Jewish Activism Summer School | JASS 2022
About JASS
The Jewish Activism Summer School meets for 3 weeks each August in Berlin. JASS accepts participants of all ages, 18 and up from around the world. An exceptional international cadre of instructors offers seminars on traditional Jewish texts, the history of Jewish activism, trainings in skills and methods (for example, complex systems theory, deep democracy or non-violent communication).
Using Berlin as an open classroom and historical and political case study, we meet successful and innovative local organizations and individual activists and social entrepreneurs to learn about strategies, best practices, leadership models, including learning from failure.
Past examples have included Transparency International, Bürger Energie, Dokumentations- und Kulturzentrum Deutscher Sinti und Roma, Shai Hoffmann and the Bus der Begegnungen, Kreuzberg Initiativ gegen Antisemitismus and Prinzessinengarten Berlin.
- Timeframe: 08-28 August 2022
- Location: Berlin Cafe Refugio
- Language: English
- Target Group: Jewish and non-Jewish activists or those interested in activism ages 18+
- Fees: 400 Euro EU citizens / 900 Euro non-EU citizens
- Credits: 4 ECTS
- Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis
Mission
JASS’ mission is to serve Jewish (and non-Jewish) activists and organizations by offering programs, informed by Jewish values, that educate, train and challenge activists (protesters, social entrepreneurs, change-makers, innovators), in our shared fight for democracy, human rights and a healthy and sustainable world.
JASS is unique in offering Jews and non-Jews alike a serious and practical education in Jewish traditional approaches to Tikkun Olam (repairing the world), historical examples of Jewish activism, and an interdisciplinary cluster of skills and methods applicable to any issue area.
Meant to delve into the Jewish experience and fountains of wisdom, JASS invites non Jewish participants to take part in the program. We believe in the constructive power of dialogue and mutual understanding, and welcome allies of different views and experiences with open arms.
Instructor and former participant„I'm such a big fan of the program. I think both JASS and the participants are doing great things in the world and I loved spending time with you all. It was a fantastic experience!“
Schedule
At JASS, you will learn from some of the brightest, most creative, effective, innovative and dedicated scholars and activists in the world. You will be immersed in a combination of courses, workshops, and excursions to local organizations, giving you new insights and skills to take back home to your own communities and initiatives.
An international cadre of invited effective and innovative scholars, activists, practitioners and spiritual leaders teach and guide participants.
Participants also make excursions to important, relevant local sites. JASS is particularly interested in efforts that change systems in order to prevent problems in the first place rather than patch up existing problems post facto.
JASS emphasizes holistic thinking, bringing into dialogue interdisciplinary cutting-edge knowledge and ancient wisdom; political activism and spiritual awareness; study and action; the self and the collective; Jewish and non-Jewish approaches.
