One fateful week in June 1967 redrew the map of the Middle East. Fifty years later, Israel continues to face numerous existential threats.
Beginning Monday, June 5, at 7:30 p.m., Rabbi Kasowitz of Chabad of West Orange, the local JLI instructor, will offer a fascinating new six-session course from the Rohr Jewish Learning Institute (JLI) called “Survival of a Nation: Exploring Israel Through the Lens of the Six-Day War.”
Commemorating 50 years since the Six-Day War, the course invites participants to experience a captivating account of what was at the time considered by many to be the most improbable and astonishing victory in all of military history.
“Traditionally, Jews maintain a fervent allegiance to Israel and also lobby against human rights violations around the globe,” said Rabbi Kasowitz. “This course explores the compatibility of these two values, examining Jewish perspectives on controversial human rights accusations leveled against Israel.”
If Judaism is a religion of ideas, why do Jews care so much about land? Why does Israel perpetually raise the ire of the entire world? And what are the ethics of preemptive strikes and collateral damage? The course also inquires how Israel might protect itself against an enemy that uses human shields, and explores Jewish positions about Israel’s moral obligation concerning territories captured in the Six-Day War.
“In ‘Survival of a Nation,’ modern history meets contemporary controversy,” explained Rabbi Zalman Abraham of JLI’s Brooklyn headquarters. “The thrilling historic narrative raises questions about morality and the prospect of peace in the Middle East that began—or were highlighted during—the Six-Day War and remain unresolved.”
Like all JLI programs, this course is designed to appeal to people at all levels of knowledge, including those without any prior experience or background in Jewish learning. All JLI courses are open to the public, and attendees need not be affiliated with a particular synagogue, temple or other house of worship.
Interested students may call 973-325-6311 or visit www.chabadwestorange.com/jli for registration and for other course-related information.
Chabad of West Orange is under the auspices of Lubavitch Center of Essex County, an affiliate of the Rabbinical College of America.
