Different But Equal? The Paradox of Chosenness

Different But Equal with Dr. Alan Cooper

Part of Our Series “The ‘Other’ in Jewish Text and Tradition

February 8, 2021, 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. ET

Jewish conceptions of chosenness or election—rooted especially in the language of Exodus 19:5-6—traditionally were hierarchical, often asserting Jewish superiority over others. Such notions run afoul of modern ideas about social justice, typically anchored in egalitarian values that would have been alien to pre-modern authors. Is it possible to uphold a version of Jewish “difference” that is simultaneously non-hierarchical yet answerable to traditional sources?  

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This session is part of the series “The ‘Other’ in Jewish Text and Tradition.” If you have previously registered for another session in this series, your registration admits you to all sessions in the series, and you may attend as many as you’d like. 

Dr. Alan Cooper is Elaine Ravich Professor of Jewish Studies.

Note: The Zoom link for this session will be in the confirmation email that you will receive after you register.

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