Public Events at JTS

JTS’s public lectures and events articulate a vision of what Judaism in North America is and might become. They feature engaging personalities—scholars, writers, artists, and community leaders—who bring contemporary issues into dialogue with Jewish texts, values, traditions, and themes. 

JTS also welcomes over a thousand individuals to our free, open-to-the-public High Holiday services every year. 

Event Topics Include:

  • Prayer and spirituality
  • Israel
  • Ethics and public policy
  • Music and visual culture
  • Interreligious issues
  • Judaism in the public sphere

Join Us Online 

Many JTS events are livestreamed, which will be noted in the event listing. We invite synagogues and other Jewish communal organizations to hold public screenings of these outstanding programs. To learn more, contact publicevents@jtsa.edu.

General Information

  • Reservations are required for all programs.  
  • Please arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the scheduled start time. 
  • Photo ID is required for admission to JTS.  
  • Events are held at JTS unless otherwise noted. 
  • JTS is wheelchair accessible. Please notify us in advance of any special needs so that we can best accommodate you. 
  • ASL interpretation is available upon request. Please notify us at least seven business days prior to the program so that we can arrange for an interpreter.   

Events

Jun 5

“Perhaps They Will Listen”: Prophets and the Art of Persuasion  

Online | Online Learning | Public Lectures & Events | The Dynamics of Change

Dr Yael Landman discusses biblical prophets and how their powers of persuasion not only convinced their audiences at the time, but also made their prophecies works of art that have stood the test of time.

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Jun 12

God: Unchanging? 

Online | Online Learning | Public Lectures & Events | The Dynamics of Change

In this session, Dr. Alan Cooper, Elaine Ravich Professor of Jewish Studies, JTS, will explore some of the ways in which perception of God has changed, especially in the transition from biblical religion to post-Temple and post-prophetic Judaism. 

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Jun 26

Patient Change, Slow Influence

Online | Online Learning | Public Lectures & Events | The Dynamics of Change

Dr. David Kraemer, Joseph J. and Dora Abbell Librarian and Professor of Talmud and Rabbinics, JTS, explores how the Rabbis of Late Antiquity went from being a barely noticeable fringe group to respected authorities for most Jews.

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