JLI: Sinai and Civics

Jewish American. American Jew. What does being Jewish in America mean to you?

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,
7:30-8:45 P.M.
June 29 - July 20

Chabad Lubavitch of Merrimack Valley
310 North Main Street, Andover, MA 01810

Instructor: Rabbi Asher Bronstein

This course is being offered for both online and in-person attendees

Students who join the in-person class at 7:00 PM will be served dinner before class begins.

http://www.chabadmv.com/jli
[email protected]

Discover what America’s founding fathers admired in our ethical tradition—and what that means for us, as Jews in America, today.

As America turns 250, here’s a fresh (and Jewish) look at the ideals that made this country. 

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.

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.

What is “The American Dream”? Discover the surprising story of how a Biblical concept came to shape America’s ideal of equal opportunity and mass prosperity.

Three branches of government. The separation of church and state. See how America’s system parallels the Torah’s ancient division of powers—and how they each understand the role morality plays in the public square.