Israel: The Last Thirty Years
Four Sundays in November from Noon – 1:30 pm
Join Rabbi Blake for a close examination of the historical and political forces that have shaped the last 30 years of Israeli history. Following his popular course on the History of Zionism and the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict (can be viewed below), this 4-week in-person and livestreamed class will explore the period from the assassination of Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin z”l 30 years ago this November through the present moment.
(Bring your own lunch; beverages provided)
November 2 – The Roots and Evolution of Israeli Democracy with Rabbi Jan Katzes, Ph.D, Guest Scholar
November 9 – From Assassination to Intifada, 1995-2004
November 16 – From Gaza to Gaza to Gaza, 2005-2014
November 23 – The Roots and Aftermath of October 7th, 2015-2025
Zionism, Israel, and the Conflict:
A 6-Session Mini-Course with Rabbi Blake and Cantor Kleinman
This mini-course was created for our community to learn more about the roots of Zionism and the history behind the present conflict between Israel and Hamas. Rabbi Blake and Cantor took a deep dive into its foundations and a historical overview of the Conflict. The course was aimed at an adult audience; high school and college-age students. You can watch the each session by clicking on the links.
11/12/23 – The Origins of Zionism: https://youtu.be/3ZqjVL9daOA
11/19/23 – Arab-Jewish Relations Until 1964
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TR8TNqsuq84
12/3/23 – The Israel-Palestinian Conflict 1964-2023
https://youtu.be/IUfIR54rAi8
12/10/23 – The Israel: The Israel-Hamas War in its Historical Context
https://youtu.be/BknIoYyQ7nA
12/17/23 – Reflections on the War through Israeli music (with Cantor Kleinman & guests)
https://youtu.be/e92yUUvH-po
1/7/24 – History of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, 1987-2023
https://youtu.be/agR32gczV-0
Calves to the Left of Me, Heifers to the Right, Rabbi Jonathan E. Blake, March 14, 2025
When is the Time for Peace? Rabbi Alissa Platcow, November 1, 2024
Born with a Knife in Our Hearts, Rabbi Jonathan E. Blake, October 12, 2024
A Letter to our Anti Zionists, Rabbi Jonathan E. Blake, October 3, 2024
Hayom Harat Olam: Pregnant with Possibilities, Rabbi Alissa Platcow, October 2, 2024
All that We Ask, Rabbi Alissa Platcow, September 6, 2024
Bemidbar 5784 – War! What is it Good For?, Rabbi Jonathan E. Blake, June 7, 2024
“October Rain” – Israel and Eurovision 2024, Cantor Amanda Kleinman, May 24, 2024
Moving Through Suffering, Rabbi Sasha Baken, April 26, 2024
Parashat Bo: This Will Be Our Reply to Violence, Cantor Isaac Sonett-Assor, January 19, 2024
The Gates of Tears are Always Open: Shabbat Shemot, Rabbi Jonathan E. Blake, January 5, 2024
Pidyon Shevuim Redeeming the Captives, Rabbi Sasha Baken, December 1, 2023
Hineini, We Are Here, Rabbi Sasha Baken, November 17, 2023
With a Broken Heart: Sermon for Shabbat Bereshit, Rabbi Jonathan E. Blake, October 13, 2023
Vayikra: Spiritual, Ritual, Emotional Healing, Maayan Aviv, April 4, 2025
A View of Israel Now, Mr. Israel Nitzan, Former Consul of Israel to NY, March 21, 2025
Vayera: A View from Israel, Rabbi Jonathan E. Blake and Uri Feinberg, November 15, 2024
May Today Be Better Than Tomorrow, Boaz Dorot and Rabbi-Cantor Shani Ben Or, January 26, 2024
Purity of Arms: Ethics on the Battlefield, Joel Chasnoff, October 27, 2023
Zionism is the Beating Heart of Jewish Peoplehood, Amanda Berman, October 20, 2023
WRT Memorial for Kibbutz Be’eri, October 15, 2023
WRT’s Community Vigil for Solidarity with Israel, October 11, 2023
Speaking With Your Children
If you are looking for ways to speak with your child(ren), here are a few quality resources to help guide you in the conversation.
For College Students
In a world where change is the only constant, and news is updated continually, 24/7, staying informed is not just a choice but a responsibility. WRT recommends the following sources which offer news in a manner consistent with the values of our pluralistic, Reform Jewish Movement and congregation.
The Times of Israel is an online news source that covers a broad spectrum of Israeli news, from politics to technology and lifestyle. It provides timely updates on the Israeli government and its politics and is widely regarded as centrist in outlook.
The Jerusalem Post is a widely respected English-language newspaper that provides comprehensive coverage of Israeli news, politics, culture, and more. With a legacy spanning over 85 years, it offers a balanced perspective on events in Israel and the wider Middle East.
JTA (Jewish Telegraphic Agency)
The JTA offers news relevant to Jewish communities worldwide, including news from Israel. It often provides insightful coverage of the political landscape and its impact on global jewry.
Haaretz is known for its in-depth analysis and critical reporting on Israeli politics, society, and culture. Its high-quality journalism and progressive-leaning opinions often elicit comparisons to the New York Times here in the US. While Haaretz has a paywall for some content, it also offers a limited number of free articles each month.
Resources Beyond News Outlets
Violating the Victims: Standing Up to the Degradation of the Word “Genocide”