We Welcome Interfaith Families
Israel’s Global Journey: History, Politics, and Identity
Online Adult Education Experience
January-June 2027
Questions & Answers
Who should take this course?
This is a synchronous fully online adult education experience designed for those interested in the Middle East with a primary focus on Israel.
Has this class been taught before?
Yes, five times, four under a different name. Many repeated it once, several twice, and one, four times.
When does the class run?
The course will run weekly for 21 weeks (with a few weeks off for scheduled breaks) plus an additional four review/discussion sessions for those interested. Each session will begins at 6:45 pm PT with the first 10-15 minutes typically devoted to discussion and/or current events (plus the first of our two songs of the day). Many of the weeks will run two hours from the beginning of the content (meaning, after the current event) while others will run shorter. There is always a scheduled five minute break around 8:00 pm.
See schedule and content outline here.
Why so many weeks?
Understanding this complex of a region while watching 200 years of history, politics and identity unfold takes time. As others have attested, it's worth the investment.
Since I'm only interested in current events, can I start the course mid-term?
No. Think of it as a journey with a common beginning and end. That said, we'll typically devote 10 minutes each week to current events from 6:45-6:55 pm before the official start of the class.
What happens if I miss a class? Will it be recorded?
Classes will be recorded, but as a condition of registration, students will agree not to share the recordings or any of the material (especially not to post on electronic or social media) to protect the privacy of those enrolled. While it's hard not to have a few scheduling conflicts over 21 weeks, we encourage as much attendance as possible. Since there is a maximum number of enrollees, please do not register if you know in advance that you will not be available for more than half of the classes.
Along the same lines, since I have a scheduling conflict on most or all Tuesday evenings, can I still enroll, not attend, and simply watch the recordings?
No. Despite being virtual, the course is designed as a synchronous interactive journey and can only succeed on that basis. While we certainly anticipate students experiencing occasional scheduling conflicts, which is where the recordings help catch us up, that's much different than missing all or part of the in-class experience. Once again, please do not enroll if you know in advance that you will not be available for more than half the sessions.
What is the style of teaching?
Each session is presented over PowerPoint using text from a variety of sources and many videos. We begin and end each week with specially curated music often connected to the time period or theme of our discussion. Students take turns reading the slides with the instructor providing backdrop and commentary.* Questions and discussions are encouraged, but given the volume of material, the instructor reserves the right to defer conversation to a review session or email.
Those who have taken it before can also attest to the random cultural references and occasional bad jokes :)! Needless to say, there is joy amidst hardship and we experience it all.
*As much as we encourage everyone to take turns reading, the instructor will honor requests for those declining to do so.
Is there a textbook?
No, although the instructor will recommend books covering general Israeli history and others on specific time periods. The classroom material pulls from a wide range of perspectives. After each session, students will have an opportunity to learn more about the subject matter just covered through optional readings, a veritable course within a course, which can help broaden the base of knowledge.
Is this taught in the form of Myths & Facts?
No. Just as we wouldn't learn Talmud by refuting the fraudulent Protocols of the Elders of Zion, neither would we discuss Israel through what are essentially verbal weapons of war. Nonetheless, we will discuss competing narratives and modern libels.
Where can I find the instructor bio?
Click here.
Since Israel has been in a state of perpetual conflict from its inception, does the material reflect both sides?
Just as there is not just one conflict, there are not just two sides. The essence of the course is to lift the microscope from what the media reports and examine both the region and the world over a 200-year span. From that standpoint, the material covers multiple perspectives.
Do the instructor's politics lean left or right?
When this course was branded under a different name, in the very same cohort, one student accused the instructor of being a "total lefty" while another insisted that he was "way far" to the right. These contradictory claims should tell you all you need to know as the goal of the course is not about what to think, but how to approach this maddeningly complex subject. At times, it will seem left, and others, right, and at the end of the day, students will form their own opinions and draw their own conclusions.
Why is this class online? Will there be in-person sessions?
Geographic diversity adds an important dimension to classroom discussion and we have been fortunate to have students from such places as Portland, Los Angeles, San Diego, Las Vegas, the Bay Area, Chicago, Boston, Washington, DC, and even Jerusalem. As such, we plan to advertise far and wide and hope to include those from outside our region. Even if we are unsuccessful at this, we do not have a defined space and security, both necessary for in-person instruction.
Who would not benefit from the class?
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Those viewing Israel as a morality play, a cause or abstraction, not a country with the same legitimacy as others. The same applies to those who condition Israel's legitimacy on their personal ideology or politics.
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Those ideologically set on Israel always being right or wrong.
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Those seeking a forum to impose their own agendas.
