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.
Tuesday, July 1st from 10:00-11:00 a.m. (PT) and 1:00-2:00 p.m. (ET) live on zoom from Jerusalem, Israel
“The Museum of the Land of Israel: Layers of History in the Heart of Tel Aviv” led by Nachliel Selavan
In the heart of bustling north Tel Aviv lies MUZA, Eretz Israel Museum—a unique multi-disciplinary museum built around the historic Tel Qasile archaeological site. This tel holds special significance as the first archaeological site excavated in the newly formed State of Israel, with remains of ancient settlements dating back more than 3,000 years. When you visit today, you’ll discover a beautiful outdoor complex spanning large gardens, trails and ponds, complemented by archaeological exhibits including ancient mosaic floors, wine presses, a reconstructed flour mill, and an olive oil press. The museum features numerous pavilions distributed across its expansive grounds, each housing rare and important collections: The Glass Pavilion, the Kadman Numismatic Pavilion, the Ethnographic and Folklore Pavilion, the Ceramics Pavilion, the Nehushtan (copper) Pavilion, the Man and His Work Center, the Alexander Pavilion of Postal History and Philately, and the Rothschild Center. MUZA also functions as a vibrant cultural center with performance spaces, a theater, and a unique planetarium, alongside rotating contemporary exhibitions that create dialogue between past and present. Join us on a virtual tour through the site’s rich history and exciting exhibitions, and take a virtual stroll through the beautiful grounds and ancient remains of Tel Qasile. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.
Thursday, July 3rd from 10:00-11:00 a.m. (PT) and 1:00-2:00 p.m. (ET) live on Zoom from Thessaloniki, Greece
“Thessaloniki: A City of Empires and Echoes” led by Apostolis Karajanis
Join us for a captivating one-hour live online walking tour of Thessaloniki, Greece—a city where ancient, Ottoman, Jewish, and modern histories converge. Led by an expert local guide, this virtual journey will take us through the heart of Thessaloniki’s old city, showcasing landmarks such as the Roman forum, Byzantine walls, vibrant markets, and the waterfront promenade. Along the way, we’ll explore the rich legacy of one of Europe’s most important Jewish communities with our Wowzitude guide, including the once-thriving Jewish quarter and stories of Sephardic life, resilience, and remembrance. This immersive experience offers a dynamic glimpse into the cultural mosaic that defines this remarkable city—all from the comfort of your home. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.
Sunday, July 6th from 10:00-11:00 a.m. (PT) and 1:00-2:00 p.m. (ET) live on Zoom from Newton, MA
“Jewish Music and All That Jazz” led by Dr. Joshua Jacobson
Join us for a lively and thought-provoking one-hour CSP online program with renowned scholar Dr. Joshua Jacobson as we explore Jewish Music and All That Jazz. Through film clips from the groundbreaking 1927 movie The Jazz Singer and musical highlights from America’s Jazz Age, Dr. Jacobson will guide us in examining the dynamic intersection between Jewish identity and American culture. How did American life shape Jewish composers—and how did Jewish musicians help shape American music? This session will delve into the tension, creativity, and cultural fusion that emerged as Jews navigated their dual identities on the American stage. Don’t miss this musical journey through history, identity, and innovation! CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.
Thursdays, July 10th, 17th & 24th from 10:00-11:00 a.m. (PT) and 1:00-2:00 p.m. (ET) live from Philadelphia
“The Past 100 Years of American Jewish Theology” led by Rabbi Dr. Shai Cherry
The past century of Jewish thought and theology has undergone, for the most part, more change in style than substance. Given the momentous events of the 1940s, that is surprising. The century from 1820 to 1920, and the rise of denominationalism in western Europe, largely established the axes of modern Judaism along lines relating to halakhah, its authority, and its history. This series will focus on three thinkers who refused to ignore the centrality of the divine in Judaism: Mordecai M. Kaplan, Abraham Joshua Heschel and Arthur Green. While philosophy often explores ideas about existence and meaning in abstract terms, theology insists on grappling directly with the reality of God. In choosing to focus on theology, this series highlights thinkers for whom the divine was not an idea to be dissected but a presence to be encountered. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.
