Center for Global Judaism

The Center for Global Judaism

What does it mean to live as a Jew in the “global village” that is our contemporary world?

How do we understand the nature of Jewish peoplehood in this age, with major centers of Jewish life in the United States and Israel and smaller ones in various communities throughout Europe and elsewhere in the world? How might we create a stronger international collectivity, honoring commonalities and differences?

How does our emerging awareness of the interconnection of people across vast physical distances and cultural and religious contexts impact our identities? How do we understand the interplay of universalism and particularism in our time? What are the contours of Jewish identity in this new world of diversity and what might it look like in the future?

How does our growing sensitivity to the interconnection of humankind to the rest of the natural world impact our sense of responsibility to the earth and the fullness of creation? Do we, as Jews, have something to offer the current environmental conversation? How might we transform our Jewish communities and work with others to help heal the planet?

All of these questions point to the urgent need for creative vision and a set of new tools to help the Jewish community revitalize itself and contribute to the health of humanity and the planet. To do this, we must attend simultaneously to the renewal of Jewish religious and cultural life and develop new strategies to work with other communities to cultivate a more just, compassionate, and bountiful world.

Drawing on the unique intellectual, spiritual, and pedagogic resources of Hebrew College, the new Center for Global Judaism serves as a dynamic center for the exploration of contemporary Jewish life and thought. Through research, conferences, public programs, and the production of educational and cultural materials (print and online), we serve as a think tank, discussion forum, and catalyst for transformation within and beyond the Jewish community.

CGJ Events

The Center for Global Judaism Public Programs this spring include:

March 5 - The Masks We Wear: Preparing for Purim
March 14 - Revolution and Change in the Middle East: Policy Challenges for the U.S.
March 21 - Songs of Freedom: A Pre-Passover Concert
April 22 - Boston Jewish Food Conference

To learn more about each of these events, and to RSVP, please visit our Events page here.

You can learn about Hebrew College’s degree and certificate programs here.