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.
Thursdays, July 15th, 22nd & 29th from 10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. (PT) and 1:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m. (ET) live on Zoom from Syracuse, NY
The Jews of Rome: with Dr. Samuel Gruber
July 15th: Part 1 – Jews in the Ancient City
July 22nd: Part 2 – The Long Jewish Middle Ages (550–1550)
July 29: Part 3 – The Ghetto (1555–1870)
Join us for a powerful three-part series exploring the extraordinary 2,000-year history of Jews in Rome. From their earliest presence in the imperial capital to life in the medieval city and the experience of the Ghetto, each session uncovers a different chapter of Jewish resilience, adaptation, and continuity. Through archaeology, archival texts, and the living memory of Rome’s streets, we’ll trace the evolving identity of one of the world’s oldest Jewish communities. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.
Thursday, July 31st from 10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. (PT) and 1:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m. (ET) live on Zoom from Los Angeles, CA
“Pre-State Photographic Archives & the Zionist Movement” led by Dr. Rotem Rozental
In the 1920s, the Jewish National Fund relocated its operations from Europe to Jerusalem, bringing with it a bold vision for documenting—and directing—the story of the Jewish people in the land of Israel. One of its first major initiatives was the creation of a groundbreaking photographic archive, conceived not merely as a record of events but as a tool for shaping collective memory and mobilizing support. These striking images played a central role in fundraising campaigns, public outreach, and the construction of a new national narrative in pre-state Palestine. From portraits of pioneers to depictions of settlement and transformation, the archive helped define how the Zionist enterprise was seen both at home and abroad. Join us to explore the archive’s formative years, the visual strategies it employed, and the enduring impact of its imagery on the making of a nation. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.
Tuesday, August 5th 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, Israel
“Frozen in Time: The Rockefeller Museum Reawakens” led by Nachliel Selavan
Experience the architectural beauty and rich history of the Rockefeller Museum on this exclusive virtual tour led by Nachliel Selavan. Located in East Jerusalem, this iconic building—frozen in its original 1930s design—is a rare time capsule of both the British Mandate era and the ancient civilizations it preserves. Explore the museum’s unique architecture, mosaics, and layout, which reflect a fusion of European, Middle Eastern, and classical influences. Along the way, we’ll delve into a curated selection of remarkable artifacts—from prehistoric tools to Roman sarcophagi and Islamic art—each one telling a story of the Land of Israel and its layered past. Whether you’re a lover of archaeology, history, or architecture, this tour offers a unique opportunity to connect with one of Jerusalem’s most intriguing and often-overlooked treasures—now briefly reawakened after years of quiet. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.
Thursdays, August 7th, 14th, 21st & 28th from 12:30 p.m.-1:30 p.m. (PT) and 3:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m. (ET) live on Zoom from Jerusalem, Israel
“Echoes of Olympus: The Enduring Gifts of Ancient Greece” led by Dr. David Mendelsohn
Join Dr. David Mendelsohn for this four-part series exploring the profound and lasting influence of ancient Greek civilization on our modern world. From the birth of democracy in Athens to the philosophical insights of Socrates and Aristotle, each session traces the roots of contemporary thought, governance, and aesthetics to their classical origins—while also considering the significant influence and interaction Greece had with other cultures, including Egypt and the Near East. The series delves into the architectural elegance of temples and theaters, the moral and civic dimensions of Greek drama, and the enduring relevance of Greek philosophy as a guide to ethical living. Together, these sessions offer a rich tapestry of how ancient Greece, shaped both from within and through cross-cultural exchange, continues to define our political systems, artistic ideals, and cultural imagination. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.
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