B’nai Sholom Reform Congregation continues its “Synagogue Scholars” series with a discussion led by Shakespeare scholar Mary Warrener on whether Shakespeare’s 400 year-old “The Merchant of Venice” can shed light on anti-Jewish hatred today.

Perhaps the most frequently asked question about “The Merchant of Venice” is whether it is an antisemitic play or a play about antisemitism – or both. Warrener will discuss whether it is possible that a play first produced more than four centuries ago can shed some light on this hatred, on the fears we are facing now, even if the only moral clarity it offers is a better understanding of who we are and what we value.

Warrener is a professor at SUNY Orange Community College, where she taught the college's Shakespeare course for 23 years, as well as other literature, writing and philosophy courses.

Refreshments will precede Warrener’s talk at 10 AM. The program will be in person (weather permitting) and via Zoom. Non-congregants wishing to attend in person must preregister at forms.office.com/r/Wjx1sy84iJ. For Zoom link, contact the B’nai Sholom office.