The American Jewish Past and What Comes Next — with Nicholas Lemann

As the United States approaches its 250th birthday, what foundational elements of the American Jewish story do we need to reframe?

In this episode of Identity/Crisis, Yehuda Kurtzer reflects on the approaching 250th anniversary of the United States with journalist and author Nicholas Lemann. Together they explore the long arc of American Jewish life—from the promise of belonging and dual identity to today’s climate of political instability and rising antisemitism. Drawing on Lemann’s sweeping family history, the subject of his new book Returning: A Search for Home Across Three Centuries, their conversation asks what it means to inhabit both insider and outsider identities at once and what new stories—and commitments—might sustain Jewish life in America moving forward.

You can now sponsor an episode of Identity/Crisis. Click HERE to learn more.

JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST FOR MORE HARTMAN IDEAS

Learn more about the America at 250 initiative from the Hartman Institute HERE

Here’s more from the Shalom Hartman Institute this week:

Join the Hartman Beit Midrash for America at 250.

Learn more about and register for Hartman's summer programs in Jerusalem.