About

Yakov Ellenbogen is a historian of the Middle Ages, specializing in the social and cultural history of medieval Ashkenazic (Western European) Jewry, and disability studies. His current research examines perceptions of disability in medieval Ashkenazic social and legal contexts. Through an exploration of medieval Hebrew, Latin, and vernacular sources, his project offers new perspectives on the ways that Jews navigated their disabilities, how Jewish communities incorporated people with disabilities into the rhythms of medieval life, and the interplay of disability with other categories of identity in medieval Jewish contexts. 

Dr. Ellenbogen’s research interests include medieval Jewish-Christian interaction, gender in premodern Jewish society, and the history of the body and embodiment. Before coming to FAU, he received his Ph.D. from Columbia University. He has held fellowships through the Leo Baeck Fellowship Programme, the Memorial Foundation for Jewish Culture, and the Doris G. Quinn Foundation.

Areas of Expertise

• Jewish History
• Middle Ages
• Disability Studies

Undergraduate Courses

• Modern Jewish Civilization
• Medieval History 
• Writing History 

 

Curriculum Vitae (Available upon request)