AJS Review-The Journal of the Association for Jewish Studies

Scope & Guideline

Uncovering the Depths of Jewish History and Culture

Introduction

Welcome to the AJS Review-The Journal of the Association for Jewish Studies information hub, where our guidelines provide a wealth of knowledge about the journal’s focus and academic contributions. This page includes an extensive look at the aims and scope of AJS Review-The Journal of the Association for Jewish Studies, highlighting trending and emerging areas of study. We also examine declining topics to offer insight into academic interest shifts. Our curated list of highly cited topics and recent publications is part of our effort to guide scholars, using these guidelines to stay ahead in their research endeavors.
LanguageEnglish
ISSN0364-0094
PublisherUNIV PENNSYLVANIA PRESS
Support Open AccessNo
CountryUnited Kingdom
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 1976 to 1982, from 1984 to 1999, from 2001 to 2024
AbbreviationAJS REV / AJS Rev.
Frequency2 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
AddressJOURNALS DIVISION, 3905 SPRUCE STREET, PHILADELPHIA, PA 19104

Aims and Scopes

AJS Review is dedicated to advancing the understanding of Jewish studies through scholarly research that encompasses a wide range of topics relevant to Jewish history, culture, and thought. The journal aims to provide a platform for innovative research and critical discourse that reflects the complexity and diversity of Jewish experiences across different contexts and time periods.
  1. Jewish History and Identity:
    The journal focuses on the historical narratives and experiences of Jewish communities, exploring their cultural, social, and political developments across various regions, including Europe, the Americas, and the Middle East.
  2. Interdisciplinary Approaches:
    AJS Review employs interdisciplinary methodologies, integrating insights from history, literature, sociology, religious studies, and cultural studies to enrich the understanding of Jewish life and thought.
  3. Contemporary Jewish Thought:
    The journal examines modern Jewish thought, including philosophical inquiries, ethical discussions, and the intersection of Jewish identity with contemporary issues such as nationalism, diaspora, and multiculturalism.
  4. Critical Engagement with Texts:
    A significant emphasis is placed on textual analysis, including rabbinic literature, biblical exegesis, and modern Jewish writings, to uncover deeper insights into Jewish intellectual traditions and their evolution.
  5. Cultural Expressions and Representations:
    The journal explores the various forms of cultural expression within Jewish communities, including literature, art, music, and performance, and how these reflect and shape Jewish identities.
In recent years, AJS Review has witnessed the emergence of several new themes that reflect changing scholarly interests and societal dynamics. These trends indicate a vibrant and evolving field of Jewish studies that engages with contemporary issues and interdisciplinary approaches.
  1. Gender and Jewish Identity:
    There is a growing emphasis on gender studies within Jewish contexts, exploring how gender identity intersects with Jewish life, culture, and religious practices, reflecting broader societal conversations about gender.
  2. Global Jewish Experiences:
    Recent publications increasingly focus on the diverse experiences of Jewish communities worldwide, reflecting a trend towards examining Jewish identity in a globalized context, including diasporic studies and transnational narratives.
  3. Jewish Responses to Modernity:
    The journal has seen an uptick in articles analyzing Jewish thought and practice in response to modernity, including discussions on secularism, assimilation, and the redefinition of Jewish identity in contemporary society.
  4. Cultural Memory and Representation:
    There is an emerging interest in how Jewish culture is represented in various media, including film, literature, and visual arts, highlighting the role of cultural memory in shaping Jewish identity and collective narratives.
  5. Historical Reappraisals:
    Recent themes include critical reexaminations of historical events and figures within Jewish history, challenging established narratives and seeking to uncover marginalized voices and perspectives.

