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.
CSP 24th Annual Scholar in Residence featuring Professor Jodi Magness
The Archaeology of the Holy Land: A Journey Through Time and Excavation
Began January 6 – February 28, 2025. All of our one-hour sessions in this scholar in residence will take place weekly on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 10:00 a.m. (PT) / 1:00 p.m. (ET). Once you complete registration, you will receive a single Zoom link that can be used to access all sessions. All registrants will automatically receive the follow up emails for each of the sessions.
Click here for more information and to register.
Join Prof. Jodi Magness, a renowned archaeologist and Kenan Distinguished Professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, in a fascinating lecture series exploring the rich history of the Holy Land from 586 BCE to 640 CE. This course, designed for CSP avid learners, covers pivotal events from the rise of Jerusalem under King David to the Muslim conquest, including the Hasmonean revolt, the grandeur of Herod’s palaces, and the Roman siege of Masada. Participants will gain deep insights into archaeological methods, discover significant tombs and burial practices, and explore how ancient texts shape our understanding of the past. Prof. Magness brings her extensive expertise, as demonstrated in her award-winning books and numerous excavations in Israel, to provide a comprehensive view of how ancient Jews lived, worshiped, and interacted with surrounding empires.
Session 19: Monday, Feb. 24 – The Bar Kokhba Revolt
Session 20: Wednesday, Feb. 26 – Aelia Capitolina (Roman Jerusalem)
Session 21: Friday, Feb. 28 – The Byzantine and Early Islamic Periods
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uesday, March 4th with Shaul Seidler-Feller
The Luzzatto High Holiday Mahzor, created around seven centuries ago, is a remarkable illustrated Ashkenazic manuscript containing the liturgy for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. This presentation will delve into its decorative features, text, and history, revealing insights into medieval and early modern Jewish customs, migration, and resilience. Shaul Seidler-Feller, a Judaica specialist at Sotheby’s since 2017, has overseen groundbreaking Judaica sales, including this mahzor and the record-setting Codex Sassoon. With expertise in medieval Jewish history and rabbinic ordination, he brings unparalleled knowledge to this exploration of a treasured piece of Jewish heritage. Time and registration link coming soon.
Thursdays, March 6th, 20th & 27th from 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. (PT) and 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. (ET) live on Zoom from London.
Translating the Bible How, Who & Why with Rabba Dr Lindsey Taylor-Guthartz
Join Rabba Dr. Lindsey Taylor-Guthartz for an engaging 3-part series exploring how Jews have translated and transmitted the Tanakh through history. From the Dead Sea Scrolls to the Septuagint and the Targums, the series examines the complex journey of the Hebrew text and why translation is so significant. Sessions include discussions on the Tanakh’s current form, whether translation is divinely guided or problematic, and the blurred lines between translation and midrash. With her extensive academic and rabbinic expertise, Rabba Dr. Taylor-Guthartz offers a thought-provoking exploration of the evolution and importance of Tanakh translation.CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.
Tuesday, March 11th from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. (PT) and 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. (ET) live on Zoom from Tel Aviv.
Moï Ver: Modernist Pioneer and Chronicler of Jewish Transformation with Sophia Berry
Explore the life and legacy of Moï Ver (Moshe Vorobeichic-Raviv), a groundbreaking artist who fused modernist innovation with deep Jewish heritage. In this exclusive CSP session with Sophia Berry, discover his bold experiments in photography, painting, and graphic design, including his poignant depictions of pre-Holocaust Jewish communities and Zionist identity in Eretz Yisrael. Presented alongside Israel’s first comprehensive exhibition of his work, the session highlights Moï Ver’s transformative impact on 20th-century Jewish art and culture. Sophia Berry, Associate Curator at the Tel Aviv Museum of Art, brings her expertise to illuminate the artistry and enduring influence of this visionary creator. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.
Thursday, March 13th from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. (PT) and 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. (ET) live on Zoom from Jerusalem.
Esther Without Borders: The Megillah as Never Seen Before with David Moss
The “Esther Without Borders” project, created by David Moss, reimagines the Purim story as told in the Book of Esther, which was said to have reached 127 lands from India to Ethiopia. Since 1990, David has commissioned folk artists from diverse cultures to illustrate key scenes from Esther, blending their unique artistic traditions with the story’s themes. The breathtaking and joyful works showcase how Esther’s narrative transcends borders, bringing her story to life in captivating ways. David Moss, a renowned Jerusalem-based artist and co-founder of Kol HaOt, transforms Jewish texts and traditions into stunning visual works, including his famous Moss Haggadah and other creative projects rooted in Jewish heritage. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.
Tuesday, March 18th from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. (PT) and 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. (ET) live on Zoom from Israel. Members Only Event
Inside the New National Library of Israel A Virtual Exploration with Gila Levitan
The new National Library of Israel, opened in October 2023 near the Knesset in Jerusalem, redefines what a library can be. Designed by Herzog & de Meuron, the 45,000-square-meter building offers cutting-edge spaces for exhibitions, research, cultural events, and education, aiming to democratize knowledge and share its vast collections, including 4.5 million books and 600,000 manuscripts. It stands as a hub of cultural and historical preservation, highlighting Israel’s rich heritage while inspiring future engagement. Gila Levitan, an experienced tour guide known for her passion for Israel’s treasures, will lead a behind-the-scenes exploration of this groundbreaking institution. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.
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 with 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.
