Ranana is a PhD student studying religious ethics in the Divinity School.  She studies the intersections between Jewish thought, Christian and medical ethics, and religious visual culture.

What does your work focus on / revolve around?

My work is quite interdisciplinary and a bit off the beaten track. I spend most of my time studying Jewish thought, Chrisitan theological ethics, medical ethics, and religious visual culture. In my scholarship I try to find ways these fields interrelate by considering the impact that the visual world has on ethical and theological formation, particularly regarding questions surrounding the body and health. So, for example, the last couple of years I have been having a fun time exploring the ethical work that Jewishly coded vaccine selfies are doing on social media.

Why study religion? / Why is what you study important?

I think religion is one of the most fascinating things to study for two (I think) related reasons - one it encompasses everything. So as someone whose work is interdisciplinary it is not hard to find connections between all of my passions under the heading "religion." Secondly, religion inspires the best and worst in people. Trying to understand this phenomena that spurs many to works of love and charity and many others to violence and hatred is endlessly fascinating. 

Who or what inspires you and your work?

I often talk about my grandfather as a role model for my professional pursuits. He was a practicing pediatrician for 60 years, who loved his work with a deep passion. He was also involved in early conversations in medical ethics, and was a life-long Jewish learner. He always expressed deep wonder and curiosity about the world. I try to bring his wonder, curiosity, and love for his vocation to my scholarship and teaching.

What is a favorite course you have taken at the Divinity School and what made it a favorite?

I've taken many wonderful classes here and have been impressed at the quality of teaching when so much of my coursework was done over Zoom. To highlight just one class, Professor Richard Miller's Contemporary Ethics course in the fall of 2020 was hugely impactful. Between the readings and class discussions I discovered thinkers who began to help me make sense of my understanding of the world and give me clear philosophical foundations for my work. I can now articulate what ideas and concepts underride my intellectual approach.