Left, Right, and the Future of Israel: Insights from Two Radically Different Zionist Thinkers

Zionism challenges us to think about core questions central to Jewish identity and history: Are Jews a people or a religion? Does a Jewish state integrate us more into the world or isolate us? How do we understand the complexities of governing Palestinians in the context of Jewish self-government? Is Jewish life in Israel richer than in America, and how much does that question matter to you? By engaging in a non-ideological, academic exploration of the history and ideas of Zionism and Israel, we can strengthen Jewish communities. Together, let’s figure out what we’re really talking about when it comes to Zionism and Israel, a topic everyone wants to discuss and, sometimes, avoid.

This session will delve into the contrasting perspectives of two pivotal Zionist thinkers: Ze’ev Jabotinsky (1880–1940), a leading figure on the right, and Rabbi Judah Magnes (1877–1948), a progressive advocate for binationalism. Their radically different visions offer a rich framework for exploring the complexities of Zionism’s past, present, and future.

Rabbi David Starr has Rabbinic Ordination from The Jewish Theological Seminary of America and holds a PhD in History and Jewish Studies from Columbia University. He was born in New York City and grew up mostly in Boston and Minnesota. He has worked in Washington D.C. and Israel, now living in Brookline, MA with his wife, Jennifer Gallop and daughters, Gabrielle and Emma. Rabbi Starr currently serves as the Rabbi at Congregation Mishkan Tefila in Brookline, MA.

 
Rabbi Starr is a long-term member of the 384 Campus and has taught and led services with Campus partners throughout the years. He has a passion for Jewish history, traditions, and is a well-regarded teacher of Torah and Judaism. Rabbi Starr founded the widely popular Me’ah program, an in-depth adult learning experience studying the narrative of the Jewish people. We look forward to learning more from Rabbi Starr.