Unit 3: Judaism of Becoming

In the Covenant of Becoming, Jews are defined by what they do. In this mission-based, aspirational Jewishness, identity is shaped around shared beliefs and practices. This unit explores the essence of the Covenant of Becoming and its consequences for understanding peoplehood. Finally, the unit raises the necessity of weaving both stories of Being and Becoming into a sustainable story of Jewish peoplehood today.

Unit 4: On Universalism and Particularism

The concept of Jewish peoplehood is built on a balance between the commitments of universalism and particularism. Jewish divisiveness often arises from a false dichotomy in which Jews are distinguished as either particularists or universalists. This unit explores the relationship between the commitments of Jewish particularism and Jewish universalism, and how the dance between these ideas has characterized the development of modern Zionism and debates around Jewish peoplehood today.

Unit 5: Between Nationalism, Ultra-Nationalism, and Fascism

A significantly divisive issue in Jewish life today is nationalism. In today’s partisan environment, it is a toxic category for many. Israel and Zionism are intimately connected to the idea of nationalism, with Israel defining itself as the nation-state of the Jewish people. If Israeli Jews are principally nationalists and many North American Jews reject the category altogether, we face a schism of potentially momentous proportions. This session will explore whether nationalism itself is inherently corrupt, or whether it is a category that is often abused today by ultra-nationalists. The first part of the lecture clarifies the distinctions between nationalism, ultra-nationalism, and fascism. The second part reflects on how Jews approach nationalism as encumbered beings, distinct from radical individualism or globalism.

Unit 6: Moral Implications of Jewish Nationalism

This unit continues the exploration of nationalism with a focus on the moral consequences of nationalism. In particular, we will explore whether nationalism is inherently morally flawed or just interpreted in morally problematic ways by some. What can constitute moral foundations for nationalism in general and Jewish nationalism in particular?

Unit 7: Israel's Nation-State Law: Ramifications for a Jewish and Democratic State

Much of the recent debate around Israeli nationalism has focused on the Nation- State Law. Some denounce the moral failing of this law and its threat to Israel as a democracy. Others embrace its moral and legal legitimacy and significance for the future of Israel as a Jewish and democratic state. This session explores both perspectives on this law through interviews with Mohammad Darawshe and Moshe Koppel, each representing differing positions regarding the 2018 Basic Law of Israel as the Nation-State of the Jewish People.

Unit 8: Antisemitism as a Divisive Force

This unit explores the challenges to Jewish peoplehood posed by the current internal Jewish debate around antisemitism. For millennia, if there was any issue that united Jews, it was antisemitism. Today, however, it has become a central dividing line between Jews on the Left and on the Right, in Israel and in North America. We disagree on who should be classified as antisemitic and how we should respond to them. The goal of this session is to understand the causes and underpinnings of this new reality. We will explore new ways for thinking about the divide and detoxifying the debate that it has generated.

Unit 9: Antisemitism and Anti-Zionism

This unit delves further into the meaning and definition of antisemitism and the relationship between antisemitism and anti-Zionism. We will explore whether all expressions of anti-Zionism are, in fact, antisemitism. We will analyze the differences between the manifestations of antisemitism from the far-Left and those from the far- Right. Finally, we will examine how a commitment to Jewish peoplehood impacts our discourse on this issue.

Unit 10: The Accusation and Dilemma of Dual Loyalties

This unit explores the notion of dual loyalty and its impact on Jewish peoplehood. Does a commitment to Jewish peoplehood demand dual loyalty, and does dual loyalty connote conflicting loyalties? The accusation of dual loyalty has accompanied the Jewish people from our inception. In its current manifestation, however, it emerges precisely because we are a people with two homes. Can Jewish peoplehood survive this reality or does overcoming the stigma of dual loyalty demand a realignment of our loyalties and our identities? In essence, the issue is how Israel and world Jewry can maintain a sense of togetherness while fully aware of the loyalty demands of a people, each in their own distinct home.

Unit 11: "What's Good for the Jews?" Identity Politics in North America

This unit explores the ways in which the current discourse around identity politics poses new challenges to Jewish peoplehood and a relationship with Israel. To better understand the meaning and implications of Jewish peoplehood, as well as disagreements about Israel, we need to understand the divergent strategies within the Jewish community to advocate for Jewish interests within the larger context of North American society.

Unit 12: From Family to Consumer

This unit explores the ways in which the current discourse around identity politics poses new challenges to Jewish peoplehood and a relationship with Israel. To better understand the meaning and implications of Jewish peoplehood, as well as disagreements about Israel, we need to understand the divergent strategies within the Jewish community to advocate for Jewish interests within the larger context of North American society.

Unit 13: Shared Believers, Partners, and Investors

This unit focuses on the other three models within our matrix which shape and define the nature of Jewish peoplehood and the relationship between Israel and world Jewry: shared believers, partners, and investors. We will explore each of these conceptual categories to see if they can be helpful foundations for Jewish collective life today. What does each require? What does each assume? Are they still relevant today, and what do we need to do to revitalize them as constructive forces?