A new lectureship in Jewish studies which has been made possible by a joint Jewish-Muslim benefaction is to be created at the University of Cambridge.

The Polonsky-Coexist Lectureship in Jewish Studies, supported by a Jewish-Muslim Joint Endowment, is thought to be the first Jewish Studies teaching post at a major UK university funded jointly by organisations linked to the two faiths.

Its holder will aim to carry out teaching and research designed to deepen understanding of Judaism and to examine its relationship with the other Abrahamic Faiths, Christianity and Islam.

A university endowment in excess of £2 million to support the lectureship has been created from generous gifts given to the University by the Polonsky Foundation, set up in London in 1985, with a focus on international education and the arts, by the Jewish philanthropist, Dr. Leonard Polonsky; and the Coexist Foundation, a charity set up in the UK in 2006 to promote understanding between Jews, Christians and Muslims, and between these faiths and others, through education, dialogue and research. The Coexist Foundation received a substantial donation from a Muslim philanthropist specifically to co-endow this Cambridge post in Jewish studies. Recruitment will begin later this year.

As well as teaching students, the lecturer will work with the Cambridge Inter-Faith Programme, a ground-breaking initiative which focuses on research and public education across the three Abrahamic faiths and collaborates with scholars across the globe.

“This is a very significant step forward for Cambridge University and is an inspiring example of inter-faith partnership,” Professor David Ford, Director of the Cambridge Inter-Faith Programme, said.

“This wonderful joint gift gives our Faculty of Divinity a much-needed post in Jewish Studies and increases our capacity for inter-faith engagement at a critical time.”

Demand for Jewish Studies at Cambridge has been rising steadily in recent years. The new post-holder will, however, follow a long line of scholars who have specialised in teaching and research in Judaism.

The first Regius Professorship of Hebrew was established by King Henry VIII. In 1866, the University also set up a post in Talmudic and Rabbinic Literature. This position was held, among others, by Solomon Schechter, who founded the United Synagogue of America and became the first President of the New York Jewish Theological Seminary.

Professor Ford added: “The Coexist Foundation has encouraged and supported the Cambridge Inter-Faith Programme for many years. We are delighted that Dr. Leonard Polonsky has now joined Coexist in realising our vision for inter-faith work that is both academic and reaches out to serve public understanding and education.”

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