2025 Israel Speaker Series: Debating Democracy: Challenges in Jewish Unity in America with Rabbi Dr. Joshua Ladon

Presented in partnership with the Hartman Institute and the Boulder JCC

American Jews have long been united by shared commitments to liberalism, equal rights, and inclusivity, but recent challenges to democracy have revealed deep ideological rifts within the community. From debates over Zionism and Israel’s policies to divergent visions of Jewish political engagement in America, these divisions are reshaping how Jews understand safety, power, and responsibility. In this session, we will explore the historical models of Jewish security, the ideological frameworks shaping today’s debates, and how these tensions reflect broader societal shifts. Participants will be invited to consider new approaches to Jewish thriving that bridge divides and align with enduring Jewish values in a rapidly changing world.