Shalom Hartman Institute, in partnership with Muhlenberg College, announces the availability of "Images of Israel," a six-part adult study program, based on written texts and audiovisual materials, which focuses on Jewish theology, Christian-Jewish relations, and Israel’s current political reality.
The course is available for purchase from the order form
below .
Dr. Marcie Lenk, Shalom Hartman Institute director of Christian programming, said the excitement at the launch was palpable. “We were thrilled at the response, and already have learned more about how to present this course to a wide range of Christian churches and organizations,” she said. “The course can be adapted to local needs and we will be working with course directors on a one-to-one basis.”
“Images of Israel" course participants work with texts, ideas, images, fellow learners, and leaders to explore Israel—as a State, as a people, as a nation, and as a land—and to clarify the commitment of Christians to work for justice and peace among Palestinians and Jews. Each weekly unit provides an in-depth look at one of the stumbling blocks Christians encounter when trying to talk about Israel. Unit 2 on “Covenant,” for example, delves into the topic of Jewish peoplehood in an attempt to enable Christians to better understand how Jews view themselves.
Rev. Dr. Peter A. Pettit travels around Jerusalem in the videos, showing ancient sites and the modern complex realities, while Dr. Lenk interviews prominent and thoughtful Israelis and Palestinians to illustrate the content of the course. The videos include interviews with Mrs. Hanan Abu Dalu, Palestinian educator and board member of the English Teachers Association in Israel, on conflict and hope, and Father Michael McGarry on Christian rejectionism.
The "Images of Israel" package, which retails for $67, contains all of the materials needed for a six-unit adult study program—texts, 14 videos, a participant book, a leader’s guide, and supplementary resources.
The videos and accompanying text materials are designed to be used by a pastor, priest, or adult study program educator. The components can be adapted to local circumstances, with study texts and supplementary readings that can help prepare participants for course sessions. The Leader Guide, which provides different models for teaching the six-unit course–six one-hour sessions, 90-minute or two-hour sessions, or 12 one-hour sessions–helps the course leader to prepare for the group viewing of video lectures and interviews and in-class text study.
