Incoming Letter from CJC Director Bruce Hoffman

Dear CJC Community:

Amidst all the upheaval and uncertainty today in the world, in this country, and on our campus, we are fortunate that the CJC’s core values of diversity and inclusiveness as well as its long-standing commitment to social justice and tikkun olam—repairing the world—remain as important and relevant as they are timeless. That these values align so closely with those of the Jesuit university which is our home, is an additional source of strength and replenishment in these especially trying times.

Under Professor Berlinerblau’s leadership, the CJC established an impressively solid foundation of expertise in the religion, literature, history, culture, language, music, politics, and diplomacy of the Jewish people. My intention is to build on that legacy and further energize the CJC’s efforts in new directions, especially the study and countering of hate and intolerance. Among my other priorities is to expand our curriculum on Israel studies and also further deepen our understanding of the Holocaust.

I am at once both honored and humbled to have this opportunity to work with you to ensure the CJC’s continued vitality and consolidate the remarkable success it has achieved during Professor Berlinerblau’s decade-and-a-half as director. There will eventually come a time when the pandemic will be over and we all will again be able to gather to celebrate in person our friendship and fellowship. Until then, I am eager to meet and hear from you whether individually, in small groups (health and safety concerns permitting), via Zoom, or over the telephone.

With best wishes and kindest regards,

Yours ever,

Bruce Hoffman