Jewish Learning Institute — Jewish Salem
Sinai& Civics
How Jewish values helped shape America's founding ideals
In time for the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, this four-session course reflects on the Jewish ethics, ideas, and values that inspired America's founders — and still shape our society today.
4 Sessions · Starting June 22, 2026 · Monday Evenings · In-Person & Online
Course Overview
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal”
Declaration of Independence, 1776
America Founded on Moral Vision
America was founded not only by revolution, but by a profound moral vision — one deeply rooted in the Hebrew Bible and the ethics of Jewish thought.
This course invites curious minds to explore how covenant, equality, and divine justice shaped the ideals of the American experiment — from the Declaration to the Constitution.
No previous Jewish learning necessary.
Lesson Outline
Four Transformative
Sessions
Sessions
A journey from Sinai to Philadelphia — exploring the ancient ideas that built a nation.
01
The Foundations of the Covenant
America's founders drew inspiration from the Hebrew Bible and a shared promise of covenant — discover the original social contract.
02
The Roots of Equality
Discover the story of this foundational American and Jewish value — and why “all men are created equal” was a revolutionary idea.
03
In G‑d We Trust
Explore how Biblical ideas shaped America's ideal of opportunity and prosperity — and what that means for us today.
04
The Separation of Powers
See how America's system parallels the Torah's ancient division of powers — prophet, king, and priest as the original checks and balances.
Session Details
Join Us This Summer
Attend in-person at Jewish Salem or join online from anywhere.
Monday Evenings
7:00 – 8:30 PM
4 Sessions · Starting June 22, 2026
Dates
June 22 – July 13
2026
2026
Location
Chabad Center for Jewish Life
Instructor
Rabbi Avrohom Y. Perlstein
This course is offered for both in-person and online attendees.