Description

 Welcome to the first episode of Expanding the Conversation, a new podcast from The Jewish Theological Seminary. This season, we bring you insights from Zionism: Today, Tomorrow, and Beyond, a JTS convening that explores the evolving meaning of Zionism and the Israel-Diaspora relationship.  

In this episode, Dr. Jonathan Sarna, Joseph H. & Belle R. Braun Professor of American Jewish History and Director of the Schusterman Center for Israel Studies at Brandeis University, explores the roots of North American Zionism. He discusses how technological advancements—particularly steam travel—enabled the practical realization of Zionist aspirations. Dr. Sarna also examines pivotal historical moments, from the pogroms of 1881 to the rise of anti-Semitism in Vienna, which shaped the movement’s trajectory. Additionally, he highlights the role of Louis Brandeis in reshaping American Zionism and argues for reclaiming and embracing the term "Zionism" in contemporary discourse.

Discussion Questions:

• Dr. Sarna argues that steam travel was a key technological factor that made Zionism possible. How does technological advancement shape political and ideological movements? Can you think of other historical or contemporary examples where technology transformed a movement’s feasibility?
• Sarna notes that 1881 was an “October 7th moment” for Jews, when optimism about their place in Russia collapsed. How does historical trauma shape political movements? Can we draw parallels to more recent global events?
• Dr. Sarna stresses the importance of embracing and reclaiming the term "Zionism" rather than allowing others to define it negatively. How do labels and terminology affect public discourse, and what are effective ways to engage in conversations about contentious terms?