addition to his academic and teaching responsibilities, Jacobs, whose areas of specialty include the Holocaust and genocide studies, says he looks forward to developing greater outreach to the local and state communities and increasing the public presence of the Judaic Studies program at UA.

“I am looking forward to expanding upon a number of things that will make this program attractive to potential and current students and also to serve the Jewish community locally,” said Jacobs. “I am honored to be the only chair in Judaic Studies in the state of Alabama, and I think that such an honor requires a greater degree of responsibility in and out of the classroom. I am excited about teaching, and I look forward to being a source of answers to students who have questions. Also, serving as a rabbi here in Tuscaloosa is yet another way for me to serve the community’s Jewish men and women.

“But I also hope to widen the interest in this program and The University by serving as an ambassador to potential students I meet across the state and country,” Jacobs continued. “As such, I would like to recruit current students to also help serve that role within our own community here in Tuscaloosa. Additionally, within the scope of the program itself, I would like to see an expansion of course offerings, and attract well-known speakers to our campus, who will serve as a magnet to faculty, staff and students seeking knowledge and answers.”

Jacobs, who has written a wide variety of publications on Judaic studies, including topics dealing with the Holocaust and genocide, is also active in numerous organizations such as the Alabama Holocaust Commission, the American Academy of Religion, the Association for Jewish Studies, and the Society of Biblical Literature. He is married to Louanne, and the couple has two daughters, Hannah and Naomi, and a son, Shea.