Heterodox Out Loud

The Golden Era of Jewish-Muslim Dialogue: What Can We Learn Today? with Elisha Russ-Fishbane | Ep 25

Nov 26, 2024

Elisha Russ-Fishbane, an Associate Professor at NYU and an expert in Jewish-Muslim relations, shares his unique academic journey shaped by a passion for Greco-Roman literature and the aftermath of September 11. He explores historical Jewish-Muslim dialogues, particularly the significant contributions of Maimonides to interfaith understanding. Elisha discusses the challenges of academia, emphasizing the importance of intellectual humility and fostering genuine connections, while reflecting on the broader purpose of education beyond mere career outcomes.

01:00:48

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Elisha Russ-Fishbane

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Quick takeaways

Elisha Russ-Fishbane highlights the importance of intellectual humility and open inquiry in promoting interfaith dialogue and scholarly discourse.

The podcast addresses the challenges faced by academics due to declining tenure-track positions, emphasizing the need for adaptability and alternative career paths.

Deep dives

The Importance of Seeking Truth Beyond Boundaries

The concept of heeding truth regardless of the source is emphasized, highlighting a principle that applies across various belief systems. The discussion includes the philosophical stance of Maimonides, who advocated for recognizing wisdom from any individual, whether Jew, Muslim, or Gentile. This reflects a broader intellectual humility and openness, encouraging individuals to engage with diverse perspectives. Such a viewpoint is especially relevant in contexts of interfaith dialogue and scholarly discourse.

Intro

2min

Navigating Academia: A Personal Journey

18min

Maimonides and Medieval Interfaith Dialogue

12min

Maimonides: Bridging Faith and Philosophy

9min

Navigating Education's True Purpose

11min

Navigating Fear and Optimism in Classroom Dialogue

5min

Navigating Engagement: Public vs. Political in Higher Education

4min

How did a classicist's journey through Greco-Roman literature and Arabic studies shape his unique approach to academia? Today's episode features Elisha Russ-Fishbane, associate professor at NYU and research director at the Center for the Study of Antisemitism.

In this engaging conversation, Elisha recounts his academic journey that began with a love for Greco-Roman literature and took him through the high intellectual demands set by mentors like Vatican Latinist Reginald Foster. He shares how the tragic events of September 11 influenced his study of Judaeo-Arabic classics, blending intense scholarly engagement with personal identity as an observant Jew.

Listening to this episode, you'll grasp the historical and contemporary significance of open inquiry and intellectual humility within higher education. Elisha’s reflections promise insight and inspiration for anyone dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge.

In This Episode:

Influence of classical studies and mentors
September 11th’s impact on academic and personal identity
Insights from medieval Jewish-Muslim intellectual interactions
Maimonides' approach to intellectual humility and cross-cultural truth-seeking
Reflections on higher education's purpose versus career-focused outcomes
Challenges and optimism in navigating open dialogue in contemporary academia
Commitment to teaching and fostering human connections in academia

About Elisha:

Elisha Russ-Fishbane, Associate Professor of Hebrew and Judaic Studies at NYU and Research Director of NYU's Center for the Study of Antisemitism, is a scholar of medieval Jewish history focusing on Jewish-Muslim and Jewish-Christian interaction and exchange. His undergraduate courses include the history of antisemitism, Jewish-Muslim relations, and a course on the aims of higher education and the past, present, and future of universities, called "The University: What It Was, What It Is, What It Could Be.” Elisha is currently a participant in the Open Inquiry Workshop at the Heterodox Academy's Segal Center for Academic Pluralism.

Elisha is the author of Judaism, Sufism, and the Pietists of Medieval Egypt: A Study of Abraham Maimonides and His Circle (Oxford University Press, 2015) and Ageing in Medieval Jewish Culture (The Littman Library of Jewish Civilization, 2022), and is currently at work on a book on Islam in the medieval Jewish imagination.

Contact Elisha: elisha.russfishbane@nyu.edu

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