Our beloved colleague Jonathan Hess, Professor and Chair of the Department of Germanic and Slavic Languages and Literatures, passed away suddenly Monday afternoon, April 9. Hess had been department chair since 2016 and the Moses M. and Hannah L. Malkin Distinguished Professor of Jewish History and Culture since 2012. He had served as director for the Carolina Center for Jewish Studies for 10 years and was Adjunct Professor of Religious Studies.

More information on Professor Hess can be found here and here. We extend our deepest condolences to his wife, UNC School of Law Professor Beth Posner, to his three daughters, and to his extended family, colleagues, and students.

Josue Menjivar is a part-time student who balances his role as a full-time language translator in the UNC Hospital system with his studies. Last summer, he participated in the Study Abroad 2017 Huqoq excavation with Jodi Magness, Kenan Distinguished Professor for Teaching Excellence in Early Judaism. Since 2011, Professor Magness has led archaeological excavations at the site of Huqoq in Israel’s Galilee, where she and her team have garnered international attention for their discovery of an ancient synagogue building with stunning mosaic floors.

Josue discusses his experience in this unique UNC Study Abroad program and how it helps him in his full-time job:

The annual dinner for Religious Studies majors was held last night, Monday, Feb. 5, and it was a huge success! Students and faculty had the chance to chat over a delicious dinner organized by the Director of Undergraduate Studies, Professor Jessica Boon, and the Undergraduate Studies Committee. The meal was followed by inspiring words from RELI graduates Robbie Jessup ‘08 (Law ’11), and Mark Rothrock ‘10, introduced by Professor Randall Styers. Thank you all for joining us!