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This five-part series offers an insightful exploration into the pivotal themes that have shaped Jewish history and identity. Instead of attempting to cover 3,000 years of Jewish existence across the globe, this series focuses on the enduring tension between 'history' and 'memory'—a critical lens through which we will examine the Jewish people’s journey from their ancient origins to the present day. Each session delves into a core theme: the nature of the Jews as a people, the centrality of Torah, the challenges and opportunities of Diaspora life, the impact of sectarianism and the birth of Christianity, and the evolution of Rabbinic Judaism through the Oral Torah. This series is designed for both newcomers to Jewish history and those familiar with its basic narratives, offering a deeper understanding of its significance and relevance for Jews today.
Session 1: HISTORY v. MEMORY/PEOPLEHOOD
October 1, 2024
In this introductory session, we will explore the tension between history and memory as foundational elements of Jewish identity. We will also delve into the origins of the Jewish people in the ancient Near East, examining how their early history was shaped by both historical events and collective memory.
Session 2: TORAH – The Authorship of the Hebrew Bible
October 8, 2024
This session focuses on the Torah, the central text of Jewish life. We will explore the authorship of the Hebrew Bible, discussing its composition, transmission, and the various traditions that have emerged around it. The session will also consider how the Torah has served as both a historical record and a source of ongoing spiritual and legal guidance.
Session 3: DIASPORA – Hellenistic Culture & the ‘Blessing’ of Assimilation
October 15, 2024
In this session, we will examine the Jewish experience in the Diaspora, particularly during the Hellenistic period. We’ll discuss how Jewish communities navigated the challenges and opportunities of living in a non-Jewish environment, and how assimilation has been both a threat and a blessing throughout Jewish history.
Session 4: SYNAGOGUE – Jewish Sectarianism & the Birth of Christianity
October 22, 2024
This session explores the rise of Jewish sectarianism during the Second Temple period and its role in the birth of Christianity. We will investigate the diverse religious movements within Judaism at that time and how these divisions contributed to the development of early Christian thought and practice.
Session 5: MIDRASH – ‘Oral Torah’ & the Interpretive Tradition of Rabbinic Judaism
October 29, 2024
In our final session, we will focus on the Oral Torah and the rich interpretive tradition of Rabbinic Judaism. We will explore the development of Midrash, the role of the Rabbis in shaping Jewish law and theology, and how these interpretations have kept Judaism dynamic and relevant through the centuries.
David E. Kaufman, our presenter for five sessions, was born and bred in Brooklyn, New York, and educated at the Bialik Hebrew Day School and the Yeshiva of Flatbush High School. He holds degrees from Columbia College, the Jewish Theological Seminary of America, and Brandeis University. A PhD in American Jewish History, he has taught at numerous colleges such as CUNY, Brown University, University of Massachusetts/Amherst, Hebrew Union College/Los Angeles and Hofstra University. In addition to numerous articles on the social, religious, and architectural history of the American synagogue, Dr. Kaufman has authored two books: Shul with a Pool: The Synagogue-Center in American Jewish History (Brandeis, 1999) and Jewhooing the Sixties: American Celebrity and Jewish Identity (Brandeis, 2012). David currently lives on the Upper West Side and is engaged in public education, researching, writing, and teaching the history of the New York Jewish community.