Herzog College and Ariel University are hosting an academic conference in Jerusalem this week, examining historic and contemporary attitudes to Zionism in philosophy and literature.
Jerusalem, June 1, 2023: The conference will take place at the iconic Hechal Shlomo building in downtown Jerusalem, hosted and organized by Herzog College together with Ariel University. Its title – “Ayin L’Tzion Tzofia – Looking Toward Zion: The Longing for the Land of Israel in History, Thought, Culture & Reality” references the lyrics of “Hatikva”. The conference sessions will explore the meaning of Eretz Yisrael to Jews throughout the ages.
The opening event on Tuesday evening, June 6, will include a lecture by Rav Hayim Sabato, author and Rosh Yeshiva of Birchat Moshe Yeshiva in Maale Adumim, on the proto-Zionism expressed by the Ramban and Rav Yehuda HaLevy in Medieval Spain. Prof. Moshe Idel from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem will speak about the social status of the first immigrants to Israel.
Presentations throughout Wednesday and Thursday will examine philosophical and literary expressions of “Zionism” during the Second Temple period and the Middle Ages, among female writers, among the Jews of North Africa and in the Ottoman Empire, and in modern times.
Prof. Gershon Greenberg from American University will speak about Early American Orthodox Religious Zionism following the Balfour Declaration. Prof. Nechemia Polen from Hebrew College in Boston will speak about Jewish life in Israel as documented in the book of Nehemiah. (These will be the only lectures in English – the rest of the conference will be in Hebrew.)
On the second day of the conference, Dr. Shmuel Bahat will lead a tour of Jerusalem to examine evidence of different attitudes to the city among early Zionists. The final session will discuss contemporary attitudes to Israel and Zionism in Jewish communities around the world.
Herzog College President Prof. Yehuda Brandes explains: “At a time when the historic bond between Israel and the Jewish people is in question, this academic conference will discuss the strong connection between our people and our land throughout generations of exile. We believe that – even in this "post-truth" era – there is great value in sharing scientific and reliable information. We hope this conference will contribute to deepening the world’s understanding of the significance of the State of Israel as the fulfilment of a long-standing Zionist dream.
Herzog College is Israel’s leading religious teacher training college, established in 1973. Herzog has more than 3,500 BA and MA students enrolled on its four campuses, plus hundreds of Jewish Studies teachers around the world taking online courses. Ariel University, originally established as a small college in 1982, was officially recognized as a full research university in 2012, making it Israel’s newest university.
For information about attending the Jerusalem Conference, please contact
Meira at research@herzog.ac.il or call 073-217-9901
