Middle East Update: What is Happening Now and Why in Israel

 

Temple Beth Shalom of the West Valley presents interfaith course, “Middle East Update: What is Happening Now and Why in Israel?”

 

The existential conflict in Iran and its proxies against Israel is the focus of a four-part interfaith adult education course in October led by Rabbi Dana Evan Kaplan at Temple Beth Shalom of the West Valley.

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The course will be from 10-11 a.m. Mondays, Oct. 7, 14, 21 and 28 at the Temple, 12202 N. 101st Ave. in Sun City.

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“The State of Israel is facing an extremely serious security threat from terrorist groups based in Gaza, the West Bank, South Lebanon, Syria and Yemen — all of them supported by Iran.  While this situation is extremely serious, it is also fascinating and will provide us with a great deal of information to discuss, analyze and debate,” Rabbi Kaplan said.

 

During the course, Rabbi Kaplan will discuss what is happening right now in Israel politically and militarily. By the time this course starts, events may have changed just as they may change during the four weeks of the course. 

 

“We will see what happens in real time as we meet together to discuss the continuing tumultuous events,” Rabbi Kaplan said. “We will look at the geo-strategic situation in the broader Middle East and particularly Iran’s long term intention to destroy the State of Israel and become the dominant Islamic power in the world.”  

 

Rabbi Kaplan has been traveling annually to Israel the last 3 years — recently returning in late July — where he had earlier studied for this rabbinic ordination as well as for his PhD in history.

 

Deadline for registration and to pay the fee is noon Oct. 1 by contacting the TBS office at 623.977.3240. (The office will be closed from noon on Oct. 2-5 for Rosh Hashanah Holy Days.)

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Cost for the series is $20 for members and $35 for non-members.  

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Temple Beth Shalom has coupon books for its adult education courses that can be used for any four courses through June 2025. Cost is $65 for TBS members and $120 for non-members. Coupon books are available at the Temple office. More information: tbsaz.org.