Summer Limmud Series: America at 250

As America approaches its 250th anniversary, join our clergy for a four-part Summer Limmud learning series that explores the rich and evolving story of Jewish life in the United States. Through history, music, art, and ideas, we will examine how the status of Jews in America has changed over time, discover the profound influence of American Jewish composers and artists on the nation’s cultural landscape, and grapple with the dynamic relationship between Jewish law and democratic values. Together, we’ll reflect on what the American experiment has meant for the Jewish community and what Jewish tradition has to say as we look toward the nation’s next chapter. Wednesday, July 8, 2026: The role of Jews as Citizens in America and the DMV with Lauren Strauss, Senior Professorial Lecturer, Dir. of Undergraduate Studies for Jewish Studies at American University – with Rabbi Jeffrey Saxe Wednesday, July 15, 2026: America’s Most Influential Jewish Composers – with Cantor Mike Shochet and Frank Conlon. Tuesday, July 21, 2026: The Jewish History of Mah Jongg with Professor Annelise Heinz, Associate Professor of History at the University of Oregon – with Rabbi Sarah Tasman Wednesday, July 29, 2026: "Prayers for Our Country: American Jewish Voices on Nation and Identity” with Rabbi Alexandra Stein