Israel Scholars program starts new semester for teens, adults

The+2015+class+of+the+Jewish+Student+Union%E2%80%99s+Galia+%26amp%3B+Milton+Movitz+Senator+John+Danforth+Israel+Scholars+Program.+JSU+Director+Rabbi+Mike+Rovinsky+is+at+left+and+Galia+Movitz+is+sixth+from+the+right+in+the+first+row.+A+new+year+of+the+Israel+Scholars+Program+begins+Nov.+2.
Gallery • 2 Photos
The 2015 class of the Jewish Student Union’s Galia & Milton Movitz Senator John Danforth Israel Scholars Program. JSU Director Rabbi Mike Rovinsky is at left and Galia Movitz is sixth from the right in the first row. A new year of the Israel Scholars Program begins Nov. 2.

Published November 10, 2019

In November, Jewish Student Union will begin a new semester of its Galia and Milton Movitz-Senator John Danforth Israel Scholars course, with separate programs for teens and adults. The courses are designed to help participants develop a deeper appreciation of the history of Israel and an understanding of both the Israeli and Palestinian narratives.

Started in 2012 by JSU, the program offers Israel education, engagement and leadership training to teenagers and adults. Teens can earn three transferable college credits from Saint Louis University and the opportunity to spend a month in Israel with JSU for as low as $1,024, including airfare.

The adult semester is being co-sponsored by the Center for Jewish Learning. Classes meet from 7:15 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. on Mondays at the Jewish Federation’s Kaplan Feldman Complex. Classes started Nov. 4, but those interested can still join for the remaining classes. For more information, call Rabbi Michael Rovinsky at 314-498-6279. 

There is a $180 tuition fee, but scholarships are available. No one will be turned away for financial reasons.

Classes for teens begin Nov. 14 and will be hosted at United Hebrew from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Dinner will be served. For more information, call 314-498-6279. To register visit http://www.tinyurl.com/israelscholars. The course for teens is free.

Participants will be introduced to the history of Israel, beginning with the ancient and medieval eras through the development of modern political Zionism in 19th century Europe until the establishment of the State of Israel. 

The second part of the course covers the relationship of the State of Israel to the Arab world and explain both the Israeli and Palestinian narratives of Israel’s history. The last part of the course covers the historical relationship between Israel and the United States; the contributions of Israel to the world in the arena of medical and technological advancements; the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement; and the rise in anti-Israel sentiment on the university campus and around the world.