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Canadian Jewish Scholar to Discuss Modern Jewish Identity

One of Canada’s preeminent Jewish studies scholars will deliver a talk on modern Jewish identity Wednesday, March 9 at 7:15 p.m. in the Alumni Conference Room, Angell College Center.

Dr. Ira Robinson, professor of religion and chair and director of the Concordia Institute for Canadian Jewish Studies at Concordia University in Montreal, will address “Who is a Marrano? Reflections on Modern Jewish Identity.” In late 14th century Spanish history, a Marrano is a Jew who converted to Christianity to escape persecution but who continued to practice Judaism secretly. The term also applies to descendants. 

Robinson has taught at Concordia since 1979 and is the president of the Canadian Society for Jewish Studies, past president of the Association for Canadian Jewish Studies and past president of the Jewish Public Library of Montreal. He was awarded the Louis Rosenberg Canadian Jewish Studies Distinguished Service Award by the Association of Canadian Jewish Studies in recognition of his lifelong contribution to the study of Canadian Jewry. His research interests include Canadian Judaism, Orthodox Judaism in North America and Judaism and science.

He is author, co-editor and translator of a number of books including “History, Memory and Jewish Identity,” and has published more than 50 articles in leading academic journals.

His presentation, which is free and open to the public, is made possible through a grant from College Auxiliary Services and support from the Plattsburgh College Foundation and the Center for the Study of Canada.

For more information, contact Dr. Jonathan Slater, director of the Jewish Studies Program, 518-564-2284 or [email protected].

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