*Please note: Although the live event has passed, you may still register on this page for access to the video of the event*

An online webinar featuring Shaul Magid, author of the new book The Necessity of Exile, in conversation with The Shalom Center’s Rabbi Arthur Waskow, on the transformative notion and practice of a deliberate new Diaspora Judaism to help guide us in the years ahead.

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As American Jews face what many of them think is a terribly wrong turn by the present government of the State of Israel, many have been spurred to think afresh about a new kind of Diaspora. Jewish diasporas – “dispersions” from the Land of Israel – have emerged for thousands of years into the past. Something about Diaspora creativity attracted centuries of Jewish thinkers and do-ers - responding perhaps to the wisdom of other communities, or even sometimes to their nasty overlordship. One major example: The rabbis greatly preferred the Babylonian Talmud, created by teachers in the Babylonian diaspora, to the Jerusalem Talmud.

Perhaps the Jewish cultural values of compassion and justice came from living where we did not rule the roost. The NEW diaspora must, as in American Jewish life, embody enough empowerment so that we can walk free but not trample on others’ needs. Instead, could we struggle passionately, lovingly, and effectively for justice?

One most interesting vision of Jewish community is Magid’s new book The Necessity of Exile. The whole notion and practice of a deliberate New Diaspora Judaism promises to become more and more important in the next years.

The webinar will include shared discussion by the community. The webinar will be recorded and all registrants will receive a link to the recording. If you can’t make the live time, please register now and watch when you can. We invite that you make this and other such programs possible by contributing $36, or $18 if you seek mutual aid, or $72 if you are able to make mutual aid possible.

Register for the webinar here: