Engaging Israel

Selected Tuesdays with Rabbi David Cohen of Congregation Sinai and Rabbi Jacob Herber of Congregation Beth Israel

The 21st century signals an opportunity to assess the Israel/Diaspora relationship. In the past, that relationship was predicated on real and imminent threats to Israel's existence. This inspired the creation of a Jewish identity in which the sur-vival and perpetuation of the Jewish people and the defense of Jews in danger became central values.

Political, economic, and cultural success among Jews in many communities throughout the world has diminished the compelling nature of the narrative of crisis. At the same time, there is the success story that is Israel. Without denying the dangers that Israel still faces on a daily basis, its military power and prowess render a narrative of crisis less meaningful. When one adds to the equation the economic vitality of modern Israel, it becomes increasingly difficult to portray Israel as a weak country in dire need of help from Jews around the world.

Given these changes, how might we build a relation-ship that transcends the focus on crisis, speaking instead a dialogue rooted in Jewish values and ideas. The ―Engaging Isra-el‖ class uses the lenses of Jewish thought, political theory, and international law to address: the necessity and significance of the Jewish national enterprise; how a Jewish state should exer-cise power; why a Jew who lives outside of Israel should care about Israel; and what the State of Israel can offer the world.

Rabbis Cohen and Herber will co-teach the class, utiliz-ing materials and media produced by the Shalom Hartman Cen-ter in Jerusalem, where they are both Senior Rabbinic Fellows. Classes will meet 7-9 pm.

Dates: Nov. 1, 8, 22, 29, Dec. 6, 13, Jan. 3, 10, 17, 24, Feb. 7