ALEPH: The Institute of Jewish Ideas, a Jewish learning initiative co-sponsored by the Mandell JCC and UConn Judaic Studies, has announced its 2021 schedule of educational programs. The Institute’s theme for 2021 is The Jewish Roots of Social Justice. All programs will be held Thursdays, 7:30 on Zoom. For more information, visit judaicstudies.uconn.edu or mandelljcc.org. The following are Aleph programs through February: 

January 7
The Biblical Prophets and Social Justice
Prof. Deena Grant (Hartford Seminary)  
Biblical prophets, such as Amos, Isaiah, and Jeremiah, witnessed and called out systemic social injustices – which did not necessarily reform Israel’s behavior nor alter the course of the nation’s history.  This program will explore the prophetic argument for social justice as well as the prophetic experience of failure, in order to understand the role of prophecy within the larger context Israel’s salvation, exile, and restoration. 

January 21  
A Pedagogy of Social Justice: Teaching Jewish Diversity, Dismantling the “White, Male Jew” 
Prof. Aaron Hahn Tapper (University of San Francisco) 
This session offers one way to both teach and deconstruct the dominant stereotypes that Jews reinforce when teaching about Jews and Judaisms. 

February 18 
Jewish Ethics, Social Justice, Community Organizing and the 21st Century Rabbinate  
Rabbi Stephanie Ruskay (Jewish Theological Seminary) 
Rabbi Ruskay is focused on raising the scope and profile of social justice work and community organizing skills in the role of the contemporary rabbi.