Sara Feldman Receives 'Friends of the Wesleyan Library' Research Prize

2017 Apr 13

Sara Feldman was honored with second place in the inaugural Friends of the Wesleyan Library Undergraduate Research Prize contest. Feldman was recognized for her essay, "Hodu Lashem: Jewish Identities in India."

This ethnographic analysis explores peoplehood, nationalism and identity formation in two particular Jewish communities: the Bene Ephraim of Andhra Pradesh, India, and the Bene Israel of Mumbai, India. Through ethnographic examples and historical research, this project examines community and individual relationships to the Jewish diaspora, the caste system, the political entities of India and Israel, and the diverse religious landscape of India. This study posits that identities shift and change through a variety of complex and fluid factors, and that understanding the heterogeneity of diaspora is essential for working towards equality.

The winning essays were selected from a large pool of high-quality submissions by a panel of judges including professors, librarians, the interim director of academic writing, and members of the Friends board. The projects were evaluated based on use of Wesleyan's library collections and resources, evidence of learning about research techniques and information-gathering, and the quality of writing and research.

The Friends of the Wesleyan Library is a community of readers dedicated to celebrating and enjoying books of all kinds from vellum bound manuscripts to humble paperbacks to the latest digital innovation. The Friends raise funds to support the library's important work and activities.