Speaking Topics

The historical development of the Holy City from ancient to modern times.  What was included in the walls, when and why? How and why did the city expand? How did topography affect that? When and how did people move out of the walls? What happened when the municipal borders were expanded after 1967?  What are the plans for the future? 

Great: Whenever, but especially for Yom Yerushalayim, Tisha B'Av, etc. 

This can go one of two ways (or both).  We can deconstruct what happened on October 7th and understand the numerous strategic challenges involved when considering Israel's response.  We can also take a look at how Israeli society has reacted to what some call "Israel's 9/11." 

Learn about incredible love stories - both the heart-warming and heart-wrenching - from throughout the ages in Jerusalem.  Famous kings like David, Solomon and Herod make appearances as will a Nobel Prize winner, underground fighters, hopeless romantics and star-crossed lovers.  Opposites surely attract - even a state-builder and an anarchist got together!  

This can be two separate sessions: Ancient & Modern.

Great: Whenever, but especially for Tu B'Av and Valentine's Day

One of the striking things about Jerusalem's famed marketplace is the hundreds of street art paintings on the shutters.  During a normal visit to the "shuk," however, only a few are visible. On Shabbat, however, when the market is closed, an incredible open-air urban gallery is created.  We will enjoy the artwork and learn about the people depicted in the paintings.

This can also be done as a Kahoot Game for Kids or Pub Quiz for adults. 

This is an attempt to tell the history of ancient Israel, from Abraham until the Talmudic/Byzantine period, via its most important archaeological discoveries.  The Tel Dan Stele, the Silver Scrolls, the Lachish reliefs, the Siloam Inscription, the Maresha Stele, the Theodotus Inscription and many more will help us to understand our history in a new light. 

What has burial looked like throughout the ages in Jerusalem? How have different groups and religions buried their dead? How does that affect our understanding of the Bible? What is the future of burial in an ever-expanding city? In addition to answering some of these fascinating questions, we will also look at monumental tomb structures, surpising "permanent" residents (William Shakespeare? The Real Braveheart? A member of the Nazi Party?) and an unbelieveable King David story.  We will even hear of those who - quite literally - left their hearts (or lost their heads/minds) in Jerusalem. 

Come with me on a virtual hike to the ancient community of Sataf in the Jerusalem Hills.  We will learn about Biblical agriculture, explore caves and ancient water systems, encounter the 7 Species of the Land of Israel and a new idea of what the Milk & Honey actually refers to.

Great: Anytime, but especially for Tu B'Shvat when the almond trees are in bloom. 

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Learn about the incredible diversity of "The Jewish State." We will discuss the small minorities living in Israel - whom I call the ABCDS.  We will also explore Jewish multiculturalism as Israel - unlike the US - actually has a majority non-Ashkenazi Jewish population.  

THIS CAN ALSO BE DONE AS A KAHOOT GAME -

PERFECT FOR YOUNG ADULTS!

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This is a look at the deeper meanings involved in the Alef-Bet.  We will do a basic introduction about kabbalistic meanings, gematriya, the crowns and even Alef-Bet martial arts and yoga, before examining the deeper meanings of Jewish words which we hear all the time, yet alas are unaware of their true essence.

This is an exploration of all the fascinating places which tourists almost never get to visit, and the stories which tour guides never get to tell. Think you know Jerusalem? Think again...  Raiders of the Lost Ark. The Monster of Jerusalem.  The secret cave of the Freemasons. Jerusalem's Liberty Bell.  King Hussein's abandoned palace.  The President's secret room. The Giant's Finger.  And much more... 

This can be two separate sessions: Old City & New CIty 

Great: Whenever, but especially for Jerusalem Day

So often when we hear about Israel, we hear about conflict, violence and struggles.  It seems that Israel spends its time just putting out fires, literally and figuratively.  We often forget that this is a young country which while having endured growing pains, is emerging as a dynamic, diverse and vibrant society.  This is a look at the positive developments in Israeli society in the past decade - you know, those things that don't always make the news. 

This is a run-through of Jewish history in which we will try to cover 4000 years in one hour. From Abraham and Sarah to modern times - and from Moses to Sandy Koufax - we will try and get a sense of who we are and how we got to be who and where we are today.  Strap yourselves in, because it is going to be a wild ride through space and time.  

With the fall of the Ottoman Empire and the rise of modern nation-states, a new reality was created in the Middle East.  How did these various countries come about? What was the role of the Great Powers, the League of Nations, the UN and the Cold War in all of it? How has that impacted the situation today? Which countries don't get along and why? Which countries have been tearing themselves apart and why? Why won't anyone take in the Palestinians today (even temporarily)? How did reformist/modernist movements in Islam radicalize into the terror groups we know today?  This is Knowing Our Neighbors 101

So you've been to Israel before.  Fantastic.  Maybe even a few times.  Even better.  At some point you think you've experienced everything there is to do here.  Not even close...  A trip to Israel does need to be your regular Dead Sea/Masada, Independence Hall and holy sites tour.  It"s time to rethink what a trip to Israel can look like - for families, friends, congregations & more. Note: This is no charge for this presentation.