In the quiet moments following International Holocaust Remembrance Day, I find myself reflecting on the profound journey of redemption that the Jewish people have traversed since the liberation of Auschwitz in 1945. This period of reflection brings to light two significant movements from the past seventy years: the establishment of the State of Israel and, perhaps less visibly but equally impactful, the rise of Jewish education.
As I delve into the transformative power of education, I am reminded of the personal stories that transcend borders and beliefs. These stories demonstrate the profound impact that learning can have on our lives. One such story is that of a dear friend from Montreal. Raised Catholic in Quebec, she found a new layer of meaning in her life through weekly Torah study online with a French-speaking Rabbi in Jerusalem. I vividly recall the day she shared with me the joy and anticipation she felt before walking into a synagogue for the first time, eager to connect with Jewish individuals face-to-face. Although she hasn’t converted, this experience has profoundly enriched her life, offering her a spiritual connection she hadn’t expected.
Historical Parallels
Her journey is not just an isolated story of personal growth; it echoes the historical “convivencia” of ninth and tenth-century Spain, a golden era where Judaism, Christianity, and Islam intersected in remarkable harmony. Alton Brooks, a Professor of Religion at USC, describes this period as an extraordinary time when these three religions coexisted with mutual respect. Today, as we witness the growing interest in Jewish texts among diverse communities, it feels like a modern echo of that intellectual and cultural convergence.
This growing engagement with Jewish texts across various communities is not just a Jewish endeavour; it’s a potential pathway to broader redemption in our contemporary world. Just as the convivencia fostered a rich exchange of ideas and cultural enrichment, our modern exploration of Jewish thought can contribute to a deeper understanding and unity among people of different faiths and backgrounds.
Recently, I read Thomas Cahill’s “The Gifts of the Jews: How a Tribe of Desert Nomads Changed the Way Everyone Thinks and Feels.” Cahill, a Roman Catholic scholar, explores the transformative influence of Jewish thought on world history. His comparison of Israel with Greek and Roman civilizations highlights how these interactions led to significant advancements. Despite later claims of ideological superiority, Cahill points to historical periods of peaceful coexistence, such as the Islamic “convivencia” in Spain and the Renaissance.
“The Jews gave us the ‘outside and the inside’—our outlook and inner life. We can hardly get up in the morning or cross the street without being Jewish. We dream dreams and hope Jewish hopes. Most of our best words—in fact, new, adventure, time, history, future, freedom, progress, spirit, faith, hope, justice—are the gifts of the Jews…
Nothing we do, however virtuous, can be accomplished alone. That accomplishment is intergenerational may be the deepest of all Hebrew insights.”²
Cahill’s insights emphasize the importance of embracing diverse perspectives and recognizing the contributions of Jewish thought to our collective intellectual heritage. In an age where division and misunderstanding often prevail, studying Jewish texts provides a vital opportunity for redemption and intellectual enrichment for all.
My Educational Journey
Reflecting on my educational path, I recall a blend of experiences that shaped my identity. Growing up in a religious household, I attended an English Protestant school in Quebec due to the limitations of the education system. Ironically, Protestant schools were more inclusive of all students, while Catholic schools did not accept non-Christian Jewish children.
This dual existence often left me feeling like an outsider. While I spoke English and engaged with English-speaking teachers, my social circle was predominantly Hungarian-Jewish immigrants. The anomaly in my school was the Christian child. My most meaningful connection with an English Protestant was my high school art teacher, Helen Mackey, whose influence lingered with me throughout her life in Montreal.
After graduating early from high school, I briefly attended McGill University but felt disconnected. My dream was to study in Lausanne, Switzerland, but my mother’s insistence on studying in Israel led me to earn my BA from the Hebrew University in Jerusalem.
My Jewish education, woven from various threads—home teachings, synagogue rituals, Sabbath youth groups, Jewish summer camps, and Hebrew afternoon school—has been a journey of discovery. Only recently have I engaged in consistent Hebrew text study through Shiviti, a new Yeshiva for adult women in Jerusalem.
Through my studies, I’ve appreciated the vast range of topics our rabbis explored. Professor Yoram Hazony’s seminar on ‘The Big Questions About Judaism’ highlighted the often-overlooked value of the Hebrew Bible in today’s intellectual climate. This ancient text, rich in metaphors and literary devices, is a treasure trove of ideas.
Education as a Unifying Force
Our canonical texts, examined alongside commentators like Rashi and Maimonides, reveal profound wisdom. Watching the documentary series “Searching for Maimonides, The Great Eagle” deepened my appreciation for this philosopher, revered by multiple faiths, and illustrated the interplay between past and present, text and context.
Education is a unifying force in all its forms—whether through schools, libraries, concerts, or the Internet. It offers opportunities for engagement in the extraordinary tapestry of life. Yet, we must also acknowledge that education alone cannot solve all the world’s problems. Challenges such as inequality, prejudice, and ignorance still persist. However, education remains a crucial foundation for understanding, empathy, and cooperation among diverse communities.
This shared pursuit of knowledge is critical to fostering peace and harmony. Whether within academic institutions or in our homes, pursuing knowledge provides a pathway to redemption and unity. As we confront the challenges of our modern world, let us recognize the transformative power of education—not as a solitary solution but as a vital tool in our collective journey towards a more just and harmonious society.
Walking the Path of Wisdom
As you reflect on the role of education in your own life, consider how you can contribute to this ongoing journey of redemption. Whether through formal study, engaging in dialogue with those from different backgrounds, or simply nurturing a curiosity for the wisdom of the past, we can play a part in building a more connected and understanding world. The path to redemption is not walked alone; it is a shared journey that spans generations and cultures, guided by the light of knowledge and the spirit of learning.
Footnotes
- “Convivencia” refers to the coexistence of various religious and cultural groups in medieval Spain. For more information, see Wikipedia, Wikipedia, 2024, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Convivencia.
- Cahill, Thomas. The Gifts of the Jews: How a Tribe of Desert Nomads Changed the Way Everyone Thinks and Feels. Nan A. Talese, 1998.
- SHIVITI. “SHIVITI: International Women’s Learning Community.” shiviti.org.il, SHIVITI, 2024, shiviti.org.il.
- Hazony, Yoram. The Really Big Questions About Judaism. Zoom Seminar Series, 2024.