Declining or Waning

While AJS Review continues to cover a broad spectrum of Jewish studies, certain themes appear to be receiving less emphasis in recent publications. This decline may reflect shifts in academic focus or changes in the interests of the scholarly community.
  1. Traditional Rabbinic Literature:
    There has been a noticeable decrease in articles focused specifically on traditional rabbinic literature and its historical contexts, suggesting a shift towards more contemporary or interdisciplinary themes.
  2. Jewish Mysticism and Kabbalah:
    Research on Jewish mysticism, particularly Kabbalah, appears to be waning, as fewer articles engage with its historical development or contemporary relevance compared to previous years.
  3. Jewish Life in Eastern Europe:
    The focus on Eastern European Jewish life, particularly in historical contexts prior to the Holocaust, seems to be less prominent, indicating a potential shift towards more global or diasporic perspectives.
  4. Jewish-Christian Relations:
    Although still a relevant topic, there seems to be a decline in the frequency of articles examining Jewish-Christian dialogues and their historical implications, possibly reflecting a broader trend towards intra-Jewish studies.
  5. The Holocaust and Memory Studies:
    While still a critical area of research, there is a perception that articles specifically centered on Holocaust memory and its implications have decreased, potentially indicating a shift towards examining broader themes of Jewish identity and experience.

Similar Journals

Journal of Ancient Judaism

Advancing Understanding of Ancient Texts and Traditions
Publisher: BRILLISSN: 1869-3296Frequency: 3 issues/year

The Journal of Ancient Judaism is an esteemed academic publication focusing on the dynamic field of religious studies, particularly the historical and cultural contexts of ancient Judaism. Published by BRILL, a reputable international publisher known for its scholarly contributions, this journal is dedicated to advancing the study of ancient Jewish texts, traditions, and their socio-political environments. With an ISSN of 1869-3296 and an E-ISSN of 2196-7954, the journal has established its footprint in the scholarly community, supported by its ranking in the Q3 quartile for Religious Studies in 2023 and a Scopus rank of #371 out of 644 in its category. The content showcased in this journal is vital for researchers, professionals, and students alike, offering peer-reviewed articles that contribute to the broader understanding and appreciation of ancient Jewish heritage and its influence on contemporary religious thought. With a timeline spanning from 2015 to 2024, the journal aims to facilitate rigorous academic discourse and provide open access to vital research findings, fostering a deeper engagement with the complexities of ancient Judaism.

Nordisk Judaistik-Scandinavian Jewish Studies

Illuminating the Rich Tapestry of Scandinavian Jewish Studies
Publisher: DONNER INST RESEARCH RELIGIOUS & CULTURAL HISTORYISSN: 0348-1646Frequency: 2 issues/year

Nordisk Judaistik-Scandinavian Jewish Studies is a distinguished academic journal dedicated to the exploration of Jewish culture, history, and religious practices in the Scandinavian context. Published by the DONNER INSTITUTE FOR RESEARCH ON RELIGIOUS AND CULTURAL HISTORY in Finland, this journal has been an open access platform since 2016, allowing easy dissemination of knowledge and fostering scholarly communication among researchers, educators, and students. With a variety of subjects encompassing Anthropology, Cultural Studies, History, and Religious Studies, the journal has achieved commendable recognition, with its latest rankings placing it in Q2 in several categories according to the 2023 Scopus rankings. The journal's significant contribution to the field is evident through its impact, evidenced by its strategic position within its respective quartiles. By bridging interdisciplinary methodologies and Jewish studies within a Scandinavian framework, Nordisk Judaistik serves as an essential resource for those engaged in the complexities and nuances of Jewish heritage and identity in the region.

Shofar-An Interdisciplinary Journal of Jewish Studies

Cultivating Knowledge at the Intersection of Cultures
Publisher: PURDUE UNIV PRESSISSN: 0882-8539Frequency: 4 issues/year

Shofar: An Interdisciplinary Journal of Jewish Studies, published by Purdue University Press, is a prominent peer-reviewed journal that engages with the diverse and rich tapestry of Jewish studies through interdisciplinary approaches. With a focus on cultural studies, history, and religious studies, the journal has established itself within the academic community, achieving significant recognition evidenced by its Q3 ranking in these disciplines as of 2023. Researchers and scholars in the field will find valuable insights and innovative discussions that push the boundaries of traditional scholarship. Though currently not open access, Shofar offers an enriching forum for scholarly discourse that fosters a deeper understanding of Jewish identity, history, and culture, making it an essential resource for professionals and students alike. The journal's ISSN is 0882-8539, while its E-ISSN is 1534-5165. It is operational from 2014 to 2024 and is located in the United States.

Images

Unveiling the Power of Visual Narratives
Publisher: BRILLISSN: 1871-7993Frequency: 1 issue/year

Images, published by BRILL, serves as a significant academic platform within the realms of Cultural Studies, History, Religious Studies, and the Visual Arts and Performing Arts. With its ISSN 1871-7993 and E-ISSN 1871-8000, this journal is committed to providing a scholarly forum that engages with the complexities of visual representations and their impact on cultural narratives. Though it currently holds a Q4 category ranking across various fields, indicating room for growth, its presence in Scopus rankings showcases its contribution to the arts and humanities, positioning it as a unique voice in interdisciplinary discourse. The journal aims to publish innovative research that fosters dialogue among scholars, practitioners, and students interested in the intersections of visual culture and societal dynamics. Despite its non-open access status, Images remains a vital resource for those seeking to understand the intricate fabric of cultural expressions from historical and contemporary perspectives, offering insights that resonate across academic and artistic landscapes.

East European Jewish Affairs

Fostering Understanding of Jewish Cultural Narratives in Eastern Europe
Publisher: ROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTDISSN: 1350-1674Frequency: 3 issues/year

East European Jewish Affairs is a prominent scholarly journal published by Routledge Journals, Taylor & Francis Ltd, dedicated to exploring the intricate historical, cultural, and political dynamics of Jewish communities in Eastern Europe. With ISSN 1350-1674 and E-ISSN 1743-971X, this journal has been a critical platform for academic discourse since its inception in 1992, resuming publication after a hiatus in 2005. Although it is not an open-access journal, it provides vital insights into Jewish studies, engaging researchers, professionals, and students alike with in-depth analyses and discussions. The journal currently holds a Q4 ranking in multiple categories, including Cultural Studies, History, and Political Science and International Relations, reflecting its niche yet significant contribution to these fields. The 2023 Scopus rankings position it within the 34th percentile in History and the 10th percentile in Political Science, evidencing its specialized focus and the evolving nature of Jewish studies. For those investigating the unique social and cultural trajectories of East European Jewish communities, East European Jewish Affairs serves as an essential resource.

Journal of Modern Jewish Studies

Unveiling the Intersections of Culture, History, and Politics
Publisher: ROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTDISSN: 1472-5886Frequency: 4 issues/year

The Journal of Modern Jewish Studies, published by Routledge Journals, Taylor & Francis Ltd, serves as a premier platform for scholarly discourse in the realm of Jewish studies, particularly addressing the contemporary intersections of culture, history, and political science. Established in 2002, this journal has become increasingly vital, as demonstrated by its categorization in the Q3 and Q4 quartiles across various fields, including Cultural Studies and History, showcasing its pivotal role within the academic community. Despite not being an open-access journal, it continues to maintain a robust ranking, being placed in the 74th percentile for History and 62nd percentile for Cultural Studies in the Scopus Ranks. This illustrates the journal's commitment to high-quality research and its significant contribution to understanding the complexities of modern Jewish life and traditions. Based in the United Kingdom, the journal's outreach and content are designed to engage researchers, professionals, and students who are passionate about exploring the diverse facets of Jewish identity and its implications in contemporary society.

