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Sinai & Civics

from $129.00

How Jewish values helped shape America’s founding ideals

In time for the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, this four-session course reflects on the Jewish ethics, ideas, and values that inspired and influenced America’s founders—and that still shape our government and society today.

Was it always self-evident that all people are “created equal”? What is the “pursuit of happiness”? What inspired America’s system of checks and balances? And looking ahead, what steps can we take to build a just and united future?

(No previous Jewish learning necessary.)

This course will satisfy the continuing education (CLE) requirements of lawyers and legal professionals

Six Mondays
Beginning Monday, June 8th
1pm via Zoom or 
7:30pm in-person (with dinner)

Track:
Registration:

How Jewish values helped shape America’s founding ideals

In time for the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, this four-session course reflects on the Jewish ethics, ideas, and values that inspired and influenced America’s founders—and that still shape our government and society today.

Was it always self-evident that all people are “created equal”? What is the “pursuit of happiness”? What inspired America’s system of checks and balances? And looking ahead, what steps can we take to build a just and united future?

(No previous Jewish learning necessary.)

This course will satisfy the continuing education (CLE) requirements of lawyers and legal professionals

Six Mondays
Beginning Monday, June 8th
1pm via Zoom or 
7:30pm in-person (with dinner)

Lesson Plan

Lesson 1: The Foundations of the Covenant

From the Pilgrims on, America’s founders drew inspiration from the Hebrew Bible. America was founded, not by conquest, but by a shared promise—a covenant. See how these factors helped make America the most welcoming nation for Jews in our long Diaspora.

Lesson 2: The Roots of Equality

It wasn’t always self-evident that all people are created equal. So why did the founders think it was? Discover the story of this foundational American and Jewish value.

Lesson 3: In G-d We Trust

What is “The American Dream”? Discover the surprising story of how a Biblical concept came to shape America’s ideal of equal opportunity and mass prosperity.

Lesson 4: The Separation of Powers

Three branches of government. The separation of church and state. See how America’s system parallels the Torah’s ancient division of powers—and how they each understand the role morality plays in the public square.