Shalom Hartman Institute facts for kids

The Shalom Hartman Institute is a special place in Jerusalem, Israel. It's a Jewish center for learning and ideas. The institute teaches about Jewish thought and education. It helps scholars, rabbis, teachers, and community leaders. They come from Israel and North America.

The institute wants to encourage different ideas and open-minded values. It also works to keep Israel a democratic country. Many rabbis and Jewish leaders from North America join its programs every year.

History of the Institute

How the Institute Started

Rabbi Professor David Hartman moved to Israel in 1971. He came with his family from Montreal, Canada. Rabbi Hartman's home in Jerusalem became a study place for young people. They liked his way of thinking.

By 1976, the group needed more space. They moved to a local synagogue. This is when the Shalom Hartman Institute officially began. It was named to honor Rabbi Hartman's father.

Growing in Jerusalem

The institute moved a few times. Then, Teddy Kollek, a former mayor of Jerusalem, helped them. He was a big supporter of Rabbi Hartman. He offered the institute a large piece of land. This land was in the city's "Cultural Mile." This area includes the Jerusalem Theatre and other cultural centers.

The institute created many programs. These programs were for teachers, rabbis, and community leaders. Under Rabbi David Hartman and his son, Rabbi Dr. Donniel Hartman, the institute grew a lot. Thousands of people now take part in their programs each year.

In 2009, Donniel Hartman became the president. David Hartman was named the founding president. In 2010, a website about Jewish news called the institute "prestigious."

Influence in Israel

In May 2010, Tzipi Livni was a leader in Israel's government. She asked the Hartman Institute to help with a conference. This conference was held at the Israeli Knesset (parliament). It was about what Jewish identity means in Israel.

What the Institute Does

The Hartman Institute is based in Jerusalem. It supports different viewpoints and open-minded ideas. It helps Jewish communities in Israel and around the world. The institute teaches leaders to promote Israel's democratic nature. It also encourages diversity and respectful discussions.

The institute gets support from various donors. Its president, Donniel Hartman, has said the institute decides its own goals. He believes its work shows its commitment to Jewish pluralism and democratic values.

Programs and Learning

Sources: A Journal of Jewish Ideas

In 2021, the institute started a journal called Sources: A Journal of Jewish Ideas. This journal has long articles from Jewish thinkers. It explores challenges facing Jewish people today. The institute says it helps fill a gap. It offers deep ideas beyond daily news or academic papers. Scholars like Christine Hayes contribute to it.

iEngage on Campus

The Shalom Hartman Institute-North America runs the iEngage on Campus program. This program teaches college students about Jewish peoplehood. It also explores the connection between Jewish people and Israel. In 2016, the program received a grant to expand. It reached nine campuses on the West Coast of the United States. Students and teachers took part in training in Israel and North America.

Muslim Leadership Initiative (MLI)

The Muslim Leadership Initiative, or MLI, is a special program. It invites Muslim leaders from North America. They learn about how Jews understand Judaism, Israel, and Jewish identity. The MLI program is a thirteen-month experience. It includes studying, visiting places in Israel and the Palestinian territories, and ongoing learning.

The program aims to improve relationships between Jewish and Muslim communities. Participants also meet Palestinian leaders. Some critics have concerns about the program's goals. They worry it might not fully support Palestinian causes.

How MLI Started

MLI is led by the Shalom Hartman Institute of North America. Imam Abdullah Antepli and Yossi Klein Halevi helped create it. They wanted to connect mainstream Muslim and Jewish communities. They hoped MLI would teach Muslims about Judaism and Israel. They also hoped Jews would learn about Muslim communities.

People and Public Events

Many people have taken part in MLI. These include Wajahat Ali, a writer and commentator. Rabia Chaudry, an attorney and author, also participated. Haroon Moghul, a fellow at the institute, is another alumnus. Some participants have written about their experiences in Tablet magazine.

Support and Views

The MLI program has also received support. One participant, Haroon Moghul, said MLI visits the West Bank. It also invites Palestinian leaders to speak. He noted that the program does not demand any political views. David Horovitz called MLI a "taboo-shattering initiative." He saw it as a step toward healing Muslim-Jewish relations. Gary Rosenblatt described MLI as a model for honest discussions.

Center for Judaism and State Policy

In 2022, the institute opened the Center for Judaism and State Policy. This center works with the Harry Oscar Triguboff Institute. It aims to promote different ideas through research and public efforts. It supports policymakers and activists.

Center for Israeli-Jewish Identity

The Center for Israeli-Jewish Identity focuses on Jewish life for Israelis. This includes high school students and soldiers in the IDF. The center helps Israelis learn about their Jewish heritage. The Be'eri Initiative works with many Israeli high schools. It has helped thousands of students and teachers. This program has positively influenced students' views on Jewish studies.

Shalom Hartman Institute-North America

The Shalom Hartman Institute-North America helps Jewish communities in North America. Its president is Yehuda Kurtzer. This branch runs programs and seminars across the US and Canada.

It has a three-year program for North American rabbis. One rabbi called it "one of the blessings of my rabbinate."

In July 2012, the institute partnered with Hillel International. This program brings Hartman Fellows to college campuses. They discuss and teach about the Jewish connection with Israel.

Every August, Hartman holds a student leadership summit. Students from universities gather to talk about leadership in their Jewish communities.

Notable People at the Institute

• Author and commentator Yossi Klein Halevi, a Senior Fellow
• Diplomatic advisor Tal Becker, Vice President