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Those seeking a rigorous academic experience through an accredited institution of higher education.
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Those who are already experts in the field.
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Those seeking religiously-based instruction.
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Those wanting a native Israeli as their instructor (although we've had several Israelis take and benefit from this class).
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Those lacking the requisite computer equipment and/or are unable to keep their cameras on during class.
What equipment do I need?
A desktop or laptop computer with a reliable internet connection and camera. Tablets are not well suited for this purpose, and smart phones, not at all.
Why do cameras need to be on?
Since this is a class, not a webinar, we endeavor to create an in-person experience in an online setting. That means we come ready to participate and respond as in any other classroom. It also requires working computer equipment which is essential for this purpose.
Black boxes or projection of still photos are not just distracting, but often cascading, creating a conscious or subconscious invitation for others to follow. As such, they negate an environment where personal responses are fundamental to the dynamic.
We do take a scheduled five-minute recess with cameras turned off and encourage the cameras to remain on during short personal breaks. Otherwise, there is the option of dropping off and signing back in.
In recognition of how we benefit from a virtual environment where we are both present and seen, those with cameras turned off will be electronically removed.
Please note that you are invited to eat in front of the camera as we'll remain muted except when speaking.
How is cybersecurity handled?
Every session has its own Zoom link which should never be shared except by the instructor when there is a pre-approved guest (see below). As a condition of registration, students must agree not to forward or post any of the classroom materials or recordings.
How often will the students hear from the instructor?
Minimum three emails per week, Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, with all the information needed. On those weeks with an optional review, we'll likely have at least two additional.
What is the cost?
Discounted fee of $200 for those registering from September 1-October 11 with an additional $25 off of the early rate for Mosaic Law Congregation members who are also members of either Sisterhood or Men's Club.
Regular rate of $225 for those registering from October 12-January 5.*
Please add a three percent processing fee for credit card payment.
Financial assistance may be available through the generosity of Mosaic Law Congregation's Sisterhood and Men's Club. There will be instructions in the acceptance notification on how to apply.
Payment will be handled through Mosaic Law Congregation and is not tax deductible as a charitable donation. We would, however, welcome tax-deductible contributions above the course registration and applicable processing fees to support Mosaic Law Congregation's Adult Education program.
How many can enroll?
Minimum 18, maximum 25.* While students can share a computer and Zoom screen, each must individually register with the lone exception for disability accommodation under the ADA.
If we do not reach the minimum by December 15, the class will not launch and deposits will be refunded. Registration will close once we reach the maximum, but for those interested, we can place up to five more on a waitlist.
*Registration will continue past December 15 only if we have reached the minimum but not the maximum.
Do I need to be a member of Mosaic Law Congregation?
No.
Do I need to be Jewish?
No. Although the class is not taught from a religious perspective, we will begin each session with a Jewish blessing to thank G-d for the ability to study. Also, we will Count the Omer at the end of each class from May 4-June 8. Both practices are done in a matter of seconds and are not required of anyone whose religious or personal beliefs do not support them.
Do I need to speak Hebrew?
No, but please inform the instructor if you do as there will be times when your knowledge will be helpful.
What is the range of ages?
In prior cohorts, we've had from late teens to mid-90s, a wonderful opportunity for the generations to learn together.
How and when can I register?
We will upload the registration page on September 1.
Is everyone who signs up automatically admitted?
No, as there are space limitations and other considerations. Each registration will be treated as an application with the decision on admission in the purview of the Mosaic Law Congregation Men's Club and Sisterhood.
Are applications for registration handled on a first-come first-serve basis?
Yes and No. While we'll do our best to process applications as they come in, both the decisions and timelines on acceptance remain in the purview of the Mosaic Law Congregation Men's Club and Sisterhood.
In an effort to create as much space as possible for first-timers, alumni of the five prior cohorts will be automatically waitlisted until October 1 with preference given to those who last took it in chronological order from when the course was initially offered (meaning, highest priority for those who last took it in 2020, lowest for those enrolled in 2026). In the event of a tie for repeat takers, we'll go with first-come first-serve—an incentive to register early.
What happens if I am duly enrolled and have a change in circumstance requiring me to withdraw?
Requests for refunds minus applicable credit card processing fees will be considered on an individual basis until December 24.
Are guests invited?
With the exception of the first and final regularly scheduled classes and four optional review and discussion sessions, guests that are cleared in advance with the instructor are allowed on a one-time basis as long as they adhere to the same protocols as everyone else. Please do not promise a spot for guests as we need to go through the clearance process and allow the instructor to provide the Zoom link to those invited.
Where can I seek additional information?