661F Fall 2025 What Does it Mean to Love Our Neighbor in Today’s World?

In our polarized world, we will examine what we can do to try to build bridges between neighbors. The instructor does not propose to present this talk as a musical production. However, using the pioneer female songwriter, Jackie DeShannon’s “Put a Little Love in Your Heart”, we find a perfect segue to the theme of the presentation. Feel free to google the words to this meaningful song before class.

Rabbi Bruce Aft, currently Rabbi emeritus of Congregation Adat Reyim, served as their spiritual leader for 29 years. A graduate of the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College in Philadelphia, Rabbi Aft received an Honorary Doctor of Divinity degree in 2006.In retirement, he is an adjunct professor at George Mason University, visiting scholar at the Carter School at GMU, and is the past president of the Community Board for Hillel at GMU and the Board of OUDC (Operation Understanding D.C.), a Black Jewish dialogue program for teenagers.