Practicing Imperfection: A Zen Rabbi and the Limits of Historical Inquiry

Timelines and Data Points

To understand Alan Lew, we need to begin by familiarizing ourselves with his life. Take a moment and look over the timeline above. On it are some of the most significant events in Lew’s life, beginning with his birth and concluding with his death in 2009. As you look over the items above, think about how you might tell the story of Alan Lew. What stands out to you? Are there common threads? Surprising events?

As you proceed, think about how you understand your life and the ways in which you imagine an historian might one day make sense of who you are, how you viewed the world, and the ways in which you changed it once you were gone. On the next page, we will discuss the different ways in which an historian can use the events above to craft a history of Alan Lew.

Click HERE to continue our discussion of making sense of Alan Lew's life.

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