The Holy City of Tel Aviv
and Modern Israeli Politics

Wednesdays – October 21; November 4, 18; December 9 | 12:00 p.m. EST

Tour Guide/Educator: Abraham Silver

Session 1: The Holy City of Tel Aviv 
The founding of Tel Aviv in many ways is a euphemism for the founding of modern Israel. We will explore what the hopes and dreams of the founders of the city and society were and how they set about to achieve them.

Session 2: From Sand Dune to Metropolis 
It is one thing to dream, it is another to fulfill those dreams. How successful were the founders in achieving the goal of building an old/new Jewish society? What would they think of Israel today? Is the fact that Rosh Hashana is celebrated as a beach holiday by a huge swarth of Israel their dream fulfilled, or their nightmare? We will explore if that is normative Judaism.

Session 3: A Jewish and Democratic Country? 
What does it mean to be both a Jewish and Democratic State? How does that work? What does Jewish mean in a Jewish Democratic State? Where do you fit in if you are not Jewish? How do you have a kosher army?

Session 4: Current Events 
Armed with the knowledge of Israeli society and its antecedents, we will explore current events and try to figure out what exactly is going on right now in Israel.

Zoom link will be provided in your confirmation email.

Questions? Contact Jeffrey Blavatt at jblavatt@associated.org or 410-369-9208.

The Associated’s Insight Israel Forum engages our leadership and community in dialogue, education and connection about Israel through lectures, small group conversations, speaker events and on-line educational programming.