The Historicist View - The 92nd Street Y, New York

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92NY Humanities Audio Collection

Accounting for Jewish Survival

The Historicist View

Apr 3, 1990


Ellis Rivkin, professor of Jewish History at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, discusses Jewish survival from a historical perspective. Rivkin delves into the history of Jewish political sovereignty, starting with the Hasmonean dynasty, which lasted until it was conquered by Romans. Jews lived a diasporic life under Roman rule, and it wasn’t until the rise of the State of Israel that there was once more Jewish political sovereignty, however fragile. Rivkin goes on to discuss how Jewish people have overcome unique and historical challenges due to steadfast core beliefs, like monotheism. He explains the “unity principle,” which suggests that adaptability is a major factor to Jewish survival. After his lecture, Rivkin speaks with the event’s moderator, Rabbi Paul Joseph, and answers questions from the audience.

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