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The Jewish Theological Seminary (JTS) presents Expanding the Conversation, a podcast that brings the thought-provoking discussions and dynamic scholarship of JTS directly to you. Drawing from live events, lectures, and...
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The Jewish Theological Seminary (JTS) presents Expanding the Conversation, a podcast that brings the thought-provoking discussions and dynamic scholarship of JTS directly to you. Drawing from live events, lectures, and panel discussions, this podcast goes beyond the moment—offering not only recordings of these programs but also exclusive interviews with speakers, scholars, and thought leaders.
Each episode explores the critical issues shaping the Jewish world today, from contemporary cultural moments to enduring questions of Jewish thought, practice, and identity. Whether you’re looking for intellectual engagement, spiritual insight, or a deeper connection to Jewish learning, Expanding the Conversation invites you to join the dialogue.
Subscribe now and bring the rich conversations of JTS wherever you go.
show less
Each episode explores the critical issues shaping the Jewish world today, from contemporary cultural moments to enduring questions of Jewish thought, practice, and identity. Whether you’re looking for intellectual engagement, spiritual insight, or a deeper connection to Jewish learning, Expanding the Conversation invites you to join the dialogue.
Subscribe now and bring the rich conversations of JTS wherever you go.
Episodes & Posts
Episodes
Posts
24 FEB 2025 · In this episode of Expanding the Conversation, we explore pluralism in Israel with Dr. Nurit Novis-Deutsch, a lecturer at the University of Haifa. She delves into the challenges and paradoxes of pluralism, distinguishing between diversity and a true pluralistic mindset. Through thought experiments and real-world research, she reveals how pluralism—or the lack of it—shapes Israeli society, especially in times of conflict. Can embracing multiple perspectives strengthen both Jewish identity and democracy? And how do we teach pluralism without eroding core beliefs?
Discussion Questions
- Dr. Novis-Deutsch discusses pluralism towards groups vs. pluralism towards ideas. Do you think it’s easier to accept different people or different beliefs? Why?
- Dr. Novis-Deutsch’s research shows that sacred values often limit pluralism. Can you think of a belief or value that feels “too sacred” to compromise on? How does that affect your openness to opposing views?
- The Magic Wand Thought Experiment asks if you would erase differences to make others think like you. How did you react to that idea? In what areas of life do you wish others shared your views?
- After war, societies must rebuild. How might pluralism shape Israel’s future? What lessons from Jewish tradition could help guide this process?
Transcribed
12 FEB 2025 · Welcome to the first episode of Expanding the Conversation, a new podcast from The Jewish Theological Seminary. This season, we bring you insights from Zionism: Today, Tomorrow, and Beyond, a JTS convening that explores the evolving meaning of Zionism and the Israel-Diaspora relationship.
In this episode, https://www.brandeis.edu/hornstein/sarna/bio.html, Joseph H. & Belle R. Braun Professor of American Jewish History and Director of the Schusterman Center for Israel Studies at Brandeis University, explores the roots of North American Zionism. He discusses how technological advancements—particularly steam travel—enabled the practical realization of Zionist aspirations. Dr. Sarna also examines pivotal historical moments, from the pogroms of 1881 to the rise of anti-Semitism in Vienna, which shaped the movement’s trajectory. Additionally, he highlights the role of Louis Brandeis in reshaping American Zionism and argues for reclaiming and embracing the term "Zionism" in contemporary discourse.
Discussion Questions:
- Dr. Sarna argues that steam travel was a key technological factor that made Zionism possible. How does technological advancement shape political and ideological movements? Can you think of other historical or contemporary examples where technology transformed a movement’s feasibility?
- Sarna notes that 1881 was an “October 7th moment” for Jews, when optimism about their place in Russia collapsed. How does historical trauma shape political movements? Can we draw parallels to more recent global events?
- Dr. Sarna stresses the importance of embracing and reclaiming the term "Zionism" rather than allowing others to define it negatively. How do labels and terminology affect public discourse, and what are effective ways to engage in conversations about contentious terms?
4 FEB 2025 · Join us for the new podcast from The Jewish Theological Seminary (JTS) Expanding the Conversation, a podcast that brings the thought-provoking discussions and dynamic scholarship of JTS directly to you.
Each episode explores the critical issues shaping the Jewish world today, from contemporary cultural moments to enduring questions of Jewish thought, practice, and identity. Whether you’re looking for intellectual engagement, spiritual insight, or a deeper connection to Jewish learning, Expanding the Conversation invites you to join the dialogue.
Subscribe now and bring the rich conversations of JTS wherever you go.
The Jewish Theological Seminary (JTS) presents Expanding the Conversation, a podcast that brings the thought-provoking discussions and dynamic scholarship of JTS directly to you. Drawing from live events, lectures, and...
show more
The Jewish Theological Seminary (JTS) presents Expanding the Conversation, a podcast that brings the thought-provoking discussions and dynamic scholarship of JTS directly to you. Drawing from live events, lectures, and panel discussions, this podcast goes beyond the moment—offering not only recordings of these programs but also exclusive interviews with speakers, scholars, and thought leaders.
Each episode explores the critical issues shaping the Jewish world today, from contemporary cultural moments to enduring questions of Jewish thought, practice, and identity. Whether you’re looking for intellectual engagement, spiritual insight, or a deeper connection to Jewish learning, Expanding the Conversation invites you to join the dialogue.
Subscribe now and bring the rich conversations of JTS wherever you go.
show less
Each episode explores the critical issues shaping the Jewish world today, from contemporary cultural moments to enduring questions of Jewish thought, practice, and identity. Whether you’re looking for intellectual engagement, spiritual insight, or a deeper connection to Jewish learning, Expanding the Conversation invites you to join the dialogue.
Subscribe now and bring the rich conversations of JTS wherever you go.
Information
| Author | JTS |
| Organization | JTS |
| Categories | Judaism |
| Website | www.jtsa.edu |
| onlinelearning@jtsa.edu |
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