Mari Rethelyi
7th year PhD Student in the Committee on Jewish Studies, University of Chicago
University of Budapest (2001)
MA - Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago (2000)
A sixth year Ph.D student from Budapest, Hungary, I am a Doctoral Candidate, currently writing my dissertation under the supervision of Professor Paul Mendes-Flohr. My present research engages the formation of modern Hungarian Jewish identity, in which I argue that progressive German Jews in Hungary conducted research in Oriental Studies within the context of Hungarian nationalist discourse, and for the purpose of creating a shared identity with Hungarians. Having gained competency in Rabbinic Judaism, Medieval and Modern Jewish philosophy and Modern Continental Philosophy through my comprehensive exams, I have also taught courses and presented conference papers on Modern Jewish thought, Jewish history, Biblical studies, contemporary religion and modern European Jewish identity. The Jewish Studies program has enabled me to develop as a scholar, and to conduct archival work at the Budapest Rabbinic Seminary and the Hebrew University. Furthermore, the Jewish Studies program has allowed me to receive further awards and scholarships both at the University of Chicago, as well as abroad, which have provided the possibility for further progress in linguistic and critical skills. Upon graduation, I aspire to continue my research and teaching in the United States, and to contribute to the academic understanding of European Jewry.