JTS fall learning series, “Two Are Better Than One:” Friendship in Jewish Text, Thought, and Life 

Dr. Benedicte Sere, Visiting Professor, JTS, and Associate Professor of Medieval History, University of Paris Nanterre, Member of the Institut Universitaire de France 

In a world where religious differences have often been a source of division, the concept of friendship emerges as a powerful tool for forging connections, fostering receptiveness to others, and nurturing understanding. Beginning with a discussion of Aristotle’s friendship, followed by several case studies, we will investigate how friendship has been actualized and experienced throughout history within the context of interfaith dialogue. We will also consider to what extent an ambivalence about friendship exists in Jewish-Christian relations from the Middle Ages up to the present day. 

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