Tikvah Scholar
Academic Year 2011-2012
Michelle Waldman Sarna
Michelle Waldman Sarna recently completed her PhD. at Fordham University on Emerging Adulthood in Muslim and Jewish cohorts. She has presented her research and perspectives on the transition to adulthood at several conferences and forums, including YU’s Orthodox Forum and Jim Joseph Foundation’s Third Space Conference. While pursuing her doctorate, she served as the JLIC Educator at the Bronfman Center for Jewish Student Life at NYU and for two years as the JLIC National Associate Director. In these capacities, she collaborated on launching a graduate fellowship, women’s social entrepreneur initiative, and Israel service-learning program. Michelle lives with her husband, Yehuda, and their children, Batya, Maayan, Moshe and Daveed, in Manhattan.
Research
Religious Law and the Transition to Adulthood:
The Psychological and Sociological Effects of Judaism and Islam on Emerging Adults
As a Tikvah Scholar, I seek to examine the relationship between religious law and the transition to adulthood, especially, the psychological and sociological effects of Judaism and Islam on emerging adults. My doctoral research identified two significant factors that shape emerging adulthood for Jews and Muslims in the US: the degree of commitment to religious observance and the extent of integration in a religious culture. I plan to deepen and expand this finding by examining the relevant religious laws and texts that directly influence these variations. First, which specific Jewish and Muslim laws influence the conceptions of adulthood? I will explore texts that define which members of the respective religions are eligible to achieve adult status and the legal responsibilities and privileges conferred by this position. Second, how do Jewish and Muslims laws direct the experiences during the transition to adulthood? I will examine texts that describe rites of passage that structure the transition to adulthood as well as laws that constrain or expand the privileges and responsibilities of members of society without full-fledged adult status. Finally, how do these laws and values advance the broad discourse on adulthood? Legal definitions of adulthood entail rights and responsibilities that affect all members of society, such as driving, voting, drinking, marrying, bearing arms, and serving in the military. This research can provide new perspectives for communal leaders and policy makers. As such, it will advance the discourse on adulthood and what it means to be a full-fledged member of society
