The Land of Israel in Biblical Theology

Wednesday May 11^th  at 10AM 

Teacher: David Frankel, Schechter

Description: To what extent is living in the land central to the theology of the Hebrew Bible? What makes the land particularly unique? Is it imbued with a special and innate holiness? And what is the place of the non-Israelite in the land both in Israel in general and in Jerusalem in particular? Some surprising answers to these and similar questions will be uncovered and analyzed.

Hebrew Letters and Jewish Symbols as an Expression of Zionism in Israeli Art

Wednesday May 18^th at 10AM 

Teacher: Shula Laderman, Schechter

Description: The lecture will focus on the integration of the Hebrew letters and Jewish symbols in works of Israeli artists such as: Mordechai Ardon, Michael Sagan-Cohen, Moshe Gershuni, Jacques Gianno, Ruth Kestenbaum and others.

The Kotel: The Dispute over Israel’s Holiest Jewish Site, 1967-2000 (in honor of Yom Yerushalayim)

Wednesday May 25^th at 10AM 

Teacher: Doron Bar, Schechter

Description: The Western Wall occupies a prominent position in contemporary Jewish and Israeli discourse, current events, and local politics. In the lecture, Prof. Doron Bar offers a detailed exploration of the Western Wall plaza’s evolution in the late twentieth century. The lecture examines  the role of archaeology in defining the site, the Western Wall’s transformation as an Israeli and Jewish symbol, and the movement to open it to a variety of Jewish denominations.

The Land of Israel and Zionism as Reflected in Israeli Music

Wednesday June 1^st at 10AM 

Teacher: Anat Rubinstein,  Schechter

Description: Since the early days of Zionism, music played a critical role in shaping the image of the “new Jew” and the Land of Israel. The pioneers sought to form a new style of music in order to distinguish themselves from the Diaspora. Elements were borrowed from Arabic music, traditional Yemenite and Eastern Jewish music, all created a new musical aesthetic aimed to evoke the image of biblical times and ancient Hebrews. In the lecture, Dr. Rubinstein explores fascinating musical examples soundscape and unique sonorities related to developing image of the Land of Israel from the early 1920’s to the 1980’s.