Understanding Zionism(s)

Study Sessions led by Rabbi Naomi

Wednesdays, 6-8 pm, Mar 19, Apr 9, Apr 30 - Hybrid

Due to Rabbi Naomi's illness, the class will start on Mar 19.

Tickets for TBE members and Guests - No charge

Mar 19 - Part 1: Tsiyon in Jewish Religious Literature - How was Tsiyon understood in Tanakh, Talmud, Midrash, Kabbalah and Chassidus? How do we reference Tsiyon in our prayers? Who is Bat Tsiyon, Daughter Zion? What can these references mean for us today? What place does Tsiyon occupy in our religious imagination?

Apr 2 - Part 2: Zionist Movements 1840-1948 - Who were the early Jewish and Christian Zionist thinkers? What were their diverse visions of Tsiyonut: political, religious, cultural, socialist? How were they supported or opposed in Jewish and non-Jewish circles and governments? How did specifically American concepts shape political Zionism?

Date TBA - Part 3: Zionism Today - How is Zionism currently understood by the public at large and within American, Israeli and international Jewish communities? Who are the active proponents and opponents? What is the role of Christian Zionism in US politics? How do we each find our place on the spectrum of support-opposition? How does the Zionism debate impact our Jewish identity and religious life?

Format: 10 minute welcome and introductions; 20 minute lecture accessible live and recorded on Zoom; 30 minute small group discussions; 15 minute socializing & snacks; 30 minute small group discussions; 15 minute closing. The study sessions are open to TBE learners of all levels.

Suggested reading:

Part 1:

Zion Overview - Sefaria

Zionism - Talmud - Sefaria

Bat Zion - Sefaria

Daughter Zion (Bat Tzion) | Jewish Women's Archive

Part 2:

The Making of Modern Zionism: The Intellectual Origins of the Jewish State, Shlomo Avineri, 1982, 2017

The Zionist Idea | The Jewish Publication Society - Arthur Hertzberg, 1959

Hatikvah: Conceptions, Receptions and Reflections | jewishmusic - Edwin Seroussi | jewishmusic

The Americanization of Zionism, 1897-1948, Naomi Weiner Cohen 2003

Christian Zionism, The History of Christian Zionism - ICEJ USA Branch,

Part 3:

World Zionist Organization

ARZA - Association of Reform Zionists of America

Progressive Zionists of California

Do American Jews Really Know What Zionist Means? - Ha-Aretz

Lobbying for Zionism on Both Sides of the Atlantic - Ilan Pape, 2024

Anti-Zionism Among Jews - Jewish Virtual Library

For reflection - Statement by Rabbi Rick Jacobs, President, Union for Reform Judaism, 12/23/24: “A core value of the Union for Reform Judaism is Israel and Jewish peoplehood: We are committed to the safety and vitality of the Jewish people and to a secure and just state of Israel as a home — for all Jews and for all its inhabitants.”

Understanding Zionism

By Congregation Temple Beth-El of Humboldt County

Understanding Zionism