Sinai and Civics
Center for Jewish Life 757 Hopkins Rd, Williamsville, NY, United StatesThe Jewish ethics that shaped America’s founding In time for the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, this four-session course reflects on the Jewish ethics, ideas, and values that inspired and influenced America’s founders—and that still shape our government and society today. Was it always self-evident that all people are “created equal”? What is the “pursuit of happiness”? What inspired America’s system of checks and balances? And looking ahead, what steps can we take to build a just and united future? (No previous Jewish learning necessary.) 4 Mondays June 8, 15, 22, 29 7:00-8:00pm Instructor: Rabbi Laizer Labkovski No charge, all are welcome! Hot dinner served Lesson Outline Lesson 1 The Foundations of the Covenant From the Pilgrims on, America’s founders drew inspiration from the Hebrew Bible. America was founded, not by conquest, but by a shared promise—a covenant. See how these factors helped make America the most welcoming nation for Jews in our long Diaspora. Lesson 2 The Roots of Equality It wasn’t always self-evident that all people are created equal. So why did the founders think it was? Discover the story of this foundational American and Jewish value. Lesson 3 In G-d We Trust […]