Shofar-An Interdisciplinary Journal of Jewish Studies

Scope & Guideline

Exploring the Depths of Jewish Identity and Culture

Introduction

Immerse yourself in the scholarly insights of Shofar-An Interdisciplinary Journal of Jewish Studies with our comprehensive guidelines detailing its aims and scope. This page is your resource for understanding the journal's thematic priorities. Stay abreast of trending topics currently drawing significant attention and explore declining topics for a full picture of evolving interests. Our selection of highly cited topics and recent high-impact papers is curated within these guidelines to enhance your research impact.
LanguageEnglish
ISSN0882-8539
PublisherPURDUE UNIV PRESS
Support Open AccessNo
CountryUnited States
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 2014 to 2024
AbbreviationSHOFAR / Shofar
Frequency4 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
Address1207 SOUTH CAMPUS COURTS-E, W LAFAYETTE, IN 47907-1207

Aims and Scopes

Shofar-An Interdisciplinary Journal of Jewish Studies is dedicated to exploring and analyzing the multifaceted dimensions of Jewish life, history, and culture through an interdisciplinary lens. The journal aims to engage a diverse academic audience by publishing research that addresses both historical and contemporary issues related to Jewish identity, politics, and culture.
  1. Interdisciplinary Approaches to Jewish Studies:
    The journal encourages methodologies that integrate perspectives from history, literature, sociology, theology, and cultural studies to provide a comprehensive understanding of Jewish experiences.
  2. Critical Examination of Jewish Identity:
    Papers often focus on the complexities of Jewish identity, including discussions on race, gender, and religious affiliations, reflecting the diverse narratives within the Jewish community.
  3. Historical Contextualization:
    Research frequently contextualizes Jewish experiences within broader historical frameworks, such as the Holocaust, Zionism, and diasporic movements, to highlight the interplay between past and present.
  4. Cultural and Literary Analysis:
    The journal emphasizes the analysis of Jewish literature, art, and cultural expressions, showcasing how these mediums reflect and shape Jewish thought and identity.
  5. Political and Ethical Discourse:
    Contributions often engage with contemporary political issues affecting Jewish communities globally, including debates on Zionism, anti-Semitism, and social justice, fostering critical dialogue.
Recent publications in Shofar reflect emerging trends that highlight contemporary issues, intersectionality, and innovative approaches to Jewish studies. These themes resonate with current sociopolitical contexts and broaden the scope of Jewish scholarship.
  1. Intersectionality and Diversity in Jewish Identity:
    There is a growing focus on the intersectionality of Jewish identity, exploring how race, ethnicity, gender, and sexuality interact within Jewish contexts, which signifies a move towards more inclusive scholarship.
  2. Critiques of Zionism and Post-Zionism:
    An increasing number of papers critically engage with Zionism and present post-Zionist perspectives, reflecting contemporary debates within and outside the Jewish community regarding identity and statehood.
  3. Holocaust Studies and Memory:
    Research on Holocaust memory continues to be prominent, but with a shift towards exploring its implications in contemporary discourse, including issues of representation and collective memory.
  4. Cultural Production and Representation:
    Emerging themes include the analysis of cultural production, such as literature, film, and art, examining how these forms reflect and challenge Jewish identities and experiences in modern contexts.
  5. Social Justice and Activism:
    Papers increasingly address social justice issues within Jewish communities, linking historical narratives to contemporary movements, such as anti-racism and feminism, highlighting a commitment to activism and ethical discourse.

Declining or Waning

As the journal evolves, certain themes that once held prominence appear to be waning. This decline is indicative of shifts in academic focus and the changing landscape of Jewish studies.
  1. Traditional Religious Studies:
    There is a noticeable decrease in papers focused solely on traditional religious practices and theological discussions, as the journal increasingly prioritizes contemporary cultural and political analyses.
  2. Historical Narratives of Jewish Victimhood:
    While historical studies remain important, there is less emphasis on singular narratives of victimhood, with a shift towards more complex, multifaceted portrayals of Jewish resilience and agency.
  3. Ethnic and Nationalist Perspectives:
    Themes centered on ethnic nationalism, particularly in relation to Zionism, are becoming less frequent as the journal embraces more critical and diverse perspectives on Jewish identity.
  4. Focus on Historical Events without Contemporary Relevance:
    Papers that recount historical events without linking them to current issues or debates are appearing less often, reflecting a trend towards relevance in contemporary discussions.
  5. Gender Studies in Historical Context:
    Although gender studies remain significant, there seems to be a decline in papers that exclusively focus on historical gender roles within Jewish communities, as the journal seeks to integrate gender into broader sociopolitical discourses.

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