Visiting Scholar Program

The Julis-Rabinowitz Program on Jewish and Israeli Law announces opportunities for outstanding scholars to undertake independent research, writing, and scholarly engagement on Jewish law and Israeli law.

We welcome applicants with advanced degrees (e.g., JD, LLM, SJD, PhD or other comparable degree) who aim to provide critical perspectives on Jewish and Israeli law.

Visiting Scholars receive access to Law School facilities (including the Law School’s libraries as well as other libraries at Harvard University) so that they can conduct research on an approved topic while in residence. Visiting Scholars may audit Law School courses on a non-credit basis with the permission of the course instructor and the Registrar’s Office. They may be able, from time to time, to consult with faculty members interested in their fields of study.

Visiting Scholars do not have faculty status, nor do they have access to office space, telephones, or administrative services; they are normally in residence at the Law School for either a semester or academic year.

Visiting Scholars should come prepared to share their professional experience and expertise, and will have opportunities to meet other scholars through functions organized by numerous groups and programs at Harvard Law School and other parts of the University. Visiting Scholars may take advantage of a wealth of cultural and academic extra-curricular offerings available to the Harvard community on a daily basis.

How to Apply

To apply for Visiting Scholar status for Spring 2024 please submit the following materials:

  • a curriculum vitae
  • a research statement, not to exceed 1000 words, that: 1) describes the proposed work during the fellowship period. The proposal should outline a specific research project that can be accomplished during the Fellow’s residence at Harvard Law School; and 2) sets forth a specific work output for the completed project (e.g., book, article, policy paper)

Application Deadline

All applications must be received no later than November 1, 2023. Please send all documents in a single file and email to Susan Kahn at [email protected] Late applications will not be considered. Applicants may expect emailed notification of Fellowship decisions by December 15, 2023.

Additional Information

Visiting Scholars do not receive a stipend and the Program does not provide housing. No housing should be expected in University apartments or dormitory rooms, for which Harvard faculty and students have priority. Accepted fellows are encouraged to seek outside housing several months before arriving in Cambridge, preferably in person. There is information on housing on the Harvard International Office website.

Health Insurance

All Visiting Scholars must show proof of having adequate health insurance. Those who do not already possess such insurance can access information on obtaining Harvard Affiliate Health Insurance at the Harvard University Health Services website. A less expensive plan, available by the month, has been negotiated by Harvard’s International Office for international scholars.