“Why Does Everyone Hate Us?” A Conversation with Joshua Harmon on Prayer for the French Republic
Why does everyone hate us? Where can we go that’s safe? These open-ended questions pop up repeatedly in Joshua Harmon’s Prayer for the French Republic.
Join Tony Award-nominated playwright Joshua Harmon for an unforgettable evening diving into the heart of his searing Broadway hit, Prayer for the French Republic — a bold, multi-generational epic that explores Jewish identity, survival, and what it means to call a place “home.”
The play follows five generations of a French-Jewish family grappling with the echoing threat of anti-Semitism—from Nazi-occupied France to the streets of modern-day Paris. In this special conversation, Harmon will share the personal family history, historical research, and urgent questions that brought this powerful story to life.
Even if you haven’t seen the production, you’ll be drawn into the deeply human stakes behind the headlines—through stories of resilience, moral reckoning, and the intimate bonds that hold us together even in times of fear.
If you care about where history meets the present moment—or if you’ve ever asked yourself where you truly belong—don’t miss this chance to hear directly from one of the most vital voices in American theater today.
Friday, October 24
6:00pm – Shabbat Service, open to all6:45pm – Continue learning at the Shabbat dinnerDinner: $36 for TSTI members; $45 for non-members (registration required)