While every area of Judaic studies offers a historical perspective and time line, such as Chumash and Navi, we focus on Modern Jewish History in this course. The Kevutzot cover and are guided through an analysis of noteworthy aspects of modern Jewish history. Highlighted topics encompass the following: European Jewry in the Pre-Emancipation Era; The Community Life of Eastern European Jewry; The Haskalah Movement; Emancipation in Western Europe; Anti- Semitism in Eastern and Western Europe; Zionism; Major Trends and personalities; Palestine- The British Mandate; American Jewry; Religious Currents in America; The Holocaust; The State of Israel.

We focus on our own students’ family journeys and history since they are a sample of all of the Diaspora. In this way we cover all of History beginning with Briat Haolam/ Creation of the World and culminating with the present day status of the Jewish people. Additionally, the instructor strives to make the students aware of the omnipresent hand of G-d throughout Jewish history – His Story.

This year’s emphasis in Jewish History is the foundation of the State of Israel, its trials and tribulations, and a special focus on Jerusalem, the city for the ages.