University of Haifa Fundraising Proposals
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Drawing from the rich tapestry of history and culture embodied by the Indian Jewish communities, the University of Haifa's "LILA" project stands as a beacon of scholarly and cultural enlightenment. LILA is a Sanskrit term signifying the "Divine Play." The name's allusion to ‘Divine Play’ offers insight into the extraordinary endurance of Jewish identity within communities that have remained isolated from major Jewish centers for over two millennia. Among these, the Indian Jewish communities — Bene Israel, Cochini, Baghdadi, and Bene Menashe — stand out as a distinctive element of the global Jewish diaspora. Thriving amid India's vibrant diversity, these groups represent a facet of Jewish life that, despite its rich legacy, remains relatively unknown in the broader world.

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In the wake of the Gaza conflict and the surge of antisemitism across the globe, many young Jewish adults have been grappling with complex questions about their Jewish identities. What does it mean to be Jewish in the 21st century? What are the core elements that unite the Jewish people? Are ancient Jewish texts still relevant today? What role does a distinct Jewish identity play in a world that is becoming increasingly multicultural? Today, the details of Jewish culture, history, and heritage are no longer seen as peripheral, but as essential to comprehending our increasingly turbulent world.