Who We Are
Concerned Jewish Faculty and Staff is a membership organization of Jewish faculty and staff from colleges and universities in the Boston area. We represent a range of backgrounds and hold diverse views, but we are united in opposing the invocation of Jews and Jewishness – and misguided or cynical claims of antisemitism – to penalize Palestine solidarity activism, to stifle academic freedom, or to otherwise attack inclusionary commitments.
We believe that Jewish safety is deeply connected to the safety of all people, and that the fight against antisemitism cannot be separated from the struggle against all forms of oppression. Through public events, statements, scholarly engagement, and other work, we bring personal perspectives and academic expertise to key issues on our campuses and in our communities.
Join us here.
Founding Members
Anat Biletzki, Quinnipiac University
Jacob Bor, Boston University
Jonathan Feingold, Boston University
Marjorie Feld, Babson College
Mneesha Gellman, Emerson College
Margaret Litvin, Boston University
Hilary Lustick, UMass Lowell
Jeremy Menchik, Boston University
Zinaida Miller, Northeastern University
Rachel Rosenbloom, Northeastern University
Eve Spangler, Boston College
Nathan Wolff, Tufts University
FAQ
Q: What is this group about?
A: Concerned Jewish Faculty & Staff is a membership organization of Jewish faculty and staff from colleges and universities in the greater Boston area. We represent a range of backgrounds and hold diverse views, but we are united in opposing the invocation of Jews and Jewishness – and misguided or cynical claims of antisemitism – to penalize Palestine solidarity activism, to stifle academic freedom, or to otherwise attack inclusionary commitments. We believe that Jewish safety is deeply connected to the safety of all people, and that the fight against antisemitism cannot be separated from the struggle against all forms of oppression. Through public events, statements, scholarly engagement, and other work, we bring personal perspectives and academic expertise to key issues on our campuses and in our communities.
Q: Should I join? How do I join?
A: If the paragraph above appeals to you and you are Jewish and work in higher education (faculty or staff, current or retired), fill out the short form linked here.
Q: What do you do?
A: On our own campuses, we meet with administrators to help them hear a broad range of Jewish voices. We run workshops on topics such as “What is Antisemitism?” and “Difficult Classroom Conversations.” Across campuses, we pool our expertise and provide expert speakers for events. We offer solidarity and mutual support to faculty, staff, and students who have been threatened or punished for criticizing Israel and/or supporting Palestinian human rights. At the town, city, and state level, we work to educate lawmakers and policymakers about the danger of conflating Jewish identity with pro-Israel political views. Among other projects, we have authored op-eds and testified to the Massachusetts Special Commission on Combatting Antisemitism.
Q: Can I join CJFS if I'm already involved in other Jewish or Israel/Palestine-related organizing?
A: Yes! There are multiple groups and formations out there. CJFS is specifically for folks who work in higher education and identify as Jewish. Many members are also involved in other groups.
Q: What does membership entail?
A: Members who provide a non-university email address are added to the internal CJFS email list and invited to participate in CJFS projects when so moved. Membership does not currently entail monetary dues.
Q: Why are you asking for a non-university email address?
A: In the interest of privacy and security, the internal CJFS listserv does not add email accounts provided by your employer.
Q: Can I join CJFS if I only have an .edu email address?
A: Yes! Anyone interested can and should sign up. But if you only provide a university email address, we are unable to add you to the internal email list. Let us know if you need assistance creating a new email account (such as Gmail, Hotmail, Proton, etc.). We are happy to help!
Q: I’m with you in spirit, but I’m overcommitted or shy. Should I join anyway?
A: Yes! There is strength in numbers, so your membership is valuable in itself. Our experience is that people tend to appreciate the community even if they are not actively engaged, and then jump off the couch when a particular project moves them.
Q: Now what?
A: Please sign up here and one of us will be in touch.
Q: You folks sound great, but I’m not Jewish or not faculty/staff. What to do?
A: Sign up here to join our mailing list! We circulate a lot of general-interest info and action opportunities. And we work closely with several allied groups, because Jewish safety is deeply connected to the safety of all people.