Judaism’s Ancient and Ongoing Roots in Israel with Avi Ben-Hur: a 3 part Course Session 1

Embark on a thought-provoking journey through the intricate history of Israel with Avi Ben Hur in this three-part series.

Delve into the depths of historical narratives and contested landscapes as we explore the rich heritage and complex relationships that have shaped the region.

We’re excited to host educators on this Zoom, who are earning professional development credits for their learning. Consequently, the program may differ from what we usually experience with Avi, but he will still be expertly leading the content while he suggests instructional ideas for the educators.

Session 1: Evaluating Jewish Historic Claims to the Land of Israel

Sunday, January 21, 2024: 1:00-2:30 PM EDT on Zoom

Description: The session dispels common misperceptions surrounding the Jewish connection to Israel and brings nuance to the notion that the land belonged exclusively to Arabs until 1948. Participants will explore the Jewish claim through archaeological, historical, and genetic evidence spanning the past 3,000 years. The impact of the Land of Israel on the Jewish faith, the rise and actions of the Jewish national movement (Zionism), the attainment of political sovereignty, and territorial acquisition through defensive wars will be considered.

Participants will gain an understanding of the unbroken historic and religious connections between the Jewish people and the Land of Israel/Palestine, including the First and Second Jewish commonwealths in antiquity. The session will also delve into the status of Jewish life in Palestine after the loss of national sovereignty and the subsequent Roman destruction of the Second Temple. Focus will be placed on the continuity of a Jewish demographic presence in the country, persisting even after the great exile by the Romans and tenaciously clung to for 1900 years until the renewal of national sovereignty with the establishment of Israel in 1948.

Avi Ben-Hur

Scholar in Residence

A Brooklyn native, Avi Ben-Hur moved to Israel in 1983. From 2003-2008 Avi was Director of the Archaeological Seminars School for Israeli Tour Guides. In 2008 Avi participated in re-writing the curriculum of the National Guiding courses for the Israeli Ministry of Tourism. As a “Scholar in Residence, Avi has lectured, taught and facilitated workshops in the US, Warsaw, Prague, Berlin and Greece. From 1996-2000, Avi taught in Yad Vashem’s International School for Holocaust Studies. As a guide, Avi has specialized working with organizations focusing on political issues (such as AIPAC & CIJA), inter-faith programs and Holocaust studies. At Present, Avi is an examiner for the Israeli Ministry of Tourism Licensing Boards and is the ongoing scholar in residence of Classrooms Without Borders

Session 2: The Arab-Israeli Conflict 101

Sunday, January 28, 2024: 1:00-2:30 PM EDT on Zoom

Session 3: The Israel-Hamas War

Sunday, February 4, 2023: 1:00 – 2:30 pm on Zoom