Teaching Jewish History in America — with Natalia Mehlman Petrzela
About this episode
Yehuda Kurtzer and historian Natalia Mehlman Petrzela discuss the importance of telling Jewish stories amidst political polarization and the role of historians in public life.
What does it mean to tell Jewish stories in a moment of political polarization and distortion? On this episode of Identity/Crisis, Yehuda Kurtzer is joined by historian Natalia Mehlman Petrzela to examine the role of the historian in public life: not to offer talking points or easy analogies, but to deepen public understanding in a time of simplification and certainty. Through a conversation about education, Jewish identity, and the place of Jews in American history, they consider why richer storytelling matters—and what it can offer to students, Jews, and the broader public. You can now sponsor an episode of Identity/Crisis. Click HERE to learn more. JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST FORMORE HARTMAN IDEAS Here’s more from the Shalom Hartman Institute this week: Register for our virtual day of learning, In the Face of Cruelty: Jewish Responsibilities to Neighbors and Strangers on March 12.
People in this episode
Host: Yehuda Kurtzer
Guest: Natalia Mehlman Petrzela
Topics covered
- Jewish history
- political polarization
- education
- Jewish identity
- public understanding
- storytelling
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Shalom Hartman Institute
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