What is a Scholar in Residence?

One of the activities I enjoy most is visiting communities around the country to teach, discuss, and learn. My goal is to translate my scholarship in modern Jewish history, Zionism, and Contemporary American Judaism into engaging, relevant and thought-provoking programs for popular audiences.

Over the last few years I have served as a scholar in residence in a number of communities. In addition, I have had the opportunity to serve as a repeat faculty member of the Wexner Heritage Program, Bronfman Youth Fellowships in Israel, and the Skirball Center for Adult Jewish Learning.

A Personalized Experience

I am happy to tailor programs to your communities’ particular needs/interests. Here are a few ideas and possible themes to start the conversation:

1. The Problem with Peoplehood: Rethinking Jewish Collectivity for an Obama Era
2. Zionism and the Roads not Taken: Forgotten Paths in the History of Jewish Nationalism and Why they Matter Today
3. “Empowered Jews,” “Independent Minyanim,” and “Innovation Ecosystems”: What’s with Young Jews Today?
4. Homeland, Disneyland, or Someone Else’s Land: Israel in the American Jewish Imagination
5. Why be Jewish? Strategies for Justifying Judaism in the Modern World.
6. What Does It Means to Be An American? Jews and the Shaping of Identity in the US

If you want to see me in action, here is a video of me lecturing recently at the Jewish Funders Network Conference in Phoenix.