Separation of Church and State is a quintessential principle of American political philosophy. Significantly, this principle may be predicated upon a theological imperative that importantly distinguishes between Church (i.e., religion) and the concept of God. Therefore, it is vital to explore the fundamental forces that gave voice to the American Declaration of Independence, retrace certain crucial theological propositions underlying its conception, and illuminate some striking conceptual similarities between that document and another definitive constitution: the Ten Commandments.

Dr. Zohar Raviv is a recognized Jewish thought-leader and educator who currently serves as the International Vice President of Educational Strategy for Taglit-Birthright Israel. Raviv’s professional experience spans Israel, North America, South America, Europe, South Africa and Australia. He holds a B.A in Land of Israel Studies from Bar-Ilan University, a Joint M.A in Judaic Studies and Jewish Education from Brandeis University, as well as an M.A in Near Eastern Studies and a Ph.D. in Jewish Thought — both from the University of Michigan (Ann Arbor). Raviv plays a central role in shaping Birthright Israel’s educational philosophy, language and pedagogy, and is a leading voice in some of the global paradigm shifts concerning contemporary Jewish identity, Israel-world Jewry relations and the overall mandate of Jewish education in the 21st century. Raviv was the recipient of the 2015 Bernard Reisman Award for Professional Excellence from the Hornstein Jewish Professional Leadership Program at Brandeis University, where he was recognized as “One of the most influential Jewish educators in the world”.

There is no fee, but please RSVP for planning purposes. This event is held virtually on Zoom. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the event. For more information, contact Program Director Ilene Tatro at itatro@cbisd.org.

CSP Partners: Beth Israel (San Diego, CA), Brotherhood Synagogue (Gramercy Park, NYC), Congregation Beth Shalom (Seattle, WA), Congregation B’nai Tzedek (Fountain Valley, CA), Congregation B’nai Israel (Tustin, CA), Jewish Collaborative of Orange County, CA, Shomrei Torah Synagogue (San Fernando Valley, CA), Temple Bat Yahm (Newport Beach, CA), Temple Beth El of South Orange County (Aliso Viejo, CA), Temple Beth Emet (Anaheim, CA), Temple Beth Ohr (La Mirada, CA), Temple Beth Tikvah (Fullerton, CA), Temple Beth Shalom (Needham, MA), Temple Beth Sholom (Santa Ana, CA), Temple Emanuel (Newton, MA), Town & Village Synagogue (NYC, NY), University Synagogue (Irvine, CA), Valley Beth Shalom (Encino, CA) & Walnut Street Synagogue (Chelsea, MA)