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, April 29th from 10:00-11:00 a.m. (PT) and 1:00-2:00 p.m. (ET) live on Zoom from Tel Aviv, Israel
“My Great (and Short) Great Grandfather: Eliezer Ben Yehuda, and the Revival of the Hebrew Language” led by with Gil Hovav
Join us for a fascinating online session with Gil Hovav, renowned Israeli author and publisher, as he shares a personal perspective on the revival of the Hebrew language. Once nearly extinct for 2,000 years, Hebrew was brought back to life almost single-handedly by Eliezer Ben-Yehuda, a visionary and one of the founding fathers of Zionism. As Ben-Yehuda’s great-grandson, Hovav will unveil family secrets and hidden stories passed down for over a century, offering a unique glimpse into this unprecedented linguistic miracle. Don’t miss this captivating journey into history, heritage, and the power of language. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.
Thursday, May 1st from 12:30 p.m.-1:30 p.m. (PT) and 3:30p.m.-4:30p.m. (ET) live on zoom from Toronto, Canada
“Collecting the Dream: Theodor Herzl, Zionism, and One Man’s Passion for a Visionary’s Legacy” led by David Matlow
In celebration of Israel’s 77th birthday, join us for a special one-hour program featuring David Matlow, the world’s foremost collector of Theodor Herzl memorabilia and author of Collecting the Dream. Drawing from the largest private Herzl collection in the world, David will share some of the most remarkable and meaningful items he has gathered—each one offering a window into the life, vision, and enduring legacy of the father of modern Zionism. Through these rare artifacts and personal stories, Matlow invites us to reflect on Herzl’s timeless message of human rights, equality, and Jewish nationhood, and to be inspired by the dream that helped shape the State of Israel and continues to guide its future. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.
Sunday, May 4th from 10:00-11:00 a.m. (PT) and 1:00-2:00 p.m. (ET) live on zoom from San Francisco
“Laundering Antisemitism: Ethnic Studies, Identity Politics and the University” led by Dr. Marc Dolinger
Join us for a thought-provoking online CSP event with Dr. Marc Dollinger, as he shares insights from his forthcoming academic memoir exploring the complexities of campus antisemitism across the political spectrum. Once labeled a “self-hating leftist Jew” at a conservative college and later criticized as a “right-wing Zionist imperialist colonizer” at a progressive university, Dr. Dollinger draws from personal experience to examine how antisemitism manifests in higher education today. Through the lens of identity politics, ethnic studies, and shifting campus climates, this conversation will unpack the challenges Jewish students and faculty face—and what it means to navigate academic spaces as a proudly Jewish and Zionist scholar in a polarized world. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.
Tuesdays, May 6th, 13th, 20th & 27th from 10:00-11:00 a.m. (PT) and 1:00-2:00 p.m. (ET) live on zoom from London, England
“Creation, Retaliation, Choseness and Faith: Four Challenges to the Bible” led by Rabbi Dr. Raphael Zarum
Join us for a compelling four-part series with Rabbi Dr. Rafi Zarum, based on his recent award-winning book, Questioning Belief. In this thought-provoking series, Rabbi Zarum tackles some of the most pressing and challenging questions at the intersection of tradition, ethics, and contemporary thought. Drawing deeply from classical Jewish sources while engaging with modern sensibilities, he offers surprising, provocative, and energizing insights that speak to today’s Jewish experience. Over four sessions, we’ll explore: what the Creation story teaches us if it’s not taken literally; the ethical dilemmas raised by King David’s actions and their relevance to modern warfare and shared responsibility; the complex and often misunderstood notion of the Jewish people as “chosen”; and what belief means in a Jewish context—even for those who question or reject the idea of God. Whether you’re a seeker, a skeptic, or a committed believer, this series will invite you into a rich and honest conversation about faith, identity, and meaning in the modern world. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.
Thursdays – May 8th, 15th, 22nd & 29th from 10:00-11:00 a.m. (PT) and 1:00-2:00 p.m. (ET) live on zoom from Barcelona, Spain
The Jewish Legacy of Bulgaria and Greece led by Evgenia Kempinski
Join us for a captivating four-part series with Jewish heritage educator Evgenia Kempinski as we explore over two thousand years of Jewish history in Bulgaria and Greece—lands where Jewish communities have contributed richly to cultural and spiritual life for centuries. From ancient settlements to vibrant Sephardic centers, this journey will trace a powerful legacy of resilience and creativity. On May 8, we’ll uncover the deep historical roots of Jewish life in these regions, from antiquity through the Ottoman era. On May 15, we’ll explore traditions, daily life, and the unique Sephardic heritage that flourished there. On May 22, we’ll turn to the 20th century to examine the rise of modern Jewish communities, their cultural impact, and the tragedy of the Holocaust. Finally, on May 29, we’ll reflect on the post-war experience and the state of Jewish life in Bulgaria and Greece today. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with a rich, lesser-known chapter of Jewish history and identity. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.
“Exploring Jewish Cuba: History, Heritage, and Personal Encounters” featuring Dr Sharon Keller & Rabbi Elie Spitz
Sunday, May 11th from 4:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. (PT) and 7:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. (ET)
Join us for a special CSP online conversation with Dr. Sharon Keller and Rabbi Elie Spitz, who recently returned from a powerful weeklong visit to Cuba’s Jewish community. In a country where time seems to have stood still—Cold War-era slogans still hang alongside vintage American cars and crumbling colonial buildings—Jewish life persists with resilience and hope. Participants in the recent Cuba trip met with community leaders, visited synagogues in Havana, and witnessed firsthand how, after decades of religious repression, Cuban Jews are once again celebrating their heritage openly and joyfully. Alain Bastow, the man who at age 24 (30 years ago) escaped Cuba in an inner tube will join the conversation to tell his personal story. With fewer than 1,300 Jews remaining in a nation of 11 million—many of them elderly, isolated, and struggling with severe shortages of food, medicine, and basic supplies—they encountered stories of incredible perseverance, dignity, and community spirit. In this program, we’ll learn about the rich and often overlooked history of Jewish life in Cuba, garner insights into the challenges facing the community today, and explore meaningful ways we can offer support and solidarity. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to connect with a Jewish story that is both deeply rooted and urgently unfolding. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.
Sunday, May 18th from 10:00-11:00 a.m. (PT) and 1:00-2:00 p.m. (ET) live on zoom from Israel
“The Religious Turn: Israeli Art and Judaism” led by Shirel Horovitz
In recent years, the Israeli art scene has been buzzing with a renewed fascination for Jewish tradition, spirituality, and religion. But is this resurgence merely a passing trend, or does it signal a deeper cultural and social transformation? As artists increasingly engage with religious themes—whether through reverence, critique, or reinvention—they are reshaping the visual and conceptual language of contemporary Israeli art. To unravel the intricate relationship between Jewish and Israeli identity, we’ll start with a historical backdrop before diving into the key artistic shifts of the past 15 years. Through this journey, we’ll uncover the powerful stories these works tell about the evolving soul of Israeli society today. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.
