For many American Jews, Zionism is indispensable to the thriving of the Jewish people, exemplifying the ingathering of the exiles, a revived modern Jewish culture and Hebrew language. For others, the value of those achievements cannot obscure the Israel-Palestine conflict and a 53-year-long occupation over millions of people who lack political rights none of us would forego.

Recently the writer Peter Beinart (our neighborhood resident) wrote a lengthy piece on his personal evolution from espousing a "two-state solution" towards a "bi-national state," from a Zionism focused on a "Jewish state" to one focused on a "Jewish home." No surprise, the article provoked vigorous debate: praise, condemnation and everything in between.

There is much in Beinart's article to agree with, much to challenge, and all of it worth thinking about. Please read the article - and perhaps some of his critics -- and join Rabbi Kalmanofsky for an honest, respectful, two-part Zoom-based discussion on how we think about Israel and Zionsim today, how our views might have changed and how they might continue to change.

In our first session (Thursday, August 6) we will delve into Beinarts argument and think about how it (and the current reality in Israel) might impact our own thoughts on Israel.

In the second session (Monday, August 10) we will focus on responses to his piece from left and right, and further explore our own reactions and Jewish commitments.

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