About This Course
Jews and American Politics: how have Jews balanced the Jewish and American identities in the brutal arena of American politics? In this course, learn about some of the most influential and controversial Jewish figures from the ages.
This course is .5 credits towards smicha
Course Objectives
Learn about how American Jews have influenced and been influenced by the pursuit of service, power, and ideals in the romping course throughout the ages.
Meet Your Instructor
Aaron Levi is an experiential Jewish educator, curriculum developer, and the founder and CEO of Gate City Tours, LLC, which offers hyper-local, neighborhood-based walking tours exploring the history and evolution of Atlanta and its Jewish community. Aaron holds dual Master's Degrees in Education and Judaic Studies from New York University, where he was a Jim Joseph Fellow. He is a graduate of the Yeshiva University Certificate Program in Experiential Jewish Education; the iCenter Master's Concentration in Israel Education; and the American Jewish World Service Rabbinic and Graduate Student Global Justice Fellowship. Aaron received his bachelor's degree in Journalism, Judaic Studies, and Hebrew from New York University's Gallatin School of Individualized Study.
MA, New York University
Graduate Certificate, Yeshiva University
Graduate Certificate, iCenter Master's Concentration in Israel Education
BA, New York University
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Ratings and Reviews
Miriam FeilerI found this course interesting. The teacher has a nice voice, but the course felt more like a podcast. Also, this course needs more updated episodes to take into account the major chasms in American Jewish life under the current administration and since October 7th.
Susanna BluhmWell-researched, presentation is OK (reading rather than teaching), accurate quizzes. I wish there was a lecture for the 2010s and one for after October 7, 2023.
While I enjoyed learning more about American Jewish history and politics, I found the teacher to be blatantly biased in favor of liberal politics. And I say that as someone who has worked in Democratic politics for a living. This course assumes that all liberal values are inherently better or more Jewish. I disliked this bias.