Class begins Tuesday, Sept. 24, 6 pm, on-line
This fall, the Konikoff Center for Learning of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater is offering a new 10-week Melton course titled, The Jewish State: Examining the Jewish Identities of Israelis. The course will provide an opportunity to explore the diverse, complex, and multifaceted nature of Judaism and Jewish identifi- cation in Israel.
Held on Tuesday evenings, the course aims to unravel the intricate tapestry of Jewish Israeli identity, which is particularly significant given Israel’s internal and external challenges, such as the ongoing war and the rising tide of antisemitism across the globe.
Participants will begin by examining contemporary Israeli discourse and then trace the historical roots that have shaped today’s diverse Jewish identities in Israel. From the early Zionist visionaries who imagined the “New Jew” to the complex relationships between different Jewish communities—Ashkenazi, Mizrachi, and others—the course offers a nuanced perspective on how Israel became the nation it is today.
The curriculum also addresses Israel’s evolving religious landscape, the intricate interplay between religion and politics, and the unique challenges faced by various sectors of Israeli society, including the Haredi community. The course will further explore the relationship between Israelis and World Jewry. This topic is particularly relevant as global Jewish communities are increasingly affected by worldwide perceptions of the Jewish state.
Dr. Amy K. Milligan, a highly respected and experienced edu- cator, will teach the course. She is the Batten Endowed Associate Professor of Jewish Studies and Women’s and Gender Studies at Old Dominion University and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience facilitating meaningful discussions. Milligan also serves on the leadership committee of ODU’s Jewish Caucus for faculty and staff and is the faculty mentor for ODU Hillel.
For more information or to register, visit JewishVA.org/Melton or contact Sierra Lautman, senior director of Jewish Innovation at United Jewish Federation of Tidewater, at SLautman@UJFT.org.