Mayer Juni Yeshiva Sha’ar HaTorah Mexico City, Mexico MA Medieval Jewish History

Throughout my studies at Revel, I focused on various ideological developments throughout the medieval and modern periods, the interface between social history and intellectual history, and the formation of identity in the early-modern world in the face of increasing communication between different segments of the Jewish world and between Jews and non-Jews.One of my favorite courses was with visiting Professor Immanuel Etkes on Debates on Modern Jewish Society, which covered many of the major ideological, social, and religious developments of last three hundred years. Professor Etkes’s lectures were entertaining, analytical, and informative. He is also a real mensch and truly conveyed his care for his students. I really enjoyed Professor Perelis’ course on Marranos and Other Heretics. Professor Perelis teaching style is both inviting and engaging, and he truly runs his course like a seminar. I am particularly grateful for his encouragement and guidance with regards to my own research. Professor Carlebach’s course on The Sabbatean Controversies opened up a new and intriguing world for me. While she is certainly demanding of her students, her high standards really pushed me to sharpen my ideas. I am especially thankful for her guidance in how to improve my writing. Professor Kanarfogel has generously made himself available and offered me constructive feedback on the research I did for his classes. I appreciate his honest and balanced critiques.

Ultimately, beyond its excellent academic offerings, Revel provides a grouping and a social space for like-minded intellectually-inclined Orthodox Jews and I have made many new friends throughout my years here, all of which I am extremely grateful for. The visiting scholar’s lecture events were a highlight as well. They provided the opportunity to meet and and learn from a wide range of scholars from outside Yeshiva and created a space to hang out and interact with the wider Revel community.