Examination of Israel in Jewish Thought

B’NAI SHOLOM COURSE CONTINUES EXAMINATION OF ISRAEL IN JEWISH THOUGHT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Sunday, December 21, 2014

CONTACT: Deb Adler

The special character of the Land of Israel and the unique relationship of the Jews to that Land loom large in Jewish thought.  But what are the modern sources that make the bond so special?

That will be the focus of the second part of a two-part course at B’nai Sholom Reform Congregation.

 “The Land of Israel in Jewish Thought – Part II” will be offered Mondays beginning January 5 at 7:15 p.m. at B’nai Sholom Reform Congregation, 420 Whitehall Road, Albany, N.Y. 

Part I of the course covered the writings of the Biblical, rabbinic and medieval periods.  This new class will ponder the writings of the 16^th century onward.  It will examine the Sephardim fleeing the Inquisition and of other Europeans who later sought refuge in the Land of Israel or saw in the Land the possibility of “normalizing” the Jews in history.  Participants will look at foundational Zionist texts that view Israel as cultural center, homeland, refuge and political entity, and will study changing Reform Jewish attitudes to the land.  A variety of contemporary readings will round out the course.

Registration for the eight-session Part II is required.  Cost is $45; for B’nai Sholom members, it’s just $30.

For more information, visit www.bnaisholomalbany.org or contact the B’nai Sholom office at 518-482-5283 or e-mail office@bnaisholom.albany.ny.us .

B’nai Sholom Reform Congregation in Albany is a home for contemporary Reform Judaism in the Capital Region, creating a vibrant Jewish present that links ancient traditions with the promise of the future.  More than 120 diverse households from five counties seek religious, educational and social fulfillment at B’nai Sholom.