Forging a More Perfect Union: American Jews and Democracy with Professor Lauren Strauss

Forging a More Perfect Union examines the history of American Jewish political activism across the 20th and 21st centuries. Professor Lauren Strauss looks beyond abstract debates about the nation’s founding to explore how Jewish Americans have participated in political life—from demonstrations and courtrooms to Capitol Hill—and how, particularly in Washington, DC, they have helped shape ideas about democracy.

The program is presented in partnership with Moment Magazine and takes place during the 250th year since American independence.

When: Wednesday, October 14, 2026

Showtimes: 6:30–7:30 p.m.

Venue: Capital Jewish Museum, 575 3rd Street NW, Washington, DC

Tickets: Members: $5; general admission: $10; Chai membership: $18.

Speaker: Lauren Strauss, a professor of Jewish history and literature at American University, where she also directs undergraduate studies for the Jewish Studies Program.

About the speaker: Strauss specializes in American Jewish political and cultural history. She is completing *Painting the Town Red: Jewish Visual Artists, Yiddish Culture, and Radical Politics in Interwar New York* and is planning a subsequent book about political activism among Jews in Washington, DC, and the relationship between American Jews and democracy. She lectures widely, provides commentary at Jewish cultural events and in the press, and has worked as a historian for several museum exhibitions. Her community involvement includes shared-society groups focused on Arab-Jewish relations in Israel and Black-Jewish dialogue groups in the Washington area.

Presented in partnership with: Moment Magazine.