Source: The Tikvah Fund
The Tikvah Fund is pleased to sponsor a year-long seminar to promote serious thinking about the nexus of Jewish values and enduring human questions. Through presentations and retreats, the program brings together some of Israel’s finest rabbis, scholars, and activists with curious and motivated students. The program, directed by Rabbi Shlomo Brody, supplements overseas program curriculums by providing a forum for interdisciplinary study, dialogue, and camaraderie amongst a select group of students. By exposing our participants to a range of perspectives from public intellectuals and thinkers, we hope to help develop the next generation of learned and committed Jewish thinkers.
The curriculum includes lectures and readings based around central themes with a balance between sessions that focus on theoretical questions and others that discuss real-world dilemmas.
The 2014-2015 (5775) curriculum will highlight two major themes:
- Jewish Ideals & Current Dilemmas in Contemporary Zionism
- Political Philosophy and Biblical Values
The first seminar will begin after Sukkot with subsequent meetings held twice-a-month until the beginning of June. The format of each seminar varies, including debates, panel discussions, and lectures. Regular sessions take place on Friday mornings at Beit Avi Chai in central Jerusalem between 9 AM – 1:30 PM to avoid conflicting with program schedules. Three weekend retreats will take place over the course of the year. When necessary, transportation is provided to prevent conflicts with program schedules. A delicious brunch will be served at each meeting.
Students must commit to regular attendance, prepare two or three readings before each seminar, and actively participate in group and online discussions. The program is fully sponsored by the Tikvah Fund and is free of charge.
For more information and applications, see The Tikvah Overseas website.