Introduction: Symposium on the Jewish Left

Abstract

The Jewish Left is having an intertwined renaissance and crisis, with a level of influence and growth not seen in decades. What explains the revitalization of the Jewish Left? What can the older generation teach to and learn from the young generation? What are the possibilities for institution-building? And why should scholars care? To tackle these questions, Boston University’s Institute on Culture, Religion, and World Affairs (CURA) organized a symposium on the Jewish Left. Bringing together activists and theorists, scholars and practitioners, grandparents and grandchildren, the event worked to theorize the past and present to map the Jewish left’s path forward. Speakers included some of the leading voices of the Jewish Left, representatives of progressive Jewish organizations, and provided a gathering space for scholars, students, and activists to examine the evolving role of the Jewish Left in world affairs.