About David Shneer

David Shneer is director of the Center for Judaic Studies and Associate Professor of History at the University of Denver. His most recent book New Jews: The End of the Jewish Diaspora (New York University, 2005) questions whether Jews around the world still see themselves living “in diaspora.” His previous books include Yiddish and the Creation of Soviet Jewish Culture (Cambridge, 2004) and Queer Jews (Routledge 2002). He is currently working on a book on Soviet Jewish photographers and World War II.

“Socially Responsible Tourism” Comes to Israel

By December 14, 2007

Israel is trying to sex up its image. The July issue of Maxim led with a spicy photo spread of the “Women of the Israel Defense Force“—an idea pitched to the magazine by the Israeli consulate in New York. And … Read More

Gay Pride, Jewish Hope

By July 5, 2007

On the day of Gay Pride Berlin, known locally as Christopher Street Day, I was invited by the rabbi of the city's newest congregation to speak during services. So instead of the rabbi’s weekly speech about the Torah portion, the … Read More

Shvitz Exclusive: Why Chabad Excels in Russia, And Why Reform Judaism Doesn’t

By April 16, 2007

[Note: I'm very pleased to introduce David Shneer as our latest contributor to the Shvitz. David is a professor of History at Denver University and an expert on the tribe's experiences in Soviet Russia. He previously took part in an … Read More

Adventures in Buenos Aires (Day 5)

By March 26, 2007

On Friday night, we went to Belgrano—Buenos Aires’ answer to the Upper West Side—for Kabbalat Shabbat services at Comunitad Bet El. How geeky Jewish is that! I wanted to visit the place that revolutionized Friday evening services at synagogues throughout … Read More

Adventures in Buenos Aires (Day 4)

By March 22, 2007

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. Yesterday, at 2pm, I was nearly arrested for taking a picture of a synagogue. Just two hours later I plugged into a nascent group of Yiddish scholars who … Read More

Adventures in Buenos Aires (Day 3)

By March 20, 2007

Last night, a torrid downpour cooled off the hot-tempered evening rush hour before we headed out for dinner with German (pronounced Herman) Vaisman, the founder of Keshet, one of two lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Jewish organizations in Buenos Aires. … Read More

Adventures in Buenos Aires (Day 2)

By March 19, 2007

It’s easy to spot a Jewish place in central Buenos Aires. I learned that this morning, when my husband and I walked by the Buenos Aires Holocaust Museum. Visiting the museum was the last thing I wanted to do, but … Read More

Adventures in Buenos Aires

By March 15, 2007

I’m sipping coffee looking out the window of the apartment I’ve rented here in Buenos Aires. A moment ago I forgot where I was. My French doors open onto a balcony overlooking a busy street in Recoleta, the beautiful and … Read More