Dissent and Tolerance in Jewish History

Date: May 04, 2022

Time: 10:30 am - 11:30 am

Sponsor: JTS Learning in Your Community

Location: Online

Category: Online Learning

An Online Mini-Course with Dr. Benjamin Gampel, In Partnership With the 92nd Street Y

Four Wednesdays: May 4, 11, 18, 25; 10:30-11:30 a.m. ET  
Online

When membership within the Jewish community was compulsory, individuals and groups often engaged in fierce conflict over social and ideological issues such as the nature of Jewish identity and the boundaries of the Jewish faith.

At times, sectarian and messianic groups emerged from these protracted struggles that challenged the norms of the established Jewish community. Dr. Benjamin Gampel, professor of Jewish History at JTS, will explore these challenges to authority and consider how dissenting voices were treated during the Middle Ages when Jews lived under Christendom and Islam. In tracing the limits of tolerable dissent, he will also illuminate incidences when Jews have sought willingly, or have been compelled, to abandon their faith and sought to redefine their sense of religion and peoplehood.

May 4: Introduction: Challenges and Solutions

May 11: Sectarianism: Karaites and Karaism

May 18: Messianism

May 25: Conversion: Into and Out of Judaism

This course is in partnership with the 92nd Street Y. It will be recorded and available for later viewing by all who register.


Cost: $140

Dr. Benjamin Gampel is Dina and Eli Field Family Chair in Jewish History, JTS.