Abstract
The story of Israel is comprised of two distinct historical narratives: the ancient Israel we know from the Bible and the Modern state of Israel today. Although more than two thousand years separate the two, there are remarkable parallels in the process of nation-building and the formation of a distinct cultural identity. Both in ancient history and in modern times, the country’s existence has depended upon the careful balance between learning from its neighbors and maintaining its own unique identity. In the past and present, Israel has faced threats to its sovereignty and challenges in asserting itself as a viable entity in the region. In this course, we will explore the facets and nuances of Israel’s dual history and ask the following questions:
▪ What are the similarities in the political situation of Israel today and Israel in ancient times?
▪ How do existential struggles and the threat of destabilization feature in these two parallel histories?
▪ Can the past teach us anything about the future of a region characterized by its lack of predictability?