LEARN
Zionism for Our Time
The past two years have raised urgent and complex questions for the Jewish people. For us to thrive, the relationship between Jews in diaspora and Jews in Israel needs ongoing attention and reflection.
Join Rabbi Jamie Hyams (Chai Cycle/Mother Lode Jewish Community) and Rabbi Dave Spinrad (Beth Chaim Congregation) as we explore central questions affecting the Jewish people related to the State of Israel. Together, we will examine Zionism's core tensions and values, engaging the central critiques of Israel and Zionism in a post–October 7 world. We’ll explore frameworks for maintaining our devotion to the Jewish state, wrestling with moral complexity, and aspiring for courage, compassion, and clarity.​
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To register, email rabbijamie1@gmail.com
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All registrants will receive a Zoom link via email before the first session.
Zionism for Our Time uses the IEngage curriculum, a program of the Shalom Hartman Institute.
The Shalom Hartman Institute is a leading research and educational center serving Israel and world Jewry. The Institute works to enrich the moral and spiritual life of Israel and the Jewish people, deepen the commitment to pluralism and Israel’s Jewish and democratic character, and rebuild the covenant between Israel and the Jewish world.
Tuesdays beginning Feb 3, 2026. 7:00 – 8:30 on Zoom.
2/3 The Crisis of Liberal Zionism
2/10 Pariah Nation: Countering the Criminalization of Israel
2/17 Is Zionism a Colonial Project?
2/24 Love and Tough Love: Criticism vs. Solidarity
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3/3 Warrior Nation: The Militarization of Israeli Society
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3/10 The Rise and Challenge of Illiberal Zionism
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3/24 The Legacy of Gaza in Israel
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3/31 The Legacy of Gaza in the Diaspora
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New Lehrhaus Torah Study
Join the Friday Morning Torah Study Group which has been meeting for 50+ years! Every week features a different teacher from among rabbis, scholars, Jewish educators, artists, and the lay leaders with which our community is blessed. Each session begins with the week's Parasha (Torah portion) and emphasizes deep conversation and multi-faceted perspectives. We offer this program tuition-free, but ask that you please consider a donation to New Lehrhaus. Moderators: Rabbi Jamie and Jim Mavrikios.
Shabbat morning Torah Study
Torah Study with Rabbi Jamie and friends from around the country for a lively discussion of the weekly parasha/portion via Zoom. Using a wide variety of commentary from across the spectrum of Jewish thought, we explore issues relevant to our modern lives. All welcome, no Hebrew necessary. Please note, we incorporate a short Torah reading and prayer for healing into our study at 10am and end each session with Kaddish.
To register, please email rabbijamie1@gmail.com and pay through PayPal.
Meeting details
Shabbat mornings, 10am – 11:45 PST
July – December 2025
Sliding scale donation appreciated
Torah Study Leaders
Oct 11 - Sukkot - Rabbi Jamie
Oct 18 - B'reishit - Rabbi Jamie
Oct 25 - Noah - Annie Wolff
Nov 1 - Lech L'cha - Rabbi Jamie
Nov 8 - Vayera - Rabbi Jamie
Nov 15 - Chayei Sarah - Barbara Holland
Nov 22 - Toldot - Rabbi Jamie
Nov 29 - Vayetzei - Ellen Royer
Dec 6 - Vayishlach - Barbara Holland
Dec 13 - Vayeshev - Rabbi Jamie
Dec 20 - Miketz - Rabbi Jamie
Dec 27 - Vayigash - Annie Wolff
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And the rest of the dates are awaiting volunteers!