Ten days after America marks its independence, our French friends celebrate their own nation's revolution. July 14, Bastille Day, commemorates the revolt that overthrew the French monarchy and set the stage for the modern, democratic state we know today.
What's Jewish about the French revolution and its aftermath? Lots: from the enlightenment idea of equality for all to the movement to grant Jews full citizenship, to the birth of the Zionist movement in the aftermath of the rise of reactionary antisemitism.
Rabbi David will talk about France and the Jews -- historically and today -- at a special Friday night service and dinner, three days before French Independence Day. Look for more details tomorrow, but plan to come for the crepes, pommes frites, baguettes, and champagne/sparkling grape juice.
Come for the
camaradarie. Stay for the liberte, egalite, fraternite.
