Program History

Spring 2008

Jewish Studies at Sonoma State University began when Holocaust survivor Claude Ganz donated seed money to fund a series of courses that would help foster his vision of using Jewish education as a way to promote cultural diversity and interfaith understanding. The first two courses were held during the spring 2008 semester on a trial basis in order to gauge student interest and program viability.

Fall 2008

Executive Director Michael Ezra spearheaded the development of the program through its acceptance into Sonoma State’s official curriculum by a series of academic review committees. The successful trial program was expanded into a pilot of four courses.

During the Fall 2008 semester, the Academic Senate at Sonoma State University voted unanimously to approve the Jewish Studies Program, which now offers students the opportunity to receive a minor degree.

Spring 2009

The number of courses offered in Jewish Studies swelled to nine. The program has raised close to $300,000 in cash and pledges from individual donors and foundations. We hope to raise additional funds to secure the future of the Jewish Studies Program at Sonoma State.