CURA Announces Second Annual Conference on the Jewish Left
Following last year’s successful inaugural event that drew over 400 attendees, the Frederick S. Pardee School of Global Studies’ Institute on Culture, Religion, and World Affairs (CURA) has announced its second annual Conference on the Jewish Left, scheduled for February 28, 2025.
The daylong conference, to be held at Boston University, will feature prominent scholars, activists, and artists exploring pressing questions facing the Jewish left today. Notable speakers include Brown University’s Omer Bartov, artist and writer Molly Crabapple, and organizer Simone Zimmerman, among others.
“At a time when foundational principles of justice and democracy are under attack, the conference provides an educational space to bridge the academic-community divide,” said CURA Director Jeremy Menchik. “We aim to explore the Jewish left’s values, institutions, and impact while empowering the next generation of leaders.”
The program includes discussions on various topics, from historical perspectives on the Jewish Labor Bund to contemporary challenges facing American Judaism. The day will conclude with a special concert by the Magid Ensemble, featuring award-winning klezmer musicians exploring the interplay of sound, story, light, and shadow.
This year’s conference has received support from several institutions, including the Krupp Family Foundation, the Jewish Cultural Endowment at Boston University, and the Boston University Center for the Humanities.
The event will be accessible both in-person and via livestream, reflecting CURA’s commitment to broad engagement and inclusive dialogue. Registration is now open for both attendance options.
For more information and registration, visit: https://www.bu.edu/cura/recent-news-and-happenings/the-jewish-left-2025/