We are pleased to announce the first joint Conference of the Midwest Jewish Studies Association and the Klutznick-Harris Symposium, sponsored and hosted by the Creighton University Klutznick Chair in Jewish Civilization and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Harris Center for Judaic Studies. The Conference will take place in Omaha, Nebraska on Sunday, September 14 and Monday, September 15, 2003.

This year, a special focus of the Conference will be East European Jewry. Papers related to any aspect of this theme may be proposed that are suitable to the general public, undergraduate students and/or an academic and professional audience. The Conference also welcomes proposals from all areas of Jewish Studies: from any discipline (e.g., history, philosophy, literature, religion, music, etc.) and from any geographic location or time period (ancient to contemporary). Individual papers and sessions addressing pedagogical issues of Jewish Studies are encouraged.

All interested scholars and professionals, including advanced graduate students, are invited to submit proposals for papers, presentations or workshops. Proposals may be for individual papers/presentations or for complete sessions. All proposals are due by March 15, 2003 and may be submitted via email, mail or fax. Proposals must include a 200-word abstract defining the primary themes, conclusions and sources utilized in the research as well as a complete CV. Session proposals must include abstracts for 2 to 3 papers, CVs for all participants, a general explanation of how the papers are related and what the general significance of the panel is, as well as the name of the chair of the proposed session.

Selected individuals, whose proposals relate to the primary theme of the Conference and whose presentations are suitable to both the general public and the academic community, may qualify for funds to cover transportation to and accommodation at the Conference. This year small travel grants will also be available for selected graduate students presenting papers.