It was when Galron heard a rabbi joking on the radio about the traditions of Orthodox Judaism that she realized she could funnel her upbringing into comedy.

A new class called “Anti-Semitism Then and Now: Perspectives after Tree of Life” begins on Jan. 23. The series of lectures is hosted by the Jewish studies department, along with the history department, religious studies department and the European Studies Center.

Linda Penkower — the chair of the University’s religious studies department known for supporting students and faculty — died Tuesday night, the department’s undergraduate director said in an email. In...