Call for Papers: European Jewish Studies and the Challenge of Digital Humanities

The Centre for Eastern European Jewish History at Vilnius University and the Taube Department of Jewish Studies at the University of Wrocław invite proposals for the international conference “Beyond Digital Awe. European Jewish Studies and the Challenge of Digital Humanities,” to be held in Vilnius, Lithuania, on 17–18 November 2025.

This two-day in-person event will explore the evolving relationship between Jewish Studies and Digital Humanities (DH), focusing on three key approaches: experimenting with new or cross-disciplinary methods, sharing data and tools across networks, and engaging wider publics in historical and cultural inquiry.

We welcome proposals that explore digital approaches to Jewish history, languages, texts, and cultures—particularly those grounded in East-Central Europe and the Baltics, though comparative or broader perspectives are also encouraged. Topics might include digitisation of Yiddish, Hebrew, or multilingual sources; data sharing and FAIR practices; applications of AI, OCR, or mapping technologies; digital curation in museums and archives; and citizen science or public engagement in Jewish Studies. We are also interested in critical reflections on the intersections and tensions between DH and Jewish Studies.

Presentations may take the form of standard 20-minute talks or 25-minute hands-on sessions demonstrating tools, methods, or datasets. An online Data Forum will be organised prior to the conference to facilitate early sharing of materials and promote collaboration among participants.

Proposals should be submitted by 31 July 2025 via an online form. Notifications of acceptance will be sent by 31 August. Scholars at all career stages are welcome to apply, from PhD candidates to senior researchers.

Confirmed keynote speakers include Prof. Irene Zwiep (University of Amsterdam) and Prof. Marcin Wodziński (University of Wrocław).

The organisers will provide accommodation and cover travel expenses within Europe (up to 300 EUR) for participants without institutional funding.

For further inquiries, please contact Dr Tomasz M. Jankowski at .

This conference is supported by the European Association of Jewish Studies.