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, August 19th 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. CSP Online Member Event.
“May You Be Inscribed in the Book of Life: The Story of the Jewish New Year Card” led by Professor Shalom Sabar
How, where, and when did the custom of sending New Year cards emerge among the Jewish people? Was this practice influenced by, or perhaps imitative of, the Christian tradition of Christmas cards? Which Jewish communities embraced this custom, and which did not? In this lecture, we will trace the origins and development of the Jewish New Year card, examining the impact of the invention of the postcard on its widespread adoption. Through their imagery and inscriptions, we will explore how these cards reflected major events in Jewish life, expressed the ideals and aspirations of their time, and served as a mirror of cultural and ideological trends within various communities. Special attention will be given to the distinct ways in which Jewish communities in Germany, Poland, the United States, and the Land of Israel used New Year cards to express their unique identities, values, and agendas. 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.
Sunday, August 24th from 10:00 p.m.-1:00 a.m. (PT) and 1:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m. (ET) live on Zoom from Israel
“From Memory and Diaspora to “ANU”: The Evolution of the Museum of the Jewish People” led by Dr. Liron Biran-Nisenholz
In 1959, Nahum Goldmann first envisioned a museum dedicated to the Jewish people—a memorial to vanished Jewish communities. Over the past sixty years, that vision has evolved through multiple transformations, both physical and conceptual, ultimately culminating in today’s “ANU – Museum of the Jewish People.” Each iteration of the museum has reflected central questions and challenges facing Israeli society and the global Jewish community. This talk will trace the museum’s evolution from its origins as a memorial, through Abba Kovner’s groundbreaking vision in the 1970s that led to Beit Hatfutsot (The Diaspora Museum), to its current incarnation as ANU. Along the way, we’ll explore how shifting ideas of culture, identity, and belonging—both in Israel and the wider Jewish world—have shaped and been shaped by this unique institution. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.
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