The Michael Sockol Jewish Writers Fund presents: Rabbi Jan Katzew – Israel: The Challenge(s) of Jewish Democracy

On Sunday, June 1st, the Michael Sockol Jewish Writers Fund, in partnership with TBS Adult Learning, will present noted educator and speaker Rabbi Jan Katzew. Rabbi Katzew, PhD, is Associate Professor Emeritus of Jewish Thought and Education and a Senior Educator at HUC-JIR. He is a Jerusalem Fellow and earned his doctorate at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem. For many years, Rabbi Katzew served as Director of Lifelong Jewish Learning at the URJ, where he oversaw the design of curricular resources for world-wide use, and received numerous honors as a Jewish educator. He has authored popular and scholarly articles in multiple fields, including Jewish history, inter-faith relations, ethics, and philosophy. Israel is not an ideal state, but it is a state of ideals. Since before its inception in 1948, the State of Israel has aspired to realize twin nobilities, to bridge the Torah that emanated from Jerusalem and the political philosophy that emanated from Athens. Seventy-seven years later, the goal of being a Jewish and democratic state remains elusive and arguably more difficult to achieve. The jury and the Jewry, of which we are a part, are still out. In his talk, Rabbi Katzew will explore the many complex challenges facing modern-day Israel, as the nation seeks the norms and values of a democracy while maintaining, building upon, and defending its core Jewish identity. Refreshments will be served. To register, go tot-b-s.me/jewishdemocracy. Free for members; $10 for non-members. For more info, contact: adultlearning@tbsneedham.org