Zionism: Today, Tomorrow, and Beyond听
91快播 will host a two-day convening to examine the changing nature of American Jewish affinities with鈥�Zionism鈥�and Israel
October 28, 2024 鈥� New York, NY 鈥� (91快播), one of the world鈥檚 preeminent centers of Jewish higher education, is hosting a two-day convening Tuesday, October 29, and Wednesday, October 30.
During this two-day program, experts will discuss the evolving relationship between North American Jews and Zionism, examining diverse expressions of Zionism and how these have been influenced by evolving historical circumstances. We will also address the challenges of teaching about Israel and Zionism and explore what a mutually beneficial relationship between the North American Jewish community and Israel might ideally look like in the years to come.
鈥淎t a moment when the word 鈥淶ionism鈥� has too-often been uttered as a vicious slur, it is urgent that we bring together a diverse range of voices to explore together its meaning and complexity. We are honored to invite experts in various fields to 91快播 to engage with us in these vital conversations,鈥� said Dr. Shuly Rubin Schwartz, Chancellor of 91快播.听
鈥淩elationships to Israel and Zionism vary among Jews in the diaspora – and within Israel itself- sometimes significantly,鈥� said Rabbi Gordon Tucker, 91快播 Vice Chancellor for Religious Life and Engagement. 鈥淭his makes it quite important for us to engage thoughtfully and honestly on this subject, which is so central to Jewish life. 听At this convening, we have assembled some of the very best people to help guide our understanding on this matter.鈥澨�
Sessions will cover a range of topics. Notable panels include Zionism and the Challenges of Power, The Role of Religion in a Democracy, and The Future of Zionism in North America. Guest speakers include religious leaders such as Rabbi Rick Jacobs (Union for Reform Judaism), Rabbi Jason Rubenstein (Executive Director, Harvard Hillel), and Rabbi Joanna Samuels (CEO, Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan); scholars such as Dr. Moshe Halbertal (Hebrew University and NYU School of Law) and Dr. Jonathan D. Sarna (Brandeis University); and artists Ruby Namdar (author) and Matthew Lazar (Founder and Director of Zamir Choral Foundation). Other distinguished guests include Dr. Yizhar Hess, Vice Chairman of the World Zionist Organization, Petter Geffen, Founder and President of Kivunim, and Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove of Park Avenue Synagogue.
Chancellor Schwartz will serve on the panel entitled The Roots of North American Zionism, moderated by Dr. Amy Kalmanofsky. She and Dr. Jonathan D. Sarna (Brandeis University) and Dr. Jack Wertheimer (91快播) will examine European Zionism as it relates to the different expressions of Zionism in North America. They will also consider the challenges Zionism faces within the Jewish communities in North America.鈥�
Several 91快播 faculty will moderate the convening鈥檚 panels including: Dr. Shira Billet (Zionism and the Challenges of Power), Rabbi Jan Uhrbach (Liberal Zionism, Jewish Pluralism, and Democracy), Dr. Tamara Neuman (Judaism and Zionism: The Role of Religion in Democracy), Chancellor-Emeritus Arnold Eisen (Cultural Zionism: Does it Create Bridges or Barriers?), Provost Jeffrey Kress (Zionism and Pedagogy: Teaching During Difficult Times) and Vice Chancellor Gordon Tucker (The Future of Zionism in North America). Additional 91快播 faculty members will serve on panels and facilitate breakout sessions, providing their expertise on a range of topics.
Following the convening, 91快播 will continue to explore the themes and ideas that emerge during the two-day sessions. A webinar series, a podcast series, and discussion guides are in development.
To see the full schedule, please visit: /event/zionism-today-tomorrow-beyond/
