Mention the word Zionism, and it’s become more apparent recently than ever that the word conjures up and means different things to different people, whether nationally or internationally. Rabbi Michael Satz, spiritual leader of Morristown’s Temple B’nai Or, will take a global look at the term while focusing on the meaning of American Zionism—what it means to be an American Zionist . . . or a Zionist in America. His two-part Zoomed Our Jewish World Clergy Series will be held on Thursdays, October 31 and November 7, both at 1 p.m.
Rabbi Michael Satz
Our Jewish World is co-chaired by Ilene Dorf Manahan and Melanie Levitan. There is no charge for attending the seminars, and all are invited. However, to receive the Zoom link, preregistration is required via e-mail to iadpr@aol.com. The same link will be good for both of Rabbi Satz’s lectures.
Session 1 will explore the roots of American Zionism by reviewing the history of the Zionist movement and how Zionism was expressed in America. As important figures in the earliest days of American Zionism, Rabbi Satz will discuss the lives, leadership and thoughts of American Zionists, including Louis Brandeis, Rabbi Stephen S. Wise and Henrietta Szold.
In Session 2, Rabbi Satz will look at more recent perspectives on the movement as he addresses American Zionism after 1948. What does it mean to be a Zionist in America after the founding of the State of Israel? Do American Jews (and others) have a role to play in the unfolding story of Israel?
Rabbi Satz was born and raised in St. Louis. He graduated from Tulane University and was ordained at Hebrew Union College–Jewish Institute of Religion.
As spiritual leader at Temple B’nai Or, and believing that “Judaism is a dynamic, evolving, and pluralistic tradition,” Rabbi Satz has enthusiastically brought his passions for teaching, justice and spirituality to Jewish life in Morris County’s multigenerational community. Rabbi Satz is involved in the greater community through the Morris Area Clergy Council, Morris Area Together, the Religious Action Center of NJ, the Greater Metro West Rabbis Roundtable, and the New Jersey-West Hudson Valley Association of Reform Rabbis. He has been on the executive board of the Association of Reform Zionists of America, ARZA Canada, and the American Zionist Federation. He is a Rukin Rabbinic Fellow with 18Doors, an organization that strives to make our communities inclusive places for intermarried families.