Jewish Film & New Media-An International Journal

Celebrating Innovation in Jewish Film Studies and Media Analysis
Publisher: WAYNE STATE UNIV PRESSISSN: 2169-0324Frequency: 2 issues/year

Jewish Film & New Media: An International Journal, published by Wayne State University Press, serves as a crucial platform for scholars and practitioners within the realms of Film Studies, Jewish Studies, and Media Studies. Since its inception, the journal has explored the intersection between Jewish culture and cinematic representation while also addressing contemporary media narratives. With an ISSN of 2169-0324 and E-ISSN 2169-0332, it is indexed in major databases, showcasing solid rankings in various disciplines, including a commendable Q2 rank in Visual Arts and Performing Arts. Despite its current Q4 categorizations in Anthropology and Communication, the journal is noted for its engaging contributions that sow rich discussions about Jewish identity, filmic expression, and media representation. Researchers and students alike benefit from the journal’s wealth of interdisciplinary scholarship, which spans converged years from 2013 to 2017 and 2019 to 2022, ensuring a robust timeline of critical inquiry. As an essential resource for understanding the nuances of Jewish film and new media, this journal occupies a unique niche, inviting contributions that push the boundaries of current academic dialogue.

JEWISH SOCIAL STUDIES

Cultivating rigorous research in the humanities of Jewish Studies.
Publisher: INDIANA UNIV PRESSISSN: 0021-6704Frequency: 3 issues/year

Jewish Social Studies is a prominent peer-reviewed journal published by Indiana University Press, dedicated to advancing the field of Jewish scholarship through interdisciplinary exploration and critical inquiry. With an ISSN of 0021-6704 and an E-ISSN of 1527-2028, this journal has become a vital resource for researchers and scholars, achieving Q2 rankings in both History and Religious Studies, as well as strong standings in Anthropology and Cultural Studies. The journal bridges the gaps between diverse academic disciplines, focusing on the multifaceted dimensions of Jewish life, culture, and history, making it essential reading for anyone engaged in the study of Judaism. Although it does not currently offer Open Access options, the journal promotes a wealth of rigorous research, critical perspectives, and in-depth analyses that contribute significantly to the understanding of Jewish Studies from 1975 to the present day, with ongoing issues scheduled until 2024. With an established audience of scholars, professionals, and students, Jewish Social Studies remains a leading platform for intellectual discourse and scholarly exchange in the humanities.

Jewish History

Unveiling the Depths of Jewish Cultural Experiences
Publisher: SPRINGERISSN: 0334-701XFrequency: 4 issues/year

Jewish History is a significant academic journal published by Springer, focusing on the multifaceted historical narratives of Jewish communities worldwide. With roots tracing back to 1986, this esteemed journal offers an intellectual platform where researchers and scholars can engage critically with the vast and rich tapestry of Jewish heritage, culture, and experiences. Although it operates under a traditional subscription model, the journal has gained a notable standing in recent years, achieving a Q4 ranking in Cultural Studies and a Q3 ranking in History for 2023, reflecting its robust scholarly contributions. The journal is indexed in Scopus, with a rank of #808 in Arts and Humanities History and #754 in Social Sciences Cultural Studies, placing it within the competitive landscape of academic publishing. Its commitment to advancing the field of Jewish studies makes it an essential resource for researchers, professionals, and students alike, who seek to deepen their understanding of Jewish history from historical, cultural, and social perspectives.

Journal for the Study of Judaism

Exploring the Rich Tapestry of Jewish Thought
Publisher: BRILLISSN: 0047-2212Frequency: 5 issues/year

Journal for the Study of Judaism, published by BRILL, serves as a vital platform for scholarly discourse in the fields of History, Literature and Literary Theory, and Religious Studies. With a commendable impact factor and ranking in the Q2 and Q3 quartiles across its respective categories, this journal facilitates high-quality research that explores the multi-faceted dimensions of Jewish studies from its inception in 1970 to the present day. For those who engage with the journal, the commitment to rigorous peer-review processes ensures publication of significant articles that advance knowledge and foster discussions within the academic community. As an essential resource for researchers, professionals, and students alike, the journal continues to enrich the understanding of Judaism through esteemed contributions of scholarship and critical analysis. The journal’s rich legacy and commitment to excellence make it an indispensable tool for those seeking to deepen their insight into Jewish studies and its broader implications.