Accounting for Jewish Survival
Marxist/Universalist Views
David Sidorsky, a professor of philosophy at Columbia University, discusses Jewish survival from a philosophical perspective, drawing on Marxist and other universalist theories. He challenges the idea that there is a philosophical explanation for Jewish survival. Sidorsky discusses the historical period of the Enlightenment and how it led to shifting perspectives about Judaism, such as seeking “normalization of Jewish life.” He also discusses how the post-Enlightenment emergence of Marxism and universalism influenced ideological visions of alternative Jewish life, such as the introduction of reform Judaism, and examines how those alternatives held up over time. Sidorsky looks to the future and suggests Jews from different areas of the world try to achieve universal values by “building on the particularities” of their local traditions and values. Following his lecture, Sidorsky speaks with the event moderator, Rabbi Paul Joseph, and answers questions from the audience.
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