Jonathan Judaken, the Gloria M. Goldstein Professor of Jewish History and Thought, has won the Dorothy Rosenberg Prize for his book, “Critical Theories of Anti-Semitism” (Columbia University Press). Awarded annually by the American Historical Association (AHA), the honor recognizes the most distinguished work of scholarship on the history of the Jewish diaspora published in English during the past year.

In “Critical Theories of Anti-Semitism,” Judaken reexamines how anti-Semitism has been defined and understood, urging a reconsideration of the concepts and narratives that shape its study. He traces how philosophers and historians have grappled with these questions and challenges the notion that Judeophobia is singular or exceptional. Instead, Judaken shows how it is intertwined with other forms of racism like Islamophobia, Negrophobia, and xenophobia. The book invites readers to reconsider assumptions about anti-Semitism and take part in broader conversations led by leading thinkers.

Judaken said he was “humbled and elated” to receive the Dorothy Rosenberg Prize from the AHA, which he described as “the largest organization of professional historians in the world.” He worked on the book off and on for 25 years and considers it the culmination of his research.

“One hopes that such a project might be recognized as of value since it represents a lifetime of wrestling with a challenging issue,” he said. “Sometimes, as academics, our work can feel like we are sending out messages in a bottle onto the vast ocean. This award is a notification that my message was received — and that it matters.”