Introduction to Harvard Divinity School’s New Appointment
Facing pressure from the Trump administration in part over its handling of antisemitism, Harvard University recently announced the appointment of Shaul Magid as professor of modern Jewish studies in residence at Harvard Divinity School.
The role is new for the school, a nondenominational center for the study of religion. Magid had been a visiting professor there for two years while on leave from Dartmouth College.
Background on Shaul Magid
While Magid is a highly regarded scholar of Jewish thought, his appointment to the new role has raised hackles among some Jewish observers for a critical stance he calls “counter-Zionism.” In his 2023 book, “The Necessity of Exile,” he argues that while Zionism was once a necessary ideology, Israel has since become a state of Jewish domination that stands in the way of equality for all of its citizens.
Reactions to the Appointment
Prominent voices that have criticized Harvard’s handling of alleged antisemitism said they regretted that Harvard Divinity School was elevating a “counter-Zionist” rather than adding someone who supports Israel to the faculty.
“Shaul Magid is a gracious human being & an estimable scholar of Jewish texts, notably Hasidism,” tweeted Rabbi David Wolpe, who served on Harvard’s antisemitism advisory group before later resigning. “I profoundly disagree with his stance on Israel and wish HDS would appoint someone whose views reflect the mainstream of the Jewish community.”
Concerns and Criticisms
Shabbos Kestenbaum, a Harvard Divinity School graduate and prominent critic of Harvard’s handling of the pro-Palestinian protests that followed Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel, called Magid’s appointment a missed opportunity.
“I have enormous respect for Professor Magid,” Kestenbaum told The New York Sun. “I do wonder though, why in a Divinity school, especially one with a strong history of antisemitism, is there still no voice of normative Zionism, a central part of the overwhelming majority of Jewish Americans’ religious identity?”
Support for Magid’s Appointment
Supporters of Magid’s appointment praised his scholarship, even while acknowledging that they disagreed with his stance on Zionism. In a post on Facebook, Yehuda Kurtzer, president of the Shalom Hartman Institute where Magid was previously a senior fellow, said critics of Magid’s appointment were wrong to regard him as an “enemy.”
“There is no planet on which Shaul should be considered undeserving of an academic appointment — any academic appointment, honestly,” wrote Kurtzer. “He has earned that through his scholarly record and does not need my affirmation on that front.”
Magid’s Perspective
In an interview with JTA, Magid said that he, too, believes his new appointment could play a “balancing role” as Harvard faces mounting scrutiny over allegations of antisemitism on its campus.
“I think the role that I can play is I’m a person who, you know, frankly, knows a good deal about the subject and a person that engages with students who are along a broad spectrum,” he said.
Antisemitism and Academic Freedom
Magid said that while antisemitism at Harvard was an issue that should be addressed, criticism of his appointment appeared to be a “bullying tactic.”
“It’s not to say that there weren’t issues around antisemitism,” said Magid, “but I just think that this is being used as an occasion to say….’We want you to hire the right kind of Jew,’ right?”
Harvard’s Challenges
Magid’s appointment to Harvard’s new faculty position comes as the school faces an escalating series of threats from the federal government, ostensibly over its response to antisemitism on campus. The battle between Harvard and the Trump administration has included multi-billion dollar federal funding cuts, a lawsuit filed by the school and federal efforts to revoke the university’s nonprofit status. Last month, the Trump administration revoked its permission for Harvard University to enroll international students.
Conclusion
The appointment of Shaul Magid as professor of modern Jewish studies in residence at Harvard Divinity School highlights the complexities and challenges of addressing antisemitism and promoting academic freedom on university campuses. While Magid’s critical stance on Zionism has raised concerns among some Jewish observers, his supporters argue that his scholarship and ability to engage with diverse perspectives make him an valuable addition to the Harvard community.
FAQs
- Q: Who is Shaul Magid?
A: Shaul Magid is a highly regarded scholar of Jewish thought who has been appointed as professor of modern Jewish studies in residence at Harvard Divinity School. - Q: What is Magid’s stance on Zionism?
A: Magid has been critical of Zionism, arguing that while it was once a necessary ideology, Israel has since become a state of Jewish domination that stands in the way of equality for all of its citizens. - Q: Why has Magid’s appointment been controversial?
A: Magid’s appointment has been controversial because some Jewish observers feel that his critical stance on Zionism does not reflect the mainstream views of the Jewish community, and that Harvard Divinity School should have appointed someone who supports Israel instead. - Q: What does Magid say about his role at Harvard?
A: Magid believes that his new appointment could play a “balancing role” as Harvard faces mounting scrutiny over allegations of antisemitism on its campus, and that he can engage with students from a broad spectrum of perspectives.
