Zionism: Today, Tomorrow, and Beyond
The Jewish Theological Seminary will host a two-day convening to examine the changing nature of American Jewish affinities with Zionism and Israel
October 28, 2024 — New York, NY — The Jewish Theological Seminary (JTS), one of the world’s preeminent centers of Jewish higher education, is hosting a two-day convening Tuesday, October 29, and Wednesday, October 30.
During this two-day program, experts will discuss the evolving relationship between North American Jews and Zionism, examining diverse expressions of Zionism and how these have been influenced by evolving historical circumstances. We will also address the challenges of teaching about Israel and Zionism and explore what a mutually beneficial relationship between the North American Jewish community and Israel might ideally look like in the years to come.
“At a moment when the word “Zionism” has too-often been uttered as a vicious slur, it is urgent that we bring together a diverse range of voices to explore together its meaning and complexity. We are honored to invite experts in various fields to JTS to engage with us in these vital conversations,” said Dr. Shuly Rubin Schwartz, Chancellor of The Jewish Theological Seminary.
“Relationships to Israel and Zionism vary among Jews in the diaspora – and within Israel itself- sometimes significantly,” said Rabbi Gordon Tucker, JTS Vice Chancellor for Religious Life and Engagement. “This makes it quite important for us to engage thoughtfully and honestly on this subject, which is so central to Jewish life. At this convening, we have assembled some of the very best people to help guide our understanding on this matter.”
Sessions will cover a range of topics. Notable panels include Zionism and the Challenges of Power, The Role of Religion in a Democracy, and The Future of Zionism in North America. Guest speakers include religious leaders such as Rabbi Rick Jacobs (Union for Reform Judaism), Rabbi Jason Rubenstein (Executive Director, Harvard Hillel), and Rabbi Joanna Samuels (CEO, Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan); scholars such as Dr. Moshe Halbertal (Hebrew University and NYU School of Law) and Dr. Jonathan D. Sarna (Brandeis University); and artists Ruby Namdar (author) and Matthew Lazar (Founder and Director of Zamir Choral Foundation). Other distinguished guests include Dr. Yizhar Hess, Vice Chairman of the World Zionist Organization, Petter Geffen, Founder and President of Kivunim, and Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove of Park Avenue Synagogue.
Chancellor Schwartz will serve on the panel entitled The Roots of North American Zionism, moderated by Dr. Amy Kalmanofsky. She and Dr. Jonathan D. Sarna (Brandeis University) and Dr. Jack Wertheimer (JTS) will examine European Zionism as it relates to the different expressions of Zionism in North America. They will also consider the challenges Zionism faces within the Jewish communities in North America.
Several JTS faculty will moderate the convening’s panels including: Dr. Shira Billet (Zionism and the Challenges of Power), Rabbi Jan Uhrbach (Liberal Zionism, Jewish Pluralism, and Democracy), Dr. Tamara Neuman (Judaism and Zionism: The Role of Religion in Democracy), Chancellor-Emeritus Arnold Eisen (Cultural Zionism: Does it Create Bridges or Barriers?), Provost Jeffrey Kress (Zionism and Pedagogy: Teaching During Difficult Times) and Vice Chancellor Gordon Tucker (The Future of Zionism in North America). Additional JTS faculty members will serve on panels and facilitate breakout sessions, providing their expertise on a range of topics.
Following the convening, JTS will continue to explore the themes and ideas that emerge during the two-day sessions. A webinar series, a podcast series, and discussion guides are in development.
To see the full schedule, please visit: https://www.jtsa.edu/event/zionism-today-tomorrow-beyond/
