“Israel on the Edge” classes offered in December

Temple Beth Shalom of the West Valley is presenting an interfaith adult education course focusing on “Israel on the Edge” from 10-11 a.m. Thursdays, Dec. 7, 14 and 21. It is open to people of all faiths.

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Rabbi Dana Evan Kaplan will analyze Israel’s security crisis. Participants will look at the ideology of the terrorist groups that are seeking to destroy the state of Israel, and try to explain why Israel was caught so unprepared for the Oct. 7 terrorist attacks. Discussion also will be about what may happen in the future.  

Rabbi Kaplan has lived in Israel, spent time there in 2022 and 2023, and is in regular contact with numerous friends who currently live in Israel. He speaks Hebrew fluently and follows live-streaming Israeli television broadcasts.

Cost is $15 for Temple members and $25 for non-members. Register and pay your fee by contacting the Temple Beth Shalom office at 623.977.3240 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Deadline to register is noon Dec. 5.

Dana Evan Kaplan has been Rabbi of Temple Beth Shalom of the West Valley since 2019. He is the author and editor of several books, including most recently, ” A Life of Meaning: Embracing Reform Judaism’s Sacred Path.” Before arriving at Temple Beth Shalom, Rabbi Kaplan was the interim rabbi of the Springhill Avenue Temple in Mobile, Alabama, and a teacher in the Department of Theology at Spring Hill College. He has led congregations in Kingston, Jamaica, as well as in Albany, Georgia, and Cape Town, South Africa.