Written by John Finn 330-263-2145 Email Story | Print Story

March 30, 2004

Rabbi Steven Leonard Jacobs

WOOSTER, Ohio - Rabbi Steven Leonard Jacobs, associate professor of religion and Aaron Aronov Chair of Judaic Studies in the Department of Religious Studies at The University of Alabama, will present "The Oldest Hatred and the Biggest Lie," a lecture exploring the nature and history of anti-Semitism as well as the role of the notorious forgery, The Protocols of The Elders of Zion, in that history on Monday April 19, at The College of Wooster. The free public event will be held in Gault Recital Hall of Scheide Music Center (525 E. University St.), beginning at 7:30 p.m.

In addition to a study of The Protocols, Dismantling the Big Lie (2003), written with Mark Weitzman, Jacobs' books include Rethinking Jewish Faith (1994) and the edited collection Pioneers of Genocide Studies (2002). He received his B.A. from Penn State University, and both his doctorate and rabbinic ordination from the Hebrew Union College's Jewish Institute of Religion. Jacobs' research focuses on the translation and interpretation of the Dead Sea Scrolls, as well as Holocaust and genocide studies. At The University of Alabama, he teaches the courses Philosophies of Judaism, Figures in Contemporary Jewish Thought, and The Holocaust in Historical Perspective. He is also the advisor for the University of Alabama's minor in Judaic and an active participant in several professional organizations, including the Alabama Holocaust Commission and the International Association of Genocide Scholars.

Aside from his lecture, Jacobs will moderate "Philosophies of Judaism" at a special session of the Philosophy Roundtable on Tuesday, April 20, at 11 a.m. in Room 105 of Scovel Hall (944 College Mall). This event is also free and open to the public.

Jacobs' visit is sponsored by The Department of Philosophy The Department of History, and Hillel at The College of Wooster. For additional information, call 330-263-2380.