Uppsala University has long had professorships focused on Christianity, and since 2012, it has also had a professorship in Islamic theology and philosophy. However, a professorship focused on Jewish studies has been lacking—both at Uppsala University and nationally in Sweden. Jewish Thought is a field within Jewish studies that focuses on Jewish texts and their interpretations in relation to the history of ideas. The focus is on how Jewish life and culture have been shaped by these texts, but also on how Christian and Muslim theology have been influenced by the history of Jewish ideas. Having professorships and research environments within all three Abrahamic religions has been a long-standing vision at the Faculty of Theology at Uppsala University.

“The Foundation is pleased that Uppsala University and the Faculty of Theology, through Torsten Söderberg’s professorship in Jewish thought, now have professorships in all three major monotheistic world religions, and that this strengthens the standing of Uppsala University and Sweden in this field of research,” says Maria Söderberg, chair of the Torsten Söderberg Foundation.

– Jewish thought is an important field of study, especially at a time when anti-Semitism is on the rise in society. Strengthening education and research in this interdisciplinary field at Uppsala University can contribute to both greater knowledge in society and a deeper understanding and tolerance among different religions. We are therefore very pleased to have recruited Yair Lipshitz, who possesses extensive and relevant expertise and experience. This will mean a great deal for our students and our research, says Professor Cecilia Wejryd, Dean of the University’s Faculty of Theology.

Professor Yair Lipshitz is currently a professor in the Department of Theater Studies at Tel Aviv University. He is also affiliated with Paideia, the European Institute for Jewish Studies in Stockholm. In his research, he explores various connections between dramaturgy, culture, and traditions within Judaism—that is, between artistic expression and religion. Among other things, he is interested in how various cultural forms such as theater, dance, games, and ceremonies can offer new interpretations of classical Jewish texts, and how culture serves as a lens through which to address questions of religion, secularity, and the reinvention of Jewish traditions.

The professorship was announced in December 2024. Yair Lipshitz will take up the position on March 1, 2027.

Uppsala University on the appointment of Torsten Söderberg to the Chair of Jewish Thought

More about the donation to Torsten Söderberg’s professorship in Jewish thought

Portrait photo of Yair Lipshitz: Tami Shaham
Photo: Adobe Stock/Borisb17