Israel has a thriving jazz scene today, but the story of how jazz arrived and took root there is far less known. Dr. Leonard Stein traces that history, exploring how the reception of American music in Israel was shaped by the country's shifting demographics before and after 1948 — including successive waves of immigration from Eastern Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East — as well as by the broader nationalist project of forging a distinctly Israeli cultural identity. 
At the center of Stein's talk are two Jewish American musicians who immigrated to Israel shortly after statehood and dedicated their lives to teaching and spreading jazz throughout the country — through radio broadcasts, lectures, jam sessions, performances, and writing. At a time when American records were scarce, their efforts were foundational in cultivating the first generation of Israeli jazz musicians and listeners. 

Central to this work was the task of explaining where jazz comes from. In doing so, many Israelis encountered, for the first time, the African American experience, the musical roots of blues and spirituals, and the cultural history of the American South. Dr. Stein's talk ultimately illuminates a surprising and resonant bridge between Southern culture and Israeli society — one built through music. 

Hybrid event. In-person brunch meets at Arnold Hall, 96 Wentworth Street, Charleston, SC 29424 

Sponsors: Norman J. and Gerry Sue Arnold Center for Israel Studies; Pearlstine/Lipov Center for Southern Jewish Culture; Jewish Historical Society of South Carolina 
Doors open for brunch at 9:00 AM. 

Religious discourse in Israel since the attacks of October 7 is deeply focused on national pride and vengeance, topics that lay at the center of Manekin's recent study of his Religious Zionist community. 

We invite you to join Rabbi Hanan Schlesinger and Noor A’wad as they share their personal, interconnected stories and present the groundbreaking and challenging grassroots work of Roots. They do […]