The Sperling Center for Jewish Studies is pleased to several offer opportunities for the advancement of graduate education in Jewish Studies at Duke.
Nathan J. Perilman Fellowship in Judaic Studies
The Perilman Fellowship is typically offered to incoming graduate students, however eligible students can also be identified at any stage in their graduate career. The fund supporting this grant 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 their 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 their advisor. The specific amount awarded will depend upon previous grants received from the Sperling Center for Jewish Studies as well as other fellowships received for the period this award covers. Applications received by March 15 are guaranteed consideration; applications received after that date will be considered according to funds available.
Perilman Research Award
Graduate students researching topics that relate to Jewish Studies may apply yearly for a Perilman Research Award of up to $2000.00 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.
Perilman Dissertation Completion Fellowships
The Perilman Dissertation Completion Fellowship supports advanced doctoral candidates in the final stages of dissertation writing and degree completion. Designed to provide dedicated time for scholarly research and writing, the fellowship assists students whose home departments are unable to provide dissertation completion funding.
Applicants must be sixth- or seventh-year doctoral candidates whose research makes a substantive and original contribution to Jewish Studies. Because eligibility and available funding may vary from year to year, interested students should contact the Director of the Sperling Center for Jewish Studies directly to discuss their eligibility and express their interest in applying.
Fellowship awards may be made for either one semester or one academic year, depending on the applicant's progress, demonstrated need, and available funding. Support may include a stipend, tuition, mandatory fees, and, when applicable, health and dental insurance, in accordance with Graduate School policies and funding levels in effect during the award period.
Applications should include: (1) a letter of recommendation from the chair of the dissertation committee; (2) a letter from the applicant describing current progress toward dissertation completion, a timeline for completion, and other funding sources to which they have applied; (3) a proposed dissertation chapter or substantial writing sample, and (4) a current curriculum vitae.