Post-World War II American Judaism

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Conversations at the Vilna is a series of spirited discussions around the Vilna Shul's old study table with local scholars and authors about topics relevant to Jewish identity. This Conversation, entitled "Post-World War II American Judaism: How Judaism Became an American Religion," will be led by Rachel Gordan, a doctoral candidate in American religious history at Harvard. In the post-WWII years, Judaism became an American religion as a result of the country's participation in the war, suburbanization, Cold War politics, and guilt over the Holocaust as well as sympathy for Israel. Rachel will discuss this transformation and its implications for Jewish life and American culture.

Rachel grew up in Needham and Longmeadow, Massachusetts, and attended Solomon Schechter Day School of Greater Boston and Temple Emanuel in Newton, MA. She received her BA from Yale and her master's from Yale Divinity School. Rachel lives in Cambridge, MA.

This is a brown bag lunch event. Please respect basic kosher laws (no pork, shellfish, or mixed meat and dairy). There is no charge for this event, but donations are welcome. Registration is appreciated - please email [email protected] - but walk-ins are welcome.