The Origins of Zionism with Rabbi Andy Bachman

Are the Jews defined only by Judaism and religion? Or are the Jews a people, a culture and a nation? During this 4-week course, we will explore the foundational ideas that influenced the creation of Zionism and the Jewish state. From political emancipation of the Jews in early 19th century Europe to Israel’s Independence in 1948, we will examine a number of documents, essays and events that were essential to understanding the idea of Jewish nationalism and the creation of the first Jewish state in two thousand years. All backgrounds and opinions are welcome.

Classes will take place Thursday evenings at the JCA Board Room from 7:00 – 8:30 PM, starting on May 11th. Subsequent classes will be held at the same time on May 18th, 25th, and June 1st. 

Andy Bachman is founder of Water Over Rocks and the Center for Midwestern Jewish Communities, a unique entity devoted to the preservation of history, memory and civic responsibility.  He is also Senior Consultant to the Jewish Community Legacy Project.  From 2018-2022 he was executive director of the Jewish Community Project of Lower Manhattan, a growing, open, pluralistic center for Jewish life in Tribeca.  He was Senior Rabbi at Congregation Beth Elohim in Brooklyn, New York from 2006-2015, executive director of the Edgar M. Bronfman Center for Jewish Student Life at New York University from 1998-2004.  He is also the founder of Brooklyn Jews, an innovative social organizing engine for young, unaffiliated Jews and their partners in Brownstone Brooklyn. Andy currently lives in Portland, ME, and is father to three daughters, Audrey, Lois and Minna and a dog, Bob Capa.