Graduate Funding

In addition to funding opportunities through the Department of Religious Studies and Graduate Studies, the Center for Jewish Studies is pleased to several offer opportunities for the advancement of Graduate Education.

Nathan J. Perilman Fellowship in Judaic Studies

The Perilman Fellowship is offered to incoming graduate students. The fund supporting this grant, our most prestigious fellowship in Jewish Studies, honors the memory of Rabbi Nathan Perilman, who, after serving at Temple Emmanu-El in New York City, joined the Triangle-area Jewish community in his retirement. (Listing of past and current Nathan J. Perilman Fellowship Recipients).  To nominate a candidate, the Director of Graduate Studies should submit a letter summarizing the candidate's strengths and how proposed research interests contribute to Jewish Studies.  A copy of the CV and Statement of Interest should also be forwarded to serena.elliott@duke.edu.

Perilman Summer Stipend

The Perilman Summer Stipend provides funding for doctoral students in Jewish Studies for summer research (maximum of $5,000). Students are required to submit a one-page statement of a proposed summer  research agenda and a letter of endorsement from his or her advisor. The  specific amount awarded will depend upon previous grants received from the Center for Jewish Studies as well as other fellowships received for the period this award covers. Applications received by December 15 are guaranteed consideration; applications received after that date will be considered according to funds available.

Perilman Research Award

Graduate students in all disciplines that relate to Jewish Studies may apply yearly for a Perilman Research Award of up to $1000.00 per year. Preference will go to students who are presenting relevant papers at conferences, and/or participating in a relevant workshop or panel discussion. Applicants need to send a copy of their proposal, as well as appropriate acceptance/ invitation letter, and a proposed budget to serena.elliott@duke.edu. All expenses should be purchased directly by the Center for Jewish Studies.

Perilman Advanced Doctoral Research Grant 

Students entering their sixth year of doctoral work in Jewish Studies are eligible to apply for grant funding (maximum of $7,000), usually to support completion of the dissertation although other research may be eligible. To apply, students are required to submit a one-page statement detailing a research agenda (usually dissertation topic, current status, plan for completion) for the academic year and a letter of endorsement from his or her advisor or the project  supervisor. The specific amount awarded will depend upon previous grants received from the Center for Jewish Studies as well as other fellowships received for the period this award covers. Applications received by December 15 are guaranteed consideration; applications received after that date will be considered according to funds available.