Why the Early Roots of Israel in Palestine are Archaeologically Debated,
and Why it Shouldn’t Be
Sunday, December 7, 11am

Step into the world of biblical archaeology with MGSDII Visiting Professor Dr. Erez Ben-Yosef, as he unpacks how history, science, and identity intersect in the story of ancient Israel. Discover why debates over the region’s early roots are often misunderstood, and how new research helps us see the past with fresh eyes. Dr. Ben-Yosef teaches Archaeology at Tel Aviv University and directs the Central Timna Valley Project of multidisciplinary research, recently featured on the cover of Smithsonian Magazine. He is teaching in the SDSU Department of History during Fall 2025.

Israel, the Diaspora, and Our Shared Jewish Future
Sunday, December 7, 1:30pm

Join MGSDII Visiting Professor Dr. Tal Elmaliach as he examines how Israel and the global Jewish community have shaped one another for generations. Explore where we’ve been, where we’re headed, and how our shared story continues to evolve. Dr. Tal Elmaliach teaches Jewish History at the University of Haifa and is head of the Institute for the Research of the Kibbutz and the Cooperative Idea. He is teaching in the SDSU Department of History for the 2025-2026 Academic Year.

CLICK HERE
to learn more and to join this day of learning from our Visiting Professors and other incredible scholars. We encourage you to attend what is sure to be a fascinating conference bringing Jews from across the political and religious spectrum together to explore Israel, Zionism, identity, and the future of Jewish life.