Zion in America
250 Years of Promise, Achievement and Tension
Presented by Professor Stephen Berk
Nov, 3, 10, 17, & 24 at 7:30pm ET
They came by the millions from Europe and the Middle East, seeking economic opportunity, religious liberty, and freedom from antisemitism. In choosing the United States, Jews “voted with their feet” – casting their hopes on a nation founded on ideals of liberty and equality.
The American Jewish experience has been shaped by events both at home and abroad. The American Revolution, rising antisemitism in Europe, the Civil War, America’s economic expansion, World War II, the Holocaust, and the establishment of the State of Israel all left lasting imprints on the American Jewish experience.
Over the course of 250 years, American Jews became deeply integrated into the fabric of the nation while making extraordinary contributions to business, science, medicine, politics, the arts, philanthropy, and public life. Yet the journey has never been without challenges. Antisemitism has persisted, assimilation has reshaped Jewish identity, and changing political and cultural realities continue to raise important questions.
Today, as the United States marks its 250th anniversary, many American Jews find themselves reflecting on the future. Has the postwar “Golden Age” of American Jewry come to an end? What lies ahead for Jewish life in America? These are the questions explored throughout this four-part series as Professor Stephen Berk weaves the story of American Jewry into the broader history of the American Republic.
SESSIONS:
- Session 1 (Nov 3): Colonial America and George Washington Most Jews embraced the American Revolution, believing it would usher in an era of religious freedom and economic opportunity. President George Washington’s vision for the new nation reinforced those hopes and established an enduring foundation for Jewish life in America.
- Session 2 (Nov 10): Immigration and Its Discontents Mass immigration transformed a small Jewish community into one of the largest and most diverse Jewish populations in the world, bringing new opportunities alongside new social and cultural challenges.
- Session 3 (Nov 17): A New Century Brings New Opportunity and New Tribulation As Jews became increasingly integrated into American society, they achieved remarkable success while confronting the ongoing realities of antisemitism, prejudice, and assimilation.
- Session 4 (Nov 24): The Golden Age and Beyond The postwar decades witnessed unprecedented Jewish achievement and acceptance. Yet demographic change, rising antisemitism, polarization, and tensions stemming from Israel and the broader Middle East have created new uncertainties. Is American Jewry entering a new era? What comes after the Golden Age? What might the future hold?
DETAILS:
- Program Cost: $90 for ALL FOUR SESSIONS ($75 Early Bird until August 31!)
- Featuring Live moderated chat, and post-talk Q&A
- Sessions are recorded – view missed sessions via private link (youtube/google log-in required)
- All sessions begin at 7:30pm ET
- Closed Captioning available (Zoom CC)
- Session size is limited – register now…
ABOUT OUR PRESENTER:
Professor Stephen Berk is a distinguished scholar and professor of Holocaust and Jewish Studies at Union College in Schenectady, New York. He is renowned for his expertise in modern Jewish history, Russian history, and the history of the Middle East. With a career spanning decades, Professor Berk has authored numerous publications and lectured extensively on topics related to the Holocaust, Israel, and Jewish identity. His engaging style and deep knowledge have made him a sought-after speaker, guiding educational tours and providing participants with meaningful insights into the complex histories of the regions they explore.
“
I enjoyed Prof Berk’s lecture last night immensely and I look forward to the next sessions. He is such a gifted teacher…
”
– Penny B.
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