Spring 2026 Signature Jewish Studies Course

    Wednesday, February 4, 2026 until Wednesday, March 25, 2026 Eastern Standard Time UTC -05:00


    Queens University Sports Complex & Conference Center
    2229 Tyvola Rd
    Charlotte, NC 28210
    United States

    Weekly from 12:30 pm to 2:00 pm

    Liberal Zionism: Between Crisis and Aspiration

    The past two years have raised urgent, complex, and at times painful questions about Zionism.  Our Spring 2026 Jewish Studies Signature Class will utilize Shalom Hartman Institute’s newest iEngage curriculum, "Liberal Zionism: Between Crisis and Aspiration,"to help us meet the challenges we are facing by offering Torah for this moment and the tools for examining the issues.

    In this eight-unit course, Hartman scholars explore the core tensions and values of liberal Zionism, responding to the dominant critiques of Israel and Zionism in a post-October 7 reality. Together, we’ll explore frameworks for holding moral complexity, for teaching about Israel in a time of war, and for engaging our communities with courage, compassion, and clarity.

    Faculty leading this program will include Rabbi Dr. Judy Schindler, Sklut Professor of Jewish Studes; Noah Goldman, Global Jewry Associate at Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte; Judy LaPietra, Director, Greenspon Holocaust Education Center; and Katie Cunningham, Associate Director, Greenspon Holocaust Education Center. 

    This course will be offered both in person at Queens University Sports Complex & Conference Center and via Zoom from 12:30 pm to 2:00 pm. Each session will be recorded for those who are traveling.

    • February 4, 2026 Unit 1 – The Crisis of Liberal Zionism
    • February 11, 2026 Unit 2 – Pariah Nation: Countering the Criminalization of Israel
    • February 18, 2026 Unit 3 - Is Zionism a Colonial Project?
    • February 25, 2026 Unit 4 – Love and Tough Love: Criticism vs. Solidarity
    • March 4, 2026 Unit 5 – Warrior Nation: The Militarization of Israeli Society
    • March 11, 2026 Unit 6 – The Rise and Challenge of Illiberal Zionism
    • March 18, 2026 Unit 7 – The Legacy of Gaza in Israel
    • March 25, 2026 Unit 8 – The Legacy of Gaza in Diaspora
    Cost for this course is $325. Proceeds support Jewish Life at Queens University and the Greenspon Holocaust Education Center. Space is limited. We do not want cost to be a barrier. For more information, to register, or for financial assistance, contact Judy Schindler, Schindlerj@queens.edu
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