The Rohr Jewish Learning Institute (JLI) presents “To Be a Jew in the Free World: Jewish Identity Through the Lens of Modern History,” the institute’s new six-session Winter 2014 course.
“A recent PEW study exposed that 22% of Jews identify as ‘Jews with no religion’ and for many, this is a clear indication that the landscape of Jewish identity is changing rapidly” said Rabbi Zalman Abraham of JLI’s headquarters in Brooklyn, New York. “Our objective with this course is to initiate a discussion about Jewish identity, why it is still relevant, and what we can do to make it something our children and grandchildren will cherish for generations to come.”
In “To Be a Jew in the Free World”, participants will confront questions of allegiance and issues in which Judaism and contemporary society appear to be in conflict. Looking into the past, the course explores a series of fascinating case studies, such as arguments made in the 1650s to convince Oliver Cromwell to readmit Jews to England, and how Ulysses S. Grant’s 1862 expulsion of the Jews became a defining issue in his presidential election.
To be a Jew in the Free World is unique in that it will likely represent the first nationwide effort to bring the Jewish community together to address these important issues since the findings of the PEW report were released in October of 2013.
Like all JLI programs, To Be a Jew in the Free World is designed to appeal to people at all levels of Jewish knowledge, including those without any prior experience or background in Jewish learning. All JLI courses are open to the public, and attendees need not be affiliated with a particular synagogue, temple, or other house of worship.
Visit www.myJLI.com for registration and other course-related information.
Yeah, they always have him write the hardest courses like the Holocaust course and the Israel course. He always comes through with amazing insights!
Rabbi Herman is amazing!
This course is going to be great!
Amazing intellect, gifted researcher and writer… I wouldn’t miss any of his courses!
Rabbi Herman is really some major mensch!
meny mochkin rocks
goooo mendy
you are awesome
Rabbi Aaron Herman.
His courses are my favourite!
Visit http://www.myJLI.com for registration and other course-related information.
how can i participate?
I spot Mendy Mochkin
IS THE BEST!