Israel’s Global Journey: History, Politics, and Identity
An Adult Education Experience
January-June 2026
Questions & Answers
Who should take this course?
This is an online adult education class designed for anyone interested in the Middle East with a primary focus on Israel.
Has this class been taught before?
Yes, four times under a different name. Many students repeated it once, a few twice, and one, three times.
When does the class run?
The course will run weekly for 21 weeks (with a few weeks off as scheduled breaks) plus an additional four review/discussion sessions for those interested. Each session will formally begin at 7:00 pm PT, but informally at 6:45 pm with 10 minutes devoted to discussion and/or current events (plus the first of our two songs of the day). As much as we’ll try to end in 90 minutes with a built-in classroom break, many of the sessions will take longer depending upon the specific material and discussion.
Why so many weeks?
Developing a method of understanding a complex region of the world while watching 200 years of history 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 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 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 attendance at as many sessions as possible. Since there is a maximum number of enrollees, please defer on enrolling if you know in advance that you will not be available for more than half of the classes.
What is the style of teaching?
Each session is presented over PowerPoint with many videos (including a music video at the beginning and end of each class). Students will 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 to keep the class going.
Those who have taken it before can also attest to the seriously bad jokes and random cultural references. Oh well.
*As much as we encourage everyone to take turns reading, the instructor will honor requests from 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, which are highly recommended.
Is this taught in the form of Myths & Facts?
No. Just as we wouldn't start learning 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 conflict since 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 you may be reading or seeing in the media and examine both the region and the world over a 200-year span—and yes, the material will cover different perspectives.
Does the instructor reflect a rightwing or leftwing bias?
When this course was branded under a different name, in the very same class, 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 class is not about what, but rather how, to think about the material. At times, it will seem right, and others, left, but 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?
We've learned from experience that geographic diversity adds an important dimension to classroom discussion and have been fortunate to have had students from such places as Portland, Los Angeles, San Diego, Las Vegas, Chicago, Boston, Washington, DC, and even Jerusalem. Since we once again plan to have a geographically eclectic group, we will not be holding any in-person sessions.
Who would not benefit from the class?
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Those who view Israel as a cause, not a country.
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Those needing confirmation of their pre-formed opinions 100 percent of the time.
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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. (Incidentally, we've had several Israelis take the class.)
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Those lacking the requisite 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. Over the years, we’ve learned that 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 dynamic in an online setting. As such, cameras should remain on as much as possible except for short personal breaks. In prior experiences, when one camera was shut, others quickly followed and the course session was lost. Feel free to eat in front of the camera as we'll remain muted except when speaking.
How often will the students hear from the instructor?
Students will receive a minimum of 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 one additional communication.
What is the cost?
Early bird discount of $200 of those who register from August 15-October 19.
Regular rate of $225 of those who register from October 20-January 6.*
Special registration rate for Hillel students (TBA).
Financial assistance may be available through the generosity of Mosaic Law Congregation's Men's Club and Sisterhood.
While students can share a computer, each needs to register individually.
Payment will be handled through Mosaic Law Congregation and is not tax deductible as a charitable donation.
How many can enroll?
Minimum 12 and maximum 30.* If we do not reach the minimum by December 15, the class will not launch and deposits will be refunded. On the other hand, registration will close once the maximum is reached.
*Registration will continue past December 15 only if we have reached the minimum by then but have not yet hit 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, from April 14-May 19, we will Count the Omer at the end of the class. Both are done in a matter of seconds and are not required of anyone whose religious practice 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.
How and when can I register?
We will upload the registration page on August 15.
Is everyone who signs up automatically registered?
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.
How can I ask additional questions?