The History of the State of Israel, Zionism through 2020: The first 72 years - How did we get here and what’s next?

Presenter: Uri Feinberg

Part 6 of 9-session Israel Series:  Becoming a Nation Among the Nations: Why Do I Care? What Does This Mean to Me?

The momentous early decades will make way for the momentous latter decades. Becoming a nation amongst the nations, internal strife, pride and power, overcoming threat, internal and external, success at home while reaching out to help the world. All of these descriptions don’t do justice to all that the State of Israel has seen, done, been proud of, and been devastated by. Hopefully by the end of our seminar, we will strengthen a foundation of knowledge about the Jewish State, we will be able to zoom out and zoom in, contextualize and look forward. However, true success will be established if we can part ways and feel comfortable asking the question- why do I care? What does this mean to me? 

Series Description: The State of Israel is a vibrant, pulsating, historic, energetic, challenging and challenged heart of the Jewish People. Did we mention layered, complex and beautiful? Join us for a journey through the history of the young state, from young Zionism to the British mandate, the founding of the state of Israel and where we are today. The last three sessions include virtual tours of Israel with our guide, Uri, and together we will uncover a different layer of Israeli society, history, past and present. REGISTER BELOW!

Presenter Bio: Uri Feinberg has been a Jewish Educator for 25 years. Born in the US, Uri immigrated to Israel when he was ten, grew up in Jerusalem served in the IDF and then, traveled the world. Uri has a Masters Degree in Contemporary Jewish Studies from Hebrew University, and, for many years, was a Jewish history teacher for North American teens on semester abroad study programs in Israel. Uri spent three years in the US with his wife and three daughters where he served as the Interim Director of Education of Temple Israel of Boston. A licensed tour guide since 1999, Uri has worked as a tour educator for a wide range of groups including: synagogue, Federation, URJ and CCAR leadership, interfaith and more. He has guided Jewish heritage trips throughout Europe and has lectured on Israel and Jewish identity across North America. In the current climate engulfing the world in 2020/21, Uri has re-harnessed what he does, and has taken his knowledge and his passion ‘on-line’. He continues to reach out and partner with the North American Jewish Community, continuing to teach Jewish History, and virtually guide communities around Israel through the wonder of Zoom. Uri and his family live in the city of Modiin, and are active members of their Reform congregation, YOZMA. Uri’s experience has been driven by a clear desire to share the power of the Land and State of Israel, to strengthen Jewish identity and a connection with the Jewish People. With his unique perspective, Uri recognizes that this process includes building bridges and having the ability to inspire and to be inspired.