George Washington wrote in 1790 that “the establishment of our new Government seemed to be the last great experiment for promoting human happiness.” At a moment when American society is divided and antisemitism and other forms of hatred are on the rise, this great experiment seems to be on shaky ground. In this course, explore significant texts in the history of American democratic thought and put them in dialogue with the sacred Jewish tradition. With so much at stake, these sources guide us on the elusive path to a more perfect union.
Class dates:
February 4, 11, 18, 25
March 4, 11, 18, 25
April 15, 22, 29 (make up class)
About Rabbi Savenor
Rabbi Charles Savenor is the executive director of Civic Spirit, a nonprofit dedicated to furthering the mission of civic education and its goals of educating, inspiring, and empowering faculty and students towards civic belonging, knowledge, and responsibility. He previously served for eight years as director of congregational education at Park Avenue Synagogue where he oversaw lifelong learning, inclusion, Israel engagement, and travel education. A graduate of Brandeis University, he received rabbinic ordination from the Jewish Theological Seminary.
