Six years as president. No one had ever held the position that long in the 26-year history of the Association For the Social Scientific Study of Jewry.

Arnold Dashefsky is the first to do so. Dashefsky, a professor of sociology and director of the Center for Judaic Studies and Contemporary Jewish Life, recently was honored by the association at its annual meeting in Boston.

"I was surprised and appreciative of the recognition I received from my colleagues," Dashefsky said. "This is not just for me but for all those who have helped contribute to the association's accomplishments over the last six years."

Since Dashefsky took over the presidency in 1990, he has helped the association plan a series of meetings where colleagues were able to present papers for a variety of professional organizations.

"It was not common to be visible or a co-sponsor of sessions for different organizations," he said. "I think we have realized how important it is to network with other groups, so they are aware of the research our members are conducting."

Dashefsky also instituted yearly publication of the journal Contemporary Jewry, and a biannual publication of the Association For the Social Scientific Study of Jewry newsletter, along with annual awards to recognize the accomplishments of his colleagues.

The association consists of more than 200 social scientists from around the world who have a professional interest in the study of contemporary Jewry. It was founded in 1971 by a small group of social scientists, including Dashefsky.

LM