Abstract
This course is inspired by Rabbi Ron Wolfson’s book Relational Judaism: Using the Power of Relationships to Transform the Jewish Community. Wolfson describes nine levels of Jewish experience to strengthen Jewish consciousness and commitment: self, family, friends, Jewish living, community, peoplehood, Israel, world, and God. The State of Israel is a vital component of American Jewish identity. Relational Israel uses a new framework for understanding the Jewish state by drawing parallels between it and intermarriage related topics. IFJE graduate fellows will learn about aspects of Israeli history, society, culture, people, and politics in order to convey to interfaith couples and families the significance of having a relationship with and supporting Israel. Gender is a category of analysis integrated throughout the course. Students will grapple with sensitive materials as a small group, engaging with questions about Jewish peoplehood, identity construction, intermarriage and divorce politics, antisemitism, and inclusion.