The Zionist Idea

What is the importance of building an ideal society based on an idea, a north-star organizing principle? Can we see Zionism as a project of the Jewish people’s collective imagination?

In her four-part series, Why Israel? Revisiting the Meaning of Zionism, Lauren Berkun explores why Israel should matter to a 21st century North American Jew. What are some of the most meaningful spiritual and moral visions for Israel today? How can we engage in a nuanced, pluralistic conversation about them? Each class consists of a weekly lecture, text study, and breakout discussion groups.

Other sessions in this series:

• Relational Zionism: November 3
• Zionism and Power: November 10
• Zionism and Overcoming History: November 17

This series is part of Ideas for Today, curated courses by Hartman Institute scholars on the big Jewish ideas of this moment.