Religious Misconceptions: American Jews and the Politics of Abortion

Date: Jun 24, 2024

Time: 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm

Sponsor: Online Lecture Series

Location: Online

Category: JTS Alumni in the World

Religious Misconceptions: American Jews and the Politics of Abortion

Part of our summer learning series JTS Alumni in the World: Scholarship and Impact 

Monday, June 24
1:00–2:30 p.m. ET
Online

With Dr. Rachel Kranson (Kekst Graduate School ’00), Associate Professor of Religious Studies and Director of Jewish Studies, University of Pittsburgh 

We will begin by tracing the history of how American Jews contributed to reproductive politics by developing first amendment-based arguments for abortion rights. We will also discuss the ways in which reproductive politics transformed American Judaism. In particular, we will look at the many rituals that Jewish feminist leaders developed to support people undergoing abortion care and galvanize activists working for reproductive rights.  

The Zoom link for all sessions in the JTS Alumni in the World: Scholarship and Impact series will be in the confirmation email that you receive after you register. 

Dr. Rachel Kranson is director of Jewish studies and associate professor of religious studies at the University of Pittsburgh, specializing in the history of American Jews and the history of gender and sexuality. Before joining the religious studies faculty at the University of Pittsburgh, she earned a PhD in the joint History/Hebrew and Judaic Studies program at New York University and a master’s degree in Women’s Studies from the Jewish Theological Seminary. Dr. Kranson’s current research project is tentatively entitled “Religious Misconceptions: American Jews and the Politics of Abortion.” 

About the Series

Our esteemed JTS alumni are making important contributions through their work as scholars and thought leaders in their fields. Join them this summer for nine outstanding learning sessions. Through their engagement with Jewish text, history, and thought, they are enhancing the spiritual and personal lives of individuals, building more inclusive communities, and preparing the leaders of tomorrow, ensuring a stronger Jewish future.