Temple Beth Shalom presents interfaith course about famous American Jewish women

 

Three extraordinary American Jewish women helped reshape politics, social justice and Jewish destiny at the turn of the 20th century. Henrietta Szold, Emma Goldman, and Golda Meir shared immigrant roots and Jewish identity, yet chose radically different paths — religious renewal, political rebellion and national leadership.

 

Temple Beth Shalom of the West Valley Rabbi Dana Evan Kaplan will lead a three-part interfaith course exploring how each woman challenged the limits placed on Jewish women, and how their lives reflected competing visions of what it meant to be Jewish, American and modern. Classes will be from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Feb. 5, 12 and 19 at the Temple, 12202 N. 101st Ave. in Sun City.

 

“Through vivid storytelling and discussion, we will meet a devoted founder of American Zionism, a fiery anarchist who terrified the establishment, and a future prime minister who learned politics on Milwaukee street corners. Together, their lives raise urgent questions about power, justice, faith, and belonging — questions that continue to shape Jewish and American life today,” Kaplan said.

 

Meir was the first and only woman to be prime minister of Israel and she served from 1969 to 1974. In 1906, she immigrated from Russia with her family to the United States. She graduated from the Milwaukee State Normal School and became a teacher. While in Milwaukee, she embraced the Labor Zionist movement. Prior to becoming Israel’s fourth prime minister, she served as the labor secretary of the newly formed Jewish state, and the Israeli foreign minister.

 

Szold, who was born in Maryland, founded Hadassah, the Women’s Zionist Organization of America. She used an ethical and pragmatic approach to improve the lives of both Jews and Arabs. After moving to Mandate Palestine, she helped shape education, health, and social services there.

 

Goldman immigrated from Russia to America in 1885. She was a modern radical who took seriously the idea that inner liberation is the first business of social revolution. Her politics were based on resistance to that which thwarted the free development of the inner self.

 

The cost for this series is $20 for members and $35 for non-members. A discount is available by purchasing a coupon book.The registration deadline is noon Feb. 2 by calling the Temple office at 623.977.3240 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday.