By Jeffrey Catalano
Assistant Editor
“Israel’s Milestones and Their Meanings” is an 8-part series offering a thorough education in the history of Israel, primarily through the study of pivotal events like the Balfour Declaration in 1917 and the Six-Day War in 1967. The series began on September 21, 2025, and will be concluding in a few weeks on November 23.
The Wise Center has been hosting this months-long series, and the last sessions, Sessions #6 through #8, will take place on November 9, 16, and 23, respectively. Each session falls on a Sunday, and lasts from about 9:15 to 10:45 a.m. This informative series is being presented by Rabbi Zachary Goodman and is also based on material from the Shalom Institute.
Anyone who might want to better understand what shapes Israel’s history and Israeli identity should consider attending the rest of this series. Also, anyone fascinated by world history might find this special series highly informative and very interesting.
In the fist of the last few sessions of “Israel’s Milestones and Their Meanings,” Session #6, the focus will be on what Jerusalem means to Jews, Christians and Muslims beyond politics. This session promises to draw on religious texts, liturgy and historical narratives. The spiritual and emotional resonance of Jerusalem to the Abrahamic faiths will also be explored.
In Session #7, the aftermath of the reunification of Jerusalem in 1968 will be discussed. Matters such as how the city took on new significance and new challenges will be explored. What will also be examined is how Jewish sovereignty over Jerusalem has gradually shaped Jewish responsibility toward justice, inclusion and peace.
In the final session of “Israel’s Milestones and Their Meanings,” Session #8, what Israel’s journey has been like fifty years after the Six Day War will be assessed. This session will ruminate on important milestones in Israeli history and examine what they’ve meant for Jewish identity and statehood. Imagining what the next fifty years of Israel’s journey might be like will also be a part of this critical session.
“Israel’s Milestones and Their Meanings” concludes on November 23 on an insightful and profound note. Feel free to attend one, a few or all of the last parts of this fascinating series!
