Israeli Parliament members; historians; former Arab leaders; anthropologists; thinkers and religious leaders —past, present, and future— often claim that there is no Palestinian people. At the same time, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is the second most influential topic in Jewish life for more than 100 years. In this mini-course we will look at the geo-political, cultural, historical, religious and ideological trends that influenced the emergence of Zionism as well as Palestinian Nationalism. We will compare and contrast the two national movements and discuss (rigorously, but politely) how our own personal different perspectives of the conflict influence our Jewish identity and engagement.

Facilitator: Rumors say that Rabbi Ofer Sabath Beit-Halachmi is a descendent of the biblical King David. Although Ofer doesn’t have red hair or any other concrete proof of this lineage, like King David, Rabbi Ofer’s creative liturgy has been published and is used widely both in America and in Israel. Rabbi Ofer’s and Rabbi Rachel’s children all have names connecting them to the Davidic dynasty so the idea of such a lineage is likely to continue in future generations. Ofer is a 4th generation Israeli, served as an officer in the IDF on every border of Israel and beyond. He earned graduate degrees in Talmud and in Jewish Education. Ordained in Jerusalem at HUC, Ofer served as the rabbi of Congregation Shir-Chadash outside of Jerusalem (Israel) for nearly a decade. Rabbi Ofer co-founded the “Aspaklaria” organization and methodology of using the arts for Jewish education and community building. He has worked with many Israeli artists and curated numerous art exhibits in Israel. Ofer is a beloved teacher in congregations around the world. You can learn more about him and with him on his website: HebrewTrainer.com.

Registration Information:
Registration fee is $50.88 for HSOSC members and $63.60 for non-members.

All SPICE courses must be registered for and paid for in their entirety. Due to a MD sales tax regulation, we are required to charge 6% sales tax on all continuing education courses delivered electronically. This has been added to course prices shown.

Until otherwise noted, all SPICE courses will be presented on Zoom. If you are unable to attend a session, all SPICE courses will be recorded for your convenience. SPICE fees are per head, not per household, with a 50% off fee for second registrants within the same household. A minimum of 15 enrollees per course are required in order to hold the course. If a course must be cancelled, those registered will be notified and a SPICE credit will be issued.

Reservations may be made via email to sboxerbell@gmail.com or by telephone to Sherri Bell, SPICE Chair at 410-303-2483.

Payment may be made in one of three ways:

1. Check

Mail it to Sherri Bell

1 Clifton Court

Pikesville, MD 21208

Your check should be made payable to Har Sinai-Oheb Shalom Congregation with SPICE and the course name written on the memo line.

2. Credit card

Please note that the synagogue charges a 3.1% credit card use convenience fee.

3. Bill your synagogue account

Members only.