Class led by congregant Michael Gostein

Who were the Israelites? When exactly did they appear in history, and where? Why and how did they become a group of people with a common identity? How did they come to possess the Land of Israel?

Torah and Tanakh answer these questions, telling us that our ancestors had roots in Mesopotamia (~1800 BCE), sojourned in Canaan, were enslaved in Egypt, were freed by God (via Moses), and around 1200 BCE conquered the Land of Israel in a military campaign.

But, did it actually happen this way?

In Part 1 of this class (3/22/2023, 7:00-8:30pm) we will explore the Biblical narrative on these topics, including delving into uncomfortable questions about warfare and genocide as depicted in the Biblical account.

In Part 2 of this class (3/29/2023, 7:00-8:30pm) we will explore theories from modern archaeology, which offers a completely different perspective that is sure to make you rethink our origin story. Just in time for Passover!

We strongly prefer that participants attend both Part 1 and Part 2 if possible, but it is ok if you can only make one part or the other.