Service to the community has been a hallmark of the Jewish Studies Program since its inception. The Program has always been committed to providing meaningful educational and cultural programming for the larger non-academic community, bridging the gap between town and gown. Concerts, lectures, our signature Three-Rabbi Panel event, Sunday Morning Brunches with guest speakers, brown bag lunches, Hanukkah in the Square (the main Hanukkah event of the City of Charleston), a World of Jewish Culture at Piccolo Spoleto, and the Jewish Historical Society of South Carolina are all part of the free or substantially subsidized programming offerings coordinated by the Yaschik/Arnold Jewish Studies Program.
The Jewish Community of South Carolina has been the inspiration for the program and its guiding force since the Program’s modest beginnings. It has embraced the Program’s offerings, supported the Program financially, and promoted it to the College community. Community members regularly take Jewish Studies courses, sometimes for credit, but more often as auditors. The Jewish Community Liaison, a full time Jewish Studies staff member, is charged with serving as the connection between town and gown, the College and greater Charleston Jewish community. The Community Liaison coordinates and promotes programming for the community, manages Jewish Studies’ development initiatives, and works closely with the Community Advisory Board.
For a community organization that operates under the auspices of the Jewish Studies Program for the historic preservation of Jewish life in South Carolina, see the website of the Jewish Historical Society of South Carolina.