The Jewish Community Scholars Program began in 2001 in Orange County California to provide high level adult Jewish education. Technology has given CSP a global reach with partner synagogues in Israel, Europe and all of North America. As a partner synagogue, Temple Israel members have access to CJP’s vast array of live presentations from top notch scholars. CSP also has an extensive archive of past programs on You Tube.
Sunday, March 30th from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. (PT) and 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. (ET) live on Zoom from London, England
“What Does the Rise of Populism Mean for Jews” led by Dr. Toby Greene
Donald Trump’s electoral impact symbolizes the global rise of populist leaders claiming to represent “the people” against corrupt elites. This session will explore the nature of populism, its intersection with radical right- and left-wing politics, and its implications for Jews in the Diaspora and Israel amid challenges to liberal democracy. Dr. Toby Greene, an expert in politics and foreign policy, brings his academic and practical experience to analyze these issues. A visiting lecturer at Bar Ilan University, Dr. Greene publishes and lectures widely on identity, foreign policy, and Middle Eastern and European politics. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.
Tuesdays, March 25th & April 1st from 10:00-11:00 a.m. (PT) and 1:00-2:00 p.m. (ET) live on Zoom from Boston, MA
“Intentional Beauty: Envisioning & Curating Boston’s First Judaica Gallery” led by Simona Di Nepi
Curator Simona Di Nepi leads a two-part, in-depth virtual tour of one of the very first Judaica galleries in an encyclopedic art museum in the world. Explore the 27 works on view and the stories behind their recent acquisition (or unearthing): from an Italian Renaissance Torah binder and an Iraqi Torah case used in India, to a Yemenite woman’s festive headdress and a Torah Ark from 1920s Chelsea, Massachusetts. Spanning five hundred years and four continents, and featuring, silver, textiles, furniture, paintings, and books, these works highlight the extraordinary diversity of Jewish culture. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.
Thursday, April 3rd from 12:30-1:30 p.m. (PT) and 3:30-4:30 p.m. (ET) live on Zoom from London, & Tel Aviv
“From Exodus to Exodus: The Jews of Egypt” led by Alec Nacamuli & Louise Arwas
Join us as we retrace the history of Jews in Egypt, their contribution to the political, economic and artistic development of the country and the decline of the community following the birth of the state of Israel. The presentation will take you on a virtual tour of Jewish Egypt today, to show what remains of this once illustrious community, including the rededication of the iconic Eliahu Hanavi Synagogue in Alexandria. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.
Sundays, April 6th & Thursday April 17th from 10:00-11:00 a.m. (PT ) and 1:00-2:00 p.m. (ET) live on Zoom from Israel
“Sacred Spaces and Holydays: Forging Israeli Identity” led by with Mike Hollander
Join Mike Hollander in this thought-provoking two-part series exploring how early Israel crafted its national identity through sacred spaces and commemorative days. We’ll delve into the significance of Mt. Herzl in Jerusalem—home to the graves of Theodor Herzl and Israel’s political leaders, the Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial, and the military cemetery, which reflects the heavy price of Jewish sovereignty. We’ll also examine the creation of three spring “Holydays”—Holocaust Remembrance Day, Memorial Day for Fallen Soldiers, and Independence Day—designed to remember, mourn, and celebrate as pillars of the young nation’s identity. Together, these elements provide key insights into contemporary Israeli society and its collective memory. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.
Tuesdays, April 8th, 15th & 22nd from 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. (PT) and 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. (ET) live on Zoom from Los Angeles
“Zionism Today: Back to the Future” with Rabbi Chaim Seidler Feller
In an era of heightened political antagonism, this series invites us to re-engage with the redemptive possibilities of Zionist ideology through the lens of foundational texts and visionary thinkers such as Ahad Ha’am, Martin Buber, Moshe Avigdor Amiel, and R. Yehuda Amital. Together, we will explore the humanistic spirit of the Zionist revolution, addressing key topics such as the aspirations and challenges of contemporary Israel (April 8), the dangers of nationalism and messianic politics (April 15), and the pursuit of an inclusive Zionism rooted in peace (April 22). Don’t miss this opportunity to reclaim the values and principles of Zionism to inspire a new generation. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.
Thursday, April 10th from 10:00-11:00 a.m. (PT) and 1:00-2:00 p.m. (ET) on Zoom
“Next Year in the White House: Barack Obama’s First Presidential Seder” led by Eric Lesser in conversation with Richard Michelson
Join us for a captivating online book talk with Eric Lesser and Richard Michelson as they share the inspiring true story of how a small Seder dinner on the 2008 campaign trail led Barack Obama to establish the first-ever Presidential Passover celebration in the White House. While Christmas and Easter traditions had long been observed by U.S. presidents, it wasn’t until 2009 that Passover was officially celebrated at the White House. The journey began a year earlier when three campaign staffers, determined to hold a Seder, gathered in a hotel basement with candidate Obama, sharing the rituals, stories, and a hopeful toast: “Next year in the White House.” Now, this remarkable moment is brought to life for young readers in a beautifully illustrated picture book by award-winning author Richard Michelson and illustrator EB Lewis. Don’t miss this special conversation about history, tradition, and the power of storytelling. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.
Thursday, April 24th from 10:00-11:00 a.m. (PT) and 1:00-2:00 p.m. (ET) live on Zoom from NYC
“The History of the Alphabet & the Letters in Jewish Script” led by with Prof. Aaron Koller
Archaeological discoveries have given us a history of the alphabet, starting with its invention in the deserts of the Middle East 4,000 years ago. How did the evolving alphabet shape the Bible and Jewish culture? And how did Jewish thinkers understand the letters they used? This talk will survey material from the Bible, inscriptions, and rabbinic texts to piece together the fascinating history of the Hebrew letters. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.
Sunday, April 27th at 10:00 a.m. (PT) and 1:00 p.m. (ET). Member event.
“A Land of Milk and Mufletta: At the Crossroads of Israel’s Cuisine and Culture” led by Joel Haber
Israeli chefs have recently conquered the culinary world, but what about all those foods they left behind at home? What do these dishes say about Israel itself? From falafel to petitim, meorav Yerushalmi to mufletta, food historian Joel Haber will reveal the culture behind the distinctive foods that make Israel so deliciously… Israeli.
Tuesday, April 29th from 10:00-11:00 a.m. (PT) and 1:00-2:00 p.m. (ET) live on Zoom from Tel Aviv, Israel
“My Great (and Short) Great Grandfather: Eliezer Ben Yehuda, and the Revival of the Hebrew Language” led by with Gil Hovav
Join us for a fascinating online session with Gil Hovav, renowned Israeli author and publisher, as he shares a personal perspective on the revival of the Hebrew language. Once nearly extinct for 2,000 years, Hebrew was brought back to life almost single-handedly by Eliezer Ben-Yehuda, a visionary and one of the founding fathers of Zionism. As Ben-Yehuda’s great-grandson, Hovav will unveil family secrets and hidden stories passed down for over a century, offering a unique glimpse into this unprecedented linguistic miracle. Don’t miss this captivating journey into history, heritage, and the power of language. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.
