Spiritual Leadership in Times of Controversy: Three Rabbinic Portraits

Purified in the crucible of bitter opposition, the legacy of these three Rabbis endures despite the dissent that swirled around their major intellectual contributions.

Wednesday, November 16

Burning Maimonides

Wednesday, November 30

Ramchal and the Sabbatean Legacy

Wednesday, December 7

Rav Kook at the Precipice

8:30 (prompt)

Free and open to the community

Lectures by

Henry Abramson, PhD

Please click here for a free reservation for the first lecture, “Burning Maimonides,” scheduled for Wednesday, November 16 at the Young Israel of Lawrence-Cedarhurst.

Hello fans of Jewish history!

I had a blast meeting with the Flatbush Honor Society students today–twenty-eight highly motivated, superbly acute and brilliant young women who are preparing to CHANGE THE WORLD. They are truly fantastic, and often thank the Almighty for the privilege of working with these young people, along with all my students. I believe they will make the world a more beautiful place for my grandchildren!

They, in turn, believe in me–at least, in my ability to provide them with the intellectual tools and context to achieve greatness in their future professions and careers. Not sure their confidence is as valid as it should be, but that does not exempt me from turning to you, my fellow-travelers in the complexities of Jewish history, to ask for your help!

The grand point of these lectures (outlined in the Jewish History Manifesto) does not involve money. I am exceptionally pleased that so many people enjoy them and share them with others, and we are totally committed to keeping them free of charge. My students, on the other hand, could use some assistance. Many of them come from very large religious families, and many of them are the first in their family to ever attend college.  So here’s where you come in!

Three Magnificent Ways You can Help:

1. Keep doing what you’re doing! Watch the lectures and like, comment, and especially share.
2. Take your virtual experience into the real world (I think the young people use the acronym RW?). Read a book on Jewish history or thought, invite or be invited to a Shabbat meal, something like that. If you’re conveniently located, show up on a Monday night for a Jewish History lecture in person at the mighty Avenue J campus itself!
3. Contribute to one of two fundraising opportunities. Click here for the Jewish History @ Avenue J Scholarship fund, which benefits students directly.  Click here for the Friends of Jewish History fund, which defrays the operating costs of the lectures and the videos. Sponsorships, full and partial are available for several lectures this Fall.

Let me know what you decide!  We are so proud to include you in our audience.

HMA

P.S. Would you like one of our nifty new gift bookmarks?

Norm Robinson, a member of the Friends of Jewish History, sent me this interesting video clip that features Rav Avraham Isaac Kook for the first 23 seconds, along with several other rabbinic and political luminaries.

Monday’s lecture promises to be especially fascinating for anyone interested in religious thought and Israeli politics.  Please join us!  Register for free by clicking here.

Lecture delivered at the mighty Avenue J campus of Touro College on October 31, 2016 as part of the Jewish History @ J series.

Here’s some amazing 1934 footage of Vladimir Jabotinsky discussing the status of the Jews in interwar Europe–and the crushing need for the establishment of the State of Israel.  Jabotinsky was one of the few Jewish thinkers of the 1930s who anticipated, in one form or another, the Holocaust that would engulf European Jewry.  He speaks in a beautiful, if Russian-accented Yiddish, with Hebrew subtitles.

Join us this Monday night for a discussion of his life and work!  Click here to register for free.

Thanks to all the parents who submitted their children’s names as candidates for the Internship in Jewish History. Unfortunately, I can only consider applications from people who are willing to take the job. Here’s the revised job description:

Intern in Jewish History: Hard work, long hours, meager compensation. Chance at everlasting fame and glory, promoting the study of Jewish history. Candidate must be organized, diligent and personable. Ability to speak Brooklyn an asset. Must be a student at the mighty Avenue J campus of Touro College. We hope to fill this position by October 31, but will keep looking until the right student comes along. EE/OU/Chaf-K.

This internship is enthusiastically funded by the Friends of Jewish History.  Consider joining us and supporting our great cause!

Thank you to Mr. Paul Shaviv, a scholar and master educator, for supporting the Jewish History @ J series! His donation is in memory of Dr. Yishai Shachar z”l – 1935-1977, whose 39th Yahrzeit was on 5 Tishrei. ‘Haval al d’avdin..’ Historian, teacher, gentleman.

On behalf of all the students who benefit from the lectures, thank you!

And thank you also to the mystery anonymous donor! Your support will really help us promote the knowledge and study Jewish history, here in Brooklyn and worldwide!