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 – 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.
Thursday, June 5th from 10:00-11:15 a.m. (PT) and 1:00-2:15 p.m. (ET) live on zoom from New York City
“Navigating the Summer 2025 NYC Art Scene” with Tobi Khan
Join renowned artist Tobi Kahn for an inspiring Summer 2025 virtual tour of some of New York City’s most dynamic gallery exhibitions. Ranked #1 in New York Magazine’s “Best Bets,” Tobi’s tours offer a unique opportunity to explore what’s current and compelling in the art world. As we visit multiple galleries, participants will be introduced to new artists, hear directly from curators and art historians, and gain fresh insight into contemporary works. Designed to sharpen your eye and deepen your appreciation, this virtual experience invites you to engage with art critically and meaningfully—from the comfort of your home. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.
Sunday, June 8th, 15th, 22nd & 29th from 10:00-11:00 a.m. (PT) and 1:00-2:00 p.m. (ET) live on zoom from London, England
“La Belle Juive (The Beautiful Jewess): Four Women Who Challenged Norms and Shaped Modernity” with Dr. Aviva Dautch
The concept of La Belle Juive—the beautiful Jewess—originated in medieval literature and visual art, evolving into a complex archetype that, by the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, became entangled with modern antisemitic tropes in European culture. These portrayals often depicted Jewish women as exotic, noble, and intelligent, yet simultaneously seductive, subversive, and threatening to Western norms. In this series, we will explore the lives of four extraordinary and creative women from this period, each with European connections, who challenged societal expectations and helped shape the modern era—whether Jewish, Jew-ish, or deeply intertwined with Jewish identity. Through their artistic output and personal experiences, we will examine how their lives serve as a lens to explore urgent political and cultural questions. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.
Tuesday, June 10th from 10:00-11:00 a.m. (PT) and 1:00-2:00 p.m. (ET) live on zoom from Barcelona, Spain
“Treasures of the Prado: Exploring Spain’s Artistic Legacy” with Evgenia Kempinski
Join us for a one-hour virtual museum tour of the Prado Museum in Madrid with Jewish heritage educator Evgenia Kempinski. From the comfort of your home, explore one of the world’s most renowned art collections, featuring masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya, El Greco, and more. With Evgenia as our guide, we’ll not only admire the artistic brilliance of the Prado’s treasures but also uncover the historical and cultural contexts behind the works, and gain insights into Spain’s complex religious and artistic legacy. Whether you’re an art lover, history enthusiast, or curious traveler, this tour promises to be an engaging and enriching experience. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.
Thursdays, June 12th & 19th from 10:00-11:15 a.m. (PT) and 1:00-2:15 p.m. (ET) live on zoom from New York City
“Timeless Forms, Lasting Legacies: Art from Cycladic to Contemporary” with Tobi Khan
Join acclaimed contemporary artist Tobi Kahn for a one-hour virtual exploration of the beauty and lasting impact of Cycladic Art. Drawing on key examples from the renowned Cycladic Art Museum in Athens, Tobi will examine the distinctive aesthetics of these ancient sculptures—marked by purity, abstraction, and minimalism—and explore how they have inspired generations of modern and contemporary artists, including his own creative journey. Through this lens, the session will reveal the ongoing dialogue between Cycladic forms and contemporary ideas of spirituality, human identity, and artistic expression, offering a deeper appreciation of Cycladic Art as both a cultural legacy and a living source of inspiration. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.
Tuesday, June 17th from 10:00-11:00 a.m. (PT) and 1:00-2:00 p.m. (ET)
“Choosing Life: On Judaism, Covenant, and the Future of Humanity” featuring Rabbi Yitz Greenberg in conversation with Rabbi Elie Spitz
Join us for a thought-provoking one-hour online conversation facilitated by Rabbi Elie Spitz with renowned scholar Rabbi Yitz Greenberg, exploring powerful insights from Rabbi Greenberg’s new magnum opus, The Triumph of Life. Together, they will delve into Judaism’s evolving response to modernity, the Holocaust, the founding of the State of Israel, and the emergence of a new era in Jewish thought. Rabbi Greenberg will reflect on the covenantal partnership between God and humanity, the central role of human dignity, and Judaism’s enduring call to embrace life and engage in tikkun olam—repairing the world. This intimate dialogue offers a profound and hopeful vision of responsibility, renewal, and the sacred work of shaping a better future. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.
Tuesday, June 24th from 10:00-11:00 a.m. (PT) and 1:00-2:00 p.m. (ET) live on zoom from Brokline, MA
“God Loves You: Jewish or Christian?” with Prof. Rabbi Reuven Kimelman
Join us for a thought-provoking online session with Prof. Rabbi Reuven Kimelman, as we explore what it truly means to say “God loves you,” the religious implications of such a claim, and how Judaism and Christianity differ in their understandings of divine love. Prof. Kimelman, Professor of Classical Judaica at Brandeis University and former rabbi of Beth Abraham Sephardic Congregation of New England, brings deep expertise in Jewish liturgy, religious thought, and classical texts. Author of The Mystical Meaning of “Lekhah Dodi” and Kabbalat Shabbat and the forthcoming The Rhetoric of the Jewish Liturgy, he will guide us through an hour of learning and reflection on the meaning, history, and enduring power behind these profound religious ideas. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.
