Building Brandeis: A Jewish-American Movement

This thesis will start by giving the pre-history of Brandeis and the origins of the idea of a Jewish-sponsored university. Then it will examine the founding period, the first twenty years, the original key supporters, how the Jewish community operated in partnership with Brandeis, President Sachar, and the early development of the campus and University. Then it will explore the intermediate years, the tumultuous late 60s and early 70s, President Bernstein, and his challenges, and how the relationship with the Jewish community was handled under his tenure. The next section covers President Evelyn Handler, the controversies during her tenure, her expansion of certain programs and vision for Brandeis, and her strained relationship with the American Jewish community. The final section will cover the Presidency of Jehuda Reinharz, his vision for Brandeis, his immense fundraising and building successes, and eventually the financial crisis which brought an end to his term. Understanding all of this will allow  us to understand how Brandeis has grown throughout the years, how Brandeis has maintained its “special relationship” with American Jewry, and how Brandeis is more than just a university, it is a distinct movement in American Jewish history.