Jewish Studies

Defining Your Research Interest

Before you begin, take time to shape a clear research question. If you are still exploring, focus on what you hope to learn.

Ask yourself:

• Which Jewish periods, events, communities, or traditions interest you?
• What sources—texts, manuscripts, ritual objects, artworks, or archives—draw your attention?
• Why does this topic matter?

Narrow your focus by considering who, what, when, where, why, and how, along with:

• A specific community or movement
• A particular place or diaspora setting
• Key themes (ritual, migration, law, identity, memory)
• A defined timeframe

Use the Libraries’ catalog to search by keywords, subjects, and authors.

Follow bibliographies and footnotes to find additional Judaica sources, including special collections and interlibrary loan.

If you are doing research from OFF campus (home, coffee shop, etc.) then you must login before you can access any of our electronic materials. You have a number of options – OpenAthens, the dedicated UF VPN, or the library proxy server. For complete guidance, click the following link: https://uflib.ufl.edu/using-the-libraries/off-campus-access/.  

Information for distance learners can be found here: https://guides.uflib.ufl.edu/distancelearners

Information about copyright can be found in this library guide: https://guides.uflib.ufl.edu/copyright