From Patriarchs to Judges – the birth of a nation

1 – Setting the scene – the "Fertile Crescent" – land scape & key players. Canaan in the days of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob - the lives of the Patriarchs and their interaction with the locals. The social structure, the clan, shepherding and their "religious" life. Zoom broadcast – September 21st, 2020 – 6 pm pacific time. 9 pm standard eastern time.

2 – Canaan during the Israelite bondage in Egypt – the land that Jacob & his clan departed from was very different than the land Joshua will conquer. What were the events in Canaan during the years of the bondage in Egypt? A new world order - the collapse of the Egyptian and the Hittite empires. The rise of the "Sea people". Zoom broadcast – September 28th – 6 pm pacific time. 9 pm standard eastern time.

3 – From nomads to conquerors – the days of Joshua – the conquest of Canaan. Fighting the nations of the land. The partial success in the days of Joshua. The land that was left for later conquest. The division of parts of Canaan to the tribes. The local political system and the preparations made by the Canaanite city states to confront the tribes of Israel. Zoom broadcast – October 5th – 6 pm pacific time. 9 pm standard east time.

4 – First years in the land – the challenges of the nomads to be accustomed to a rural way of life. What was the interaction between the locals and how they have influenced the Israelites? What was the form of worship in Israel? The centrality of Shiloh – the place for religious gathering. The tabernacle and its wonderings around the land. Zoom broadcast – October 12th – 6 pm pacific time. 9 pm standard east time.

5 – The days of the judges – politics and religion among the Israelites. Who were the Judges and what was their role in society? What was the interaction between the judges and priesthood (the high priest)? Samson and his unique story. The departure of the Danites to a new location. Zoom broadcast – October 19th – 6 pm pacific time. 9 pm standard east time.

6 – The transition from tribes under Judges to a monarchy. What were the reasons to form a monarchy? How was the monarchy in Israel modeled? What will be the nature of the king of Israel? Unique aspects in Israel's monarchy comparing other kingdoms in the region. Zoom broadcast – October 26th – 6 pm pacific time. 9 pm standard eastern time.