“Furious they assailed us,” goes the third line of the Chanukah song Maoz Tsur. This class will delve into who is they, what changes to Judaism occurred during this time, how Jerusalem and the Second Temple and Jewish leadership was impacted and what remains of those days in this time of Chanukah.

On November 24 and December 8, Gadi Ben-Dov will be lead the session, focusing on the following topic: 

Who were the Maccabees? - Were they really the heroes we assume them to be? The Chanukah revolt that resulted in Jewish independence in the land was a blessing but also a challenge. We will explore some of the Archeological evidence and texts left behind, to better understand the story of the Maccabees, their descendants. and what we can make of this holiday in modern times. 

Join by clicking this link.

Or, for audio only, dial 1 (312) 626-6799 or 1 (646) 558-8656 and enter the Meeting ID: 948 4772 5783

About Gadi Ben-Dov:

Gadi was born in the United States in New York City and moved to Israel at a very young age, to Kibbutz Gesher Haziv in the North of Israel. He grew up on the Kibbutz and after completing his high school and Israeli military service, moved to Baltimore, MD to study at the University of Maryland. He lived in the United States for ten years and eventually moved back to Israel in 2005. He became a licensed tour guide in 2007 and guided many groups in Israel and in Europe as well. His love of the land, and especially the people of Israel have given him insights into this country that he shares with every visitor.

Gadi is married to Amy, they live in Modiin in the center of Israel and they have two wonderful children ages 10 and 12, (and a rambunctious dog).

Together Amy & Gadi created a travel consultancy in Israel that specializes in creating unique, authentic and off-the-beaten-path experiences. With the current pause in travel, Amy and Gadi are bringing their love of Israel right into your living room via virtual travel!