NYC Gazette

From June 2 to June 6, 2024, the Straus Scholars of the Zahava and Moshael Straus Center for Torah and Western Thought participated in a summer seminar in England. The program featured leading diplomats, writers, academics, and Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis.

The first session was a lecture by the Straus Center Director, Rabbi Dr. Meir Soloveichik, entitled “Churchill, the Jews, and the Future of the West.” Rabbi Soloveichik focused on the Jewish character of Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli, noting that although Disraeli converted to Christianity at a young age, his Jewish identity played a key role in his life story. Rabbi Soloveichik discussed how Disraeli managed to turn his Jewish past into a strength, once famously proclaiming, “Yes, I am a Jew, and while the ancestors of the right honorable gentleman were brutal savages in an unknown island, mine were priests in the temple of Solomon.”

Rabbi Soloveichik suggested that Disraeli’s complicated Jewish identity is reflective of Britain's relationship with the Jewish people more broadly. Britain has produced great friends of the Jewish people, such as Churchill, and yet throughout its history has also been a source of significant antisemitism. This frame is key for understanding the history of Jews in Britain.

After this opening seminar, students had lunch with writer and journalist Dominic Green, who shared his insights into the current political climate in Britain, America, and globally. This was followed by a tour of Bevis Marks synagogue led by Rabbi Shalom Morris. Bevis Marks is the oldest synagogue in England and has been continuously running since its founding. Rabbi Morris described its history and significance within Spanish Portuguese Jewish history. Rabbi Soloveichik then gave a brief lecture about Moses Montefiore's contributions to Jewish settlement in Israel.

Next was a lecture by Rabbi Dr. Dov Lerner on “Monarchy & Immunity in Jewish Thought,” discussing historical events like King Charles I's trial alongside issues such as criminal immunity within Jewish law.

At dinner that evening students were joined by historian Andrew Roberts who spoke about Winston Churchill’s philosemitism and support for Israel.

The following day included visits to Oxford University’s Old Bodleian Library where Prof. Judith Buchanan lectured on Shakespeare’s folios with political implications found within different editions of Henry V. A walking tour highlighted historical sites related to Oxford's Jewish community.

In London on Wednesday morning Norman Lebrecht discussed contributions from prominent Jewish thinkers like Einstein and Freud while balancing their wider world impact with their Jewish identity.

Straus Deputy Director Rabbi Dr. Stu Halpern provided guidance on writing for broader audiences before Dr. Tevi Troy explored American presidents' relationships with their English counterparts.

Rabbi Soloveichik led tours at both the British Museum highlighting artifacts related to ancient Israelite history and at Churchill War Rooms museum dedicated to Winston Churchill's WWII efforts.

Thursday morning featured meetings with Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis discussing interfaith engagement challenges faced during his tenure along with Lord Stuart Polak who spoke about advocating for Israel globally.

Rabbi Soloveichik noted this week offered unique insights into England's complex relationship with its Jewish community through engaging seminars bridging Torah study with Western thought beyond traditional classroom settings.

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