There will never be another Jay Holstein. There will never be another Jewish Studies professor like him. He was indeed one of a kind. He was a one-man institution at the University of Iowa, an immovable object that all students—and for that matter their parents and grandparents—deemed an essential part of their Hawkeye education. For many Iowa students, he was their first exposure to Judaism. And with a gruff style and a gentle soul, he captured the hearts of every student who sat in his classes. Even 400 students at a time in Macbride Hall, each student felt like he was talking directly to them. Jay always told me, “I wish we would have met sooner. I feel like we would have been great friends.” But I think Jay felt that way about most people. He was an outgoing person who knew who he was, knew what he believed, loved life, and was always looking to share the precious joy that is a life well lived with everyone he met. That was Jay Holstein—a scholar who made a lasting impact on all who crossed his path. On behalf of the Department of Classics, we offer our deepest condolences to Jay’s family on his passing. He was a good man, an excellent scholar, and a legendary Hawkeye! I shall miss my fellow Jewish Studies colleague. And may his memory be for a blessing.  ז׳׳ל

ROBERT R. CARGILL

Nov 20, 2025