Thinking about Adversity

• In Event: Relations and Tensions between Jews and Non-Jews: Conceptual Challenges

Abstract

In what ways might (or might not) the many instances of adversity Jews have faced over the centuries, from hostile words and invidious caricatures to legal discrimination, expulsion, and deadly violence, be related to one another? How can connections between different instances be established (or refuted)? How have Jews in previous centuries drawn such connections (to the extent that they have)? How are they doing so at present? How well have earlier and current theories about connections stood up to empirical historical investigation? David Engel will present some new findings and ideas related to these questions.

Author

• David Engel, New York University