Welcome to the American Scripture Project, a curriculum that will enable your congregants to engage together with some of our country’s most historic writing in order to wrestle with what it means to be an American -- and to be Jewish -- in the 21st century.
During each session, we examine a seminal American text and unearth the meaning of the words, elevate their implications, and wrestle with the contradictions posed.
This curriculum, a series of 6 monthly-lessons focused on 6 seminal American texts, turns to what we can agree upon: American history is filled with transformative ideas, beautiful pieces of writing, and passionate voices from all perspectives. Combining the Jewish habits of parshanut with the rich treasury of American texts will inspire us and reteach us how to discover narratives that unify us as a community of Americans.
At the center of the leadership is humility–the Jewish belief that one must take up the right amount of space–leaning in to assert the need to challenge assumptions. Listening to truly understand the perspectives of those we will dialogue with through this experience.
Through this program, communities and participants will:
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Leverage the sacred space to build better habits of citizenship
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Unpack the myths deeply embedded in our nation’s psyche
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Build skill in analyzing historical text through a spiritual lens, practicing inquiry, and engaging in dialogue across difference
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Deepen commitment to strengthen our democracy alongside the values embedded in Judaism
This is about building a culture of healthy citizenship, and the texts are there to challenge us spiritually and draw us together as a community. This is not partisan, political, policy-based, or even moral. It’s about how American narratives touch our souls. As such, this is not about being experts in anything other than yourself and your feelings about America.
