We look forward to Gratz faculty and graduate students joining the Zelikovitz Centre as research affiliates, contributing to Jewish Studies at Carleton and in the larger community, through research and teaching, engaging with us through conferences, presentations and workshops, and enjoying access to our own extensive library resources. From our first conversations with Gratz leadership, we have found true colleagues. Over Zoom meetings, our conversations overflow every scheduled meeting as we share what we are doing in our online teaching during the pandemic, how we imagine all of the future projects where we might collaborate and the exciting ways we can connect. I have been delighted that even in advance of today’s signing, we are already welcoming members of the Gratz community to join us in online Zoom lectures that have become so critical to sustaining a vibrant scholarly community in these times.
The realities of the current pandemic have challenged all of us to reimagine the academic project of teaching and research. We have learned to collaborate better because we must, but unexpectedly, delightfully, we have found ourselves inspired and motivated in exciting new ways, with new colleagues and new friends.
On a personal note, Thank you to Jacques Shore, you made this “shidduch,” this match, between our two institutions in honour of your mother and with a vision to strengthen us all. You have truly made her legacy a blessing.
Written by Dr. Deidre Butler, Director of the Zelikovitz Centre for Jewish Studies at Carleton University
