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.
Monday, January 13: 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. (PT)/1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. (ET)
From Hannover to JTS: A Legacy of Rabbinic Vision Dr. Ismar Schorsch with R. Elie Spitz
A special conversation with Dr. Ismar Schorsch, chancellor emeritus of The Jewish Theological Seminary and a distinguished scholar of Jewish history, as he reflects on his personal and professional journey. In this intimate program, Dr. Schorsch will explore his father Rabbi Emil Schorsch’s experience as a rabbi in pre-war Germany, his family’s life-altering decision to leave for America following Kristallnacht, and the profound impact of these formative years. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.
Wednesday, January 15: 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. (PT)/1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. (ET)
A Behind-the-Scenes Virtual Tour of Jerusalem’s New Archaeology Campus with Nachliel Selavan
Join CSP for an exclusive virtual one-hour “sneak peek” tour of the National Campus for the Archaeology of Israel, the Israel Antiquities Authority’s groundbreaking new center set to open next year. Designed by world-renowned architect Moshe Safdie, this dynamic facility combines state-of-the-art labs, stunning exhibits, and five mosaics never before displayed publicly, including the famous Ein Gedi mosaic. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.
Thursday, January 16: 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. (PT)/1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. (ET)
Into the Heart of Ashkenaz with Mike Hollander
Most North American Jews identify as Ashkenazim, tracing their family roots to Eastern Europe (today’s Poland, Lithuania, Ukraine, Belarus, and Russia). Yet the term Ashkenaz originally referred to a different area altogether—the Rhineland region in Germany. At its heart were the “ShUM Cities” of Speyer, Worms, and Mainz, which for centuries formed the vibrant epicenter of Jewish life in Europe. Join renowned tour educator Mike Hollander as he examines the incredible rise and fall of these communities and their lasting legacy. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.
CSP 24th Annual Scholar in Residence featuring Professor Jodi Magness
The Archaeology of the Holy Land: A Journey Through Time and Excavation
January 6 -February 28, 2025. All of our one-hour sessions in this scholar in residence will take place weekly on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 10:00 a.m. (PT) / 1:00 p.m. (ET). Once you complete registration, you will receive a single Zoom link that can be used to access all sessions. All registrants will automatically receive the follow up emails for each of the sessions.
Click here for more information and to register.
Join Prof. Jodi Magness, a renowned archaeologist and Kenan Distinguished Professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, in a fascinating lecture series exploring the rich history of the Holy Land from 586 BCE to 640 CE. This course, designed for CSP avid learners, covers pivotal events from the rise of Jerusalem under King David to the Muslim conquest, including the Hasmonean revolt, the grandeur of Herod’s palaces, and the Roman siege of Masada. Participants will gain deep insights into archaeological methods, discover significant tombs and burial practices, and explore how ancient texts shape our understanding of the past. Prof. Magness brings her extensive expertise, as demonstrated in her award-winning books and numerous excavations in Israel, to provide a comprehensive view of how ancient Jews lived, worshiped, and interacted with surrounding empires.
Session 1: Monday, Jan. 6 – Introduction to Archaeology
Session 2: Wednesday, Jan. 8 – Archaeological Methodology
Session 3: Friday, Jan. 10 – Jerusalem: Topography and Early Development
Session 4: Monday, Jan. 20 – Jerusalem in the Iron Age
Session 5: Wednesday, Jan. 22 – The Persian Period in Jerusalem
Session 6: Friday, Jan. 24 – The Early Hellenistic Period: Changes Post-Alexander the Great
Session 7: Monday, Jan. 27 – Hellenistic Period: Wadi Daliyeh, Samaria, Jerusalem
Session 8: Wednesday, Jan. 29 – Hellenistic Period: Iraq el-Emir, Marisa, Dor
Session 9: Friday, Jan. 31 – The Late Hellenistic (Hasmonean) Period in Jerusalem
Session 10: Monday, Feb. 3 – Hasmonean Period: Jerusalem and Qumran
Session 11: Wednesday, Feb. 5 – Qumran Detailed Study
Session 12: Friday, Feb. 7 – The Early Roman (Herodian) Period: Historical Overview
Session 13: Monday, Feb. 10 – Herodian Period: Development of Jerusalem
Session 14: Wednesday, Feb. 12 – Herodian Period: Caesarea, Herodium
Session 15: Friday, Feb. 14 – Masada: Herod’s Palaces
Session 16: Monday, Feb. 17 – Masada: The Roman Siege
Session 17: Wednesday, Feb. 19 – Jewish Tombs and Burial Customs in Jerusalem
Session 18: Friday, Feb. 21 – Ossuaries and Burial Customs
Session 19: Monday, Feb. 24 – The Bar Kokhba Revolt
Session 20: Wednesday, Feb. 26 – Aelia Capitolina (Roman Jerusalem)
Session 21: Friday, Feb. 28 – The Byzantine and Early Islamic Periods
