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Annie Proulx with Michael Cunningham: <em>Stories</em>
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November 10 | 7:30 PM
Annie Proulx with Michael Cunningham: Stories
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Sandbox Percussion: <em>Seven Pillars</em>
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November 07 | 7:30 PM
Sandbox Percussion: Seven Pillars
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America’s Liberal Reckoning — Fareed Zakaria and Patrick Deneen: A Munk Debate at 92NY
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November 12 | 7:00 PM
America’s Liberal Reckoning — Fareed Zakaria and Patrick Deneen: A Munk Debate at 92NY
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Boxing for Adults All Levels
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November 16 | 7:30 PM
Boxing for Adults All Levels
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Super Fast Beaded Jewelry for Holiday Gifts
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November 07 | 10:00 AM
Super Fast Beaded Jewelry for Holiday Gifts
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November 15 | 9:30 AM
Creative Crafts for Families
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The 92nd Street Y, New York is a world-class cultural and community center where people all over the world connect through culture, arts, entertainment and conversation. For over 150 years, we have harnessed the power of arts and ideas to enrich, enlighten and change lives, and the power of community to repair the world.
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The 92NY Center for Culture & Arts, a historic cornerstone of New York’s cultural landscape, continues to define the city’s creative pulse. With its unmatched talks, world-class concerts, innovative dance, literary events, and dynamic arts education, it remains a vital force in global culture.
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In a world where community is more essential than ever, The 92nd Street Y has made it the cornerstone of its mission for 150 years. Today, our community stretches beyond borders, connecting individuals from every corner of the globe. We embrace people of all faiths, backgrounds, and beliefs, creating a vibrant, inclusive space where generations come together and bonds are formed.
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The Belfer Center for Innovation & Social Impact invests in community builders who turn individual generosity into collective energy. By sharing ideas, nurturing leaders, and scaling what works, we help everyday changemakers forge stronger connections, illuminate new paths, and turn local sparks into bright, enduring beacons of positive social progress.
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    The Elie Wiesel Living Archive

    at The 92nd Street Y, New York. Supported by The Elie Wiesel Foundation for Humanity

    In the Bible: Non-Jews

    From the beginning of time and the Torah, the contribution of non-Jews to Jewish history

    Nov 05, 1998

    Professor Wiesel asks why the stories in the Bible are devoid of Jewish reference and characters until Abraham and Sarah. He explains that the story of pagans and non-Jews are also part of Jewish history. Professor Wiesel revisits the tales of Ishmael, Esau, Pahroah, Jethro and Bilaam with empathy and shows that Jethro, in particular, is worthy of our respect. Professor Wiesel teaches us that to humiliate another is to debase ourselves and that humiliation is equivalent to murder.

    Download the transcript

    Selected Quotes:
    “
    In the Biblical text, the story of creation is totally devoid of any Jewish reference. (00:01:35)
    Elie Wiesel
    “
    First, it is important to note that pagans are not considered to be strangers in the Bible. They are part of its texture. (00:04:36)
    Elie Wiesel
    “
    Why is tradition so hostile towards the firstborn son of the first of our patriarchs? (00:14:02)
    Elie Wiesel
    “
    But we believe that the enemy of the Jews is the enemy of all people. (00:25:30)
    Elie Wiesel
    “
    Few other traditions have as many words for listening. (00:42:49)
    Elie Wiesel
    “
    Gratitude is at the basis of Jewish sensitivity and Jewish tradition. (00:43:53)
    Elie Wiesel
    “
    Every human being deserves to be judged for what he or she stands for. (00:48:26)
    Elie Wiesel
    “
    Self-respect is linked to the respect of others. (00:50:17)
    Elie Wiesel
    “
    There is no cover-up in the Bible. (00:54:23)
    Elie Wiesel
    “
    Beginnings are always violent, they mean disruption of an existing order. (00:54:46)
    Elie Wiesel
    Books:
    Subthemes:
    1) The Creation Story and Adam and Eve: The First Non-Jews
    2) The Ger, the Nichar, and the Zar
    3) 33 Years at 92Y
    4) Ishmael: Son of Abraham, NOT of Sarah
    5) Esau: A Prenatal Victim
    6) Jews don’t always get it right either!
    7) Simeon and Levi, the Golden Calf
    8) Pharaoh: A Leader at Odds
    9) Bilaam: A Blessing on Your Heads
    10) A Return to Historical Pharoah: Abram & Sarai
    11) Jethro: A Beloved Outsider
    12) With Questionable Motives?
    13) Friend of Baby Moses
    14) Who are We to Judge?
    15) Watch Your Words: Kol Hamatzil Hanefesh…
    16) Pikuach Nefesh Applications
    17) Why These Tales Must Be Told
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