Chapter One: Introduction to Jewish-Muslim Relations
The opening chapter explores the rationale upon which the Unity Program is based. Students are first introduced to some basic theories of “dialogue” work and begin addressing the nature of the Jewish-Muslim relations, examining some of the underlying reasons for a joint study of Jewish and Muslim religious traditions and communities. This includes an introduction to the concept of Jewish-Muslim relations, among others.
Chapter Two: Islam, Judaism and Comparing Religious Traditions
Next, students delve into the relationship between Judaism and Islam through a lens of comparative religions. The challenges involved in the comparative process are further addressed, allowing students to also look briefly at some of the theories in the study of religion (e.g., Ninian Smart, J.Z. Smith, Paul Tillich).
Chapter Three: Islam 101
This chapter provides an intensive introduction to Islam, during which students encounter the historical development of Islam and the primary Muslim sects and holidays. Students study the Prophet Muhammed and his role in the emergence of Islam (i.e., the Hijra and the immediate generation following his death), the development of Shi'i/Sunni movements (i.e., their historical origins as well as their contemporary manifestations), the role of the Qur'an, the role of Hadith, the role of Shari'a, the role of Sunnah, the development of the Islamic calendar and the major Islamic holidays, and a focus on the Ja'fari Shi'i tradition. This chapter seeks also to deepen students' understanding of the Five Pillars of Islam by focusing on an in-depth study of the Shahadah, Salat, Ramadan, Zakah, and the Haj. Further, students look at specific issues such as the practices of wearing a hijab and eating according to the standards of Halal.
Chapter Four: Judaism 101
Accordingly, the following chapter offers an intensive introduction to Judaism, during which students learn about the historical development of Judaism and the primary Jewish denominations and holidays. Students examine the biblical Hebrews, various perspectives on the canonization of the Torah, the role of the Mishnah and Talmud, the development of different ethnic traditions (i.e., Ashkenzim, Sephardim, Mizrahim, Middle Eastern Jews, Indian Jews, etc.), the development of modern movements (i.e., Reform, Conservative, Reconstructionist and Orthodox), and the development of the Jewish calendar and major Jewish holidays. This chapter also seeks to deepen students' understanding of the concept of Halachah as well as different perspectives within Judaism regarding such issues as 'who is a Jew'. Additionally, students look at the issue of modesty (tziniut) and the practice of eating according to the standards of Kashrut.
Chapter Five: Judaism, Islam, and Comparing Sacred Texts
With such foundations set, students review Judaism and Islam via a thematic approach, comparing sacred texts regarding Creation and the characters Abraham, Hajar, Isaac, Ishmael, and Sarah. This gives students the opportunity to see the similarities and differences between how the Torah and Qur’an approach these sacred ideas.
Chapter Six: Islamic and Jewish History
A selection of important historical points of contact between Jewish and Muslim communities is also analyzed to broaden individuals’ perspectives. Students focus on medieval relations in Al Andalus, paying particular attention to the notion of non-Muslims' dhimmi (protected) status and points of interaction between Jews and Muslims, including a critical scholarly analysis of historical events such as the pact of Omar. This chapter closes by looking at how each of these communities engaged in cross-cultural exchanges with the 'other', using case examples related to various expressions of art.
Chapter Seven: Challenges to Jewish-Muslim Relations
In considering the rationale upon which the Unity Program is based, this chapter seeks to elucidate the challenges to contemporary Jewish-Muslim relations in the United States, thereby going deeper than the introductory chapter. In addition, students look at the complex relationship between religion and politics, examining theorists on religious nationalism such as Anthony Smith, and analyzing points of overlap such as the use of symbols, paying attention to how these topics relate to Muslim-Jewish relations. We also survey various attitudes espoused by Jewish and Muslim organizations and communities regarding the intersection of religion and politics, paying particular attention to how this intersection manifests in societal realpolitik.
Chapter Eight: Leadership and the Future of Jewish-Muslim Relations
This unit then attempts to draw together the students' experiences over the course of the year, with a highlighted focus on how to translate these experiences into tangible actions for student-leaders, both inside and outside of these two communities. An emphasis on the literature of leadership is incorporated as a vehicle through which to reflect and move the students forward, ensuring that students find ways to use their experiences in interfaith dialogue, conflict transformation, and leadership training to enrich their own religious identities and share with others what they have learned. Students are given scenarios to analyze, and asked to role-play how they would address these problematic situations.
Chapter Nine: Inter-group Encounters in Theory and Practice
As a final point, participants investigate the theoretical underpinnings of the course as a whole. After studying and contributing to such an intensive inter-group encounter, students reflect on the various theories and existing inter-group models, examining in particular, AV’s framework.
Appendix: Additional Resources
The Appendix provides various texts and lessons, approaching such themes as forgiveness, human rights, inter-communal agreement and disagreement, intra-communal agreement and disagreement, peace, reconciliation, and war.
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Unity Curriculum 