The Forum for Critical Jewish Thought

Co-Founding Directors: Rabbi Dr. William Plevan, Dr. Ezra Tzfadya

Mission

The Forum generates compelling and creative Jewish thought to advance justice, equality, and solidarity. We seek to enliven the intellectual, ethical and political sensibilities of the Jewish community and the broader American public sphere. Fostering an open and inspiring conversation on the most pressing issues of our day, The Forum creates a robust network of thinkers, creators, and leaders committed to translating bold ideas into bold action.

Who We Are

The Forum for Critical Jewish Thought was created to address the interlocking crises facing Jewish communities around the world. The first relates to the crisis of liberalism posed by authoritarian politics and the ensuant erosion of democratic norms in the United States, Europe, and the Middle East. The second concerns the entrenchment of Israel’s occupation and domination of the Palestinian people. This has culminated in the decimation of Gaza, Israeli war atrocities, and the dim prospects for justice and peace in Israel/Palestine.

The Forum advances deeply engaged public scholarship and applied Jewish thought to foster American Jewish communal institutions that are genuinely and effectively committed to multiracial democracy and the dignity of all people in Israel/Palestine. We believe that Jewish communal life and political action should be founded on a commitment to solidarity with all races, religions, and nationalities in the places where Jews live. Through its programs and publications, The Forum gives scholars, students, clergy, professionals and leaders the opportunity to grapple with issues of state power, law, social justice, war and peace, and intergroup cooperation through the lens of Jewish history, ethics, and thought. In this fashion, the Forum will mobilize and empower American Jewish leaders from multiple sectors to transform Jewish communal life and positively impact the American public sphere.

Founding Directors

Dr. Ezra Tzfadya

Co-Founding Director, The Forum for Critical Jewish Thought