American Judaism stands at a critical juncture, balancing the successes of the past with the uncertainties of the future. The political, economic, and ideological conditions of postwar liberalism in the 20th century allowed many Jews to thrive in America, fostering a distinctive American Judaism that wove together American and Jewish values. However, today's rapidly changing world challenges this coherence, raising essential questions: Are liberalism, American Jewish values, and Zionism still compatible? How can American Judaism respond to the growing threats of polarization and hyper-partisanship? Can “the Jewish community” endure as a collective entity? In this episode, Yehuda Kurtzer, President of the Shalom Hartman Institute, explores the factors that shaped the American Judaism we know today and offers a new framework for ensuring its continued vitality in the future. This episode was recorded in April 2024.

Featuring:

Yehuda Kurtzer, President, Shalom Hartman Institute

About the Helen Diller Institute:

The Helen Diller Institute for Jewish Law and Israel Studies provides a rich academic forum for our nation’s future leaders to explore the breadth and complexity of Israel and contemporary Jewish issues. At a time when polarization is more severe than ever, we bring integrity, excellence, and grit to fostering dynamic spaces where students and the wider community can thoughtfully exchange ideas. To learn more about our mission and work, please visit hdi.berkeley.edu.

Production by Yellow Armadillo Studios. Click here to view a transcript of this episode.

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