The DePaul University College of Law Center for Jewish Law & Judaic Studies is Dedicated to the Advancement of Multi-Disciplinary Jewish Education from a Broad Spectrum of Perspectives

Upon seeing a multitude of people, one should recite "Blessed are you, our God, King of the Universe, the One who knows all secrets," for just as their faces differ, one from the other, so, too, their opinions differ, one from the other.
(Midrash Rabbah on Numbers 21:2)

"Then those who revere God spoke to one another, and God listened and took note."
(Malachi 3:16)

The Jewish tradition always has embraced the idea of pluralistic thought and dialogue, but it requires a level of knowledge before one has the right to a seat at the table. JLJS is dedicated to promoting multi-disciplinary education in Jewish law, philosophy, theology, history and culture among members of the bar, the academy, the greater Chicagoland Jewish community, and all others who are sincerely interested in what Judaism has to say about issues of critical contemporary significance. Through its educational programs and its scholarship, JLJS seeks to influence both the national and international debate on fundamental matters of societal concern. JLJS is the only such law school center in Illinois and is one of only a handful of such centers in the entire country.

JLJS employs a diverse mix of methodologies, subjects and venues. While some programs focus on practical issues confronting professionals who either are Jewish or have Jewish clients or patients, other programs explore broader and more profound philosophical, theological and jurisprudential concepts. In crafting its diverse calendar of events, JLJS partners with key Jewish institutions in Chicago, including the Spertus Institute for Jewish Studies, the Jewish Federation, the American Friends of the Hebrew University, and others.

JLJS’s extraordinary flavor is reflected by the diverse backgrounds of its two co-directors. Before joining the DePaul faculty, Professor Steven Resnicoff studied for a number of years in a traditional yeshiva and received Orthodox rabbinic ordination from the late sage, Rabbi Moshe Feinstein, of blessed memory. Professor Roberta Kwall, on the other hand, has extensive ties to the Conservative and traditional communities in Chicago and elsewhere and self-denominates as "postdenominational." Together, they bring a deep passion for Judaism and over 45 years of experience as professors at DePaul University College of law.

The breadth of insights and experiences that JLJS programming examines also is reflected by the wide spectrum of personal perspectives among the women and men composing its Rabbinic and Professional Advisory Board. With the support of College of Law Dean Glen Weissenberger, JLJS aspires to become a major force in Jewish legal education in the Chicagoland area.

The establishment of JLJS at DePaul is particularly appropriate. Historically, the university and its College of Law are well known for welcoming Jewish applicants as well applicants from all minority, ethnic and religious groups. DePaul College of Law provides religious accommodations for its faculty, students and staff, and it takes affirmative steps to provide a community atmosphere that enables people from diverse backgrounds and cultures to feel at home. Thus, creation of the JLJS is a natural progression of the DePaul tradition.