Judaism as Living History: A Conversation Across Time

Michal Natalie Kireeva guided participants through the history of Judaism—from the Second Temple period to modern Israel—revealing it as a living, evolving tradition shaped by dialogue, debate, and change. She explored the diversity of early Jewish movements, the revolutionary impact of Hasidism, and the profound shifts brought by the Jewish Enlightenment and Reform, all while grounding these ideas in historical context.

The discussion concluded with an engaging reflection on contemporary Jewish identity, emphasizing multiplicity rather than uniformity and inviting understanding over judgment. Michal’s central message resonated deeply: Judaism is not a single, solid structure, but a home built from many different bricks—religious, secular, and everything in between—each part of a rich, human, and ongoing story.