Dr. Dean P. Bell. Courtesy: Dr. Dean P. Bell

Dr. Dean P. Bell, president and CEO of the Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership, will speak on “Jews Have Never Lived in a Vacuum: Interreligious Engagement and the American Jewish Experience” at the second annual Living the American Jewish Experience lecture on January 8, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. at the Dell Jewish Community Center.

An expert on the history of Jews’ interactions with other religions and groups, Dr. Bell will use that lens to present new ways to think about interreligious engagements for today and the future.

Reflecting on why they selected Dr. Bell, Marcia and Barry Silverberg, program sponsors, noted that he and his work exemplify their vision for the annual Living the American Jewish Experience lecture — to offer a substantive, thought-provoking focus on American Jewish identity and the American Jewish experience, in its historical context as well as the challenges of being Jewish in America and especially Austin today.

Since arriving in New Amsterdam (now Manhattan, NY) in 1654, Jews have been actively engaged in, and significantly affected, by the broader social, economic, political, cultural, and religious trends and developments around them. They have experienced significant accomplishments as well as significant challenges. Jews’ thinking about their religion and their relationships with other Jews and non-Jews have evolved as they have navigated their place in a democratic and generally welcoming American society.

Today, the age-old concerns of Jews and their communities are often front-page news. Dr. Bell will offer insights on a 372-year journey as America celebrates 250 years as a place where, for the for first time in the modern era, Jews might enjoy all the rights and privileges of all other citizens.

He will explore the polarization of today’s society and highlight some key issues around notions of tolerance, integration, race and ethnicity. More specifically, he will discuss the challenges of and needs for interreligious engagement in the midst of that polarization. He will present an historical perspective on Jews/Judaism and relations with other religions (largely Christianity) in America, including key inflection points from the 17th century, early settlement, the World’s Fair, Vatican II/1960s, and the development of interfaith movements in the 20th century.

Drawing from Pew studies, his own research, and other studies about religion and interreligious engagement today (in America and within Judaism), he will recommend that interreligious engagement can benefit the Jewish community and the Greater Austin community beyond.

Participation is free to all.  Prior registration is necessary for security purposes. A reception will follow. Visit shalomaustin.org/drbell to learn more.