We are living as the ground of political and social democracy shifts under our feet. Legal protections for human rights, including personal autonomy and freedom, planetary survival, economic justice, and political rights are being challenged.
Along with this, anti-Semitism and racism in the United States have become more visible, more publicly sanctioned, and more highly organized. These conditions raise questions of Jewish identity and survival to which each crisis demands its own answer. Perhaps the Yiddish Shmoozers can contribute in a popular but scholarly way to the conversation.
Understanding Jewish history in Europe and diaspora can only strengthen our communities as we anticipate living with the open fascism of America’s winning party. This is not only a political problem but a massive cultural problem. How do we live among a polarized and hostile populace? How do we thrive?
The role of culture, culture workers, and culture producers then and now is key. Can we lend the Yiddish Shmoozers to this emerging moral purpose?
And still have fun?!!
Please read the attached draft planning document and Zoom with us to discuss it Sunday 11/17 at 4 pm Pacific.
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