Jewish institutions and communities are often shaped by the boundaries they draw regarding belief, practice, and identity. These lines help to create strong, focused, and close-knit groups, but they can also sometimes feel arbitrary or exclusionary. While boundaries can strengthen community bonds, they may also, at times, lead to division and even hurt those on the outside.

In this class, we will explore the reasons why Jewish communities establish these boundaries, and the tensions that arise between inclusion and exclusion. Why is it important to define who belongs, and what are the impacts of these choices on individuals and the broader Jewish world? Together, we’ll examine how communities can balance the need for clear identity with the desire to be welcoming and inclusive.

Samson Goldberg has taught Jewish texts in a wide variety of settings, including the Prozdor High School at JTS, the Genesis Precollege Program at Brandeis University, and Reform and Orthodox synagogues in his hometown of Albany, New York. He has studied at the yeshiva at the Hadar Institute in New York City and Yeshivat Ma'ale Gilboa in northern Israel. Samson has a bachelor's degree in Philosophy, Politics, and Law, with minors in History and Religious Studies, from Binghamton University.