Throughout Jewish history, one question persists: Is the survival of the Jewish people better served by adapting to the surrounding majority culture, or by maintaining a clear sense of boundaries and separation?

The eminent Jewish historian Gerson Cohen argued in a 1966 HC commencement address that Jewish survival is integrally linked to the ability and willingness of Jews to adapt. Far from being a force that absorbs and erases all trace of Jewish religion and culture, Cohen contended that assimilation “serves as a challenge and a goad to renewed creativity.” In short, he asserted, assimilation is no burden—but rather, a blessing that has enabled Judaism to flourish through competitive imitation.

In a four-part lecture series, presented in January and February by the Center for Adult Jewish Learning at HC, four distinguished Jewish historians—including Cohen’s son, Jeremy Cohen—explored this argument through a close examination of key periods in Jewish history. According to Gerson Cohen, Hebrew College was itself a product of adaptation and constructive change. His 1966 address ended with a dictate to bring graduates’ "mastery of the sources” and “tools for the instruction of others" out into the Jewish arena. After 40 years, Cohen’s words still resonated with the speakers who gathered at HC—and stands as a timely charge to HC’s students even today.

Gershon Cohen’s 1966 HC Commencement speech can be viewed at our website, hebrewcollege.edu/cohen66.




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