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 10th, 17th & 24th from 10:00-11:00 a.m. (PT) and 1:00-2:00 p.m. (ET) live on Zoom 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.
Sunday, July 13th from 10:00-11:00 a.m. (PT) and 1:00-2:00 p.m. (ET) live on Zoom from London, England
“But It’s a Tradition! Adapting Fiddler on the Roof in its 60th Year” led by Rabbi Rose Prevezer
Fiddler on the Roof, the classic musical composed by Jerry Bock, with lyrics by Sheldon Harnick and book by Joseph Stein, has been entertaining audiences for over 60 years. In the summer of 2024, Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre in London celebrated this milestone with a new production, directed by Jordan Fein and featuring a majority Jewish cast. Adored by critics and playing to capacity crowds each night, the production would go on to receive a total of 13 Olivier nominations, making it, along with Hamilton, the most nominated musical in the history of the awards. Join Rabbi Rose Prevezer, Fiddler on the Roof’s Jewish History and Culture Consultant, for a behind the scenes peek into how this much loved musical was adapted for the current moment. From cast to costumes, design to music, we will explore how the new production compares to past productions, how it succeeded in reaching different audiences, and how it can serve as a model for bringing authentic and increasingly diverse representations of Jewish culture and community to life on stage and screen. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.