Virtual Standard – Topic: Israel and the Jewish Spirit

Register Here

Jews have lived in the Land of Israel continuously for more than 3,000 years, although they were not always in political control and were not always the majority of the population. Ever since, significant numbers of Jews have lived outside the Land of Israel; and throughout history, many have expressed deep longing to return to the Jewish homeland.

Nonetheless, beginning with the portion of the Judeans who, in 538 BCE, were permitted to return to their homeland but chose to remain in Babylon, some Jews throughout history have chosen to remain in foreign lands, indicative of the complicated relationship Jews living outside of Israel have historically had with Israel and their Jewish identity. Today, the relationship between Jewish people in the Diaspora and their homeland remains complex. We will examine the multi-faceted relationship of Diaspora Jews to Israel and to the countries in which they live.