The Leo Baeck Institute Jerusalem and the Wissenschaftliche Arbeitsgemeinschaft des Leo Baeck Instituts in Deutschland invite applications for a seminar for postdoctoral students of German-Jewish and Central-European Jewish History. The first part of this workshop will take place in Berlin from 9-13 July 2012, the second part in Jerusalem from 3-8 February 2013.

The seminar will offer postdoctoral students of German-Jewish and Central-European Jewish History the opportunity to present and thoroughly discuss their current research projects. More senior scholars from Germany and Israel will be invited to comment on the projects and provide the young researchers with feedback and academic guidance. Apart from the scholarly debate itself, the scholars from both countries will have the opportunity to learn more about the scholarly traditions and research contexts of their colleagues and to meet senior scholars of the respective countries. Furthermore, this seminar will include tours of museums and memorials related to the German-Jewish experience.

We hope that the format of the seminar, with the meetings in both Germany and Israel, will contribute to a more thorough and comprehensive scholarly exchange and debate. The initial event in Berlin will allow candidates to present their projects and will be followed by a several months-long period of continued informal discussion. During the second meeting in Jerusalem, the participants will present revised versions or new insights resulting from the feedback they received. The extended period of personal encounters, of dialogue with other researchers in the field, and of intensive exchange is meant to promote the quality and interdisciplinary character of the candidates’ scholarly output.

The seminar will be held in English.

Applications (only via email) must be submitted in English by March 15 to the Leo Baeck Institute Jerusalem (leobaeck@leobaeck.org). They should include a CV and a one page description of the current or planned postdoctoral project. One letter of recommendation from a senior scholar should be sent directly (via email) to the LBI Jerusalem. For additional information please call the Leo Baeck Institute Jerusalem: (++972)(0)2-5633790.

Funding is available to cover most of the travel expenses and accommodation in Berlin and Jerusalem.

The seminar is supported by the Stiftung Deutsch-Israelisches Zukunftsforum.