NEW YORK, N.Y. – Dr. Avinoam J. Patt, Philip D. Feltman Professor of Modern Jewish History at the Maurice Greenberg Center for Judaic Studies at the University of Hartford, is one of five Jewish studies scholars selected to make up the first cohort of JTS Fellows, a new initiative to expand and diversify the Jewish Theological Seminary’s adult learning opportunities. The fellows will support JTS’s mission to be a leading educational voice and resource for the Conservative Movement by offering programs in their home communities.

Patt, who lives in West Hartford and is also director of the Museum of Jewish Civilization at the University of Hartford, received his PhD in modern European history and Hebrew and Judaic studies from New York University. He is the author of Finding Home and Homeland: Jewish Youth and Zionism in the Aftermath of the Holocaust and has contributed to several other works.

“It’s exciting for me to welcome these five remarkable teachers to the extended JTS family,” says Chancellor Arnold M. Eisen. “Each one brings Jewish texts and history to life with originality and passion. Their talent will add a major new dimension to JTS’s role in revitalizing Jewish learning and Jewish life in North America.”

Selected in recognition of their scholarly achievements, their demonstrated excellence in teaching, and their commitment to Judaism and the Jewish community, the JTS Fellows will serve for a term of two years and participate in a range of activities that will include teaching, curriculum development, and providing content for JTS’s digital learning platforms.