J. H. Chajes
Researcher of Jewish mysticism
J. H. Chajes is a prominent Jewish cultural historian and researcher of Jewish mysticism, currently holding the position of Sir Isaac and Lady Edith Wolfson Professor of Jewish Thought at the University of Haifa's Department of Jewish History. His academic work focuses on the intersections of Kabbalah, magic, and science, particularly in the early modern period. Through his research, Chajes has established himself as a leading expert in the field of Jewish mysticism, making significant contributions to the understanding of this complex and fascinating topic.
Chajes' scholarly achievements include the founding of The Ilanot Project, a pioneering effort to study the previously understudied genre of ilanot, a form of visual Kabbalah. He has also authored several notable works, including "Between Worlds: Dybbuks, Exorcists, and Early Modern Judaism" and "The Kabbalistic Tree". In recognition of his expertise, Chajes was elected to the Executive Board of the World Union for Jewish Studies in 2013, where he serves as Division Chair for rabbinic literature, Jewish law, and Jewish thought, further solidifying his position as a respected authority in the field of Jewish studies.