Theodor Herzl: The Birth of Political Zionism

Daniel Polisar Teaches Theodor Herzl: The Birth of Political Zionism

In seven thought-provoking lectures, Dr. Daniel Polisar—one of the world’s leading experts on Theodor Herzl—uncovers the true story of Herzl’s conversion to Zionism and inspires us with Herzl’s vision, strategy, leadership, and deep Jewish pride.

Daniel Polisar

Dr. Daniel Polisar is co-founder and executive vice president of Shalem College, Israel’s first liberal arts college. He previously served as president of the Shalem Center from 2002-2013 and also served as its director of research, academic director, and editor-in-chief of its journal, Azure. Dr. Polisar has testified before the Knesset Constitution Committee on Israel’s character as a Jewish state, and since 2005, he has served on the board of Metzilah, the Center of Zionist, Jewish, Liberal and Humanist Thought. In 2006, he was appointed by the prime minister to be the first chairman of the National Herzl Council, responsible for commemorating the legacy of Theodor Herzl, a position he held for three years. Dr. Polisar received his B.A. from Princeton University in Politics and his Ph.D. from Harvard in Government. His research interests include Zionist history and thought, the history and philosophy of higher education, and Israeli constitutional development.

Episodes

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To truly understand Herzl’s challenge, we have to unknow everything we know about Zionist history and the modern State of Israel.

The Great Challenge of Establishing a Jewish State 48:59

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Dr. Polisar presents the primary assets Herzl brought to his effort to found a Jewish state.

What Made Herzl Unique 50:46

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Dr. Polisar introduces Herzl’s most important work, The Jewish State, and explains how the book was born.

Herzl as the Leading Thinker and Writer of the Zionist Movement – </br> Part I

Herzl as the Leading Thinker and Writer of the Zionist Movement -
Part I 55:48

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When it was published, The Jewish State elicited strong and varied reactions. Dr. Polisar explores the book’s arguments and the reactions to its publication.

Herzl as the Leading Thinker and Writer of the Zionist Movement – </br> Part II

Herzl as the Leading Thinker and Writer of the Zionist Movement -
Part II 1:02:04

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When Herzl wrote, “at Basel I founded the Jewish state,” he was not speaking metaphorically.

The First Zionist Congress and the Establishment of the State-in-the-Making 1:02:19

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In pursuing diplomacy with the great powers of his time, Herzl left no stone unturned.

Herzl as Chief Diplomat: The Great Powers, Britain, and the Balfour Declaration 59:31

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Dr. Polisar closes this course with an exploration of all Herzl achieved in just eight years and a discussion of what aspiring leaders and statesmen can learn from him.

Herzl's Legacy 48:59

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Theodor Herzl: The Birth of Political Zionism

In seven thought-provoking lectures, Dr. Daniel Polisar—one of the world’s leading experts on Theodor Herzl—uncovers the true story of Herzl’s conversion to Zionism and inspires us with Herzl’s vision, strategy, leadership, and deep Jewish pride.

Daniel Polisar

Episodes

01: The Great Challenge of Establishing a Jewish State

To truly understand Herzl’s challenge, we have to unknow everything we know about Zionist history and the modern State of Israel.

02: What Made Herzl Unique

Dr. Polisar presents the primary assets Herzl brought to his effort to found a Jewish state.

03: Herzl as the Leading Thinker and Writer of the Zionist Movement -
Part I

Dr. Polisar introduces Herzl’s most important work, The Jewish State, and explains how the book was born.

04: Herzl as the Leading Thinker and Writer of the Zionist Movement -
Part II

When it was published, The Jewish State elicited strong and varied reactions. Dr. Polisar explores the book’s arguments and the reactions to its publication.

05: The First Zionist Congress and the Establishment of the State-in-the-Making

When Herzl wrote, “at Basel I founded the Jewish state,” he was not speaking metaphorically.

06: Herzl as Chief Diplomat: The Great Powers, Britain, and the Balfour Declaration

In pursuing diplomacy with the great powers of his time, Herzl left no stone unturned.

07: Herzl's Legacy

Dr. Polisar closes this course with an exploration of all Herzl achieved in just eight years and a discussion of what aspiring leaders and statesmen can learn from him.

Theodor Herzl: The Birth of Political Zionism

In seven thought-provoking lectures, Dr. Daniel Polisar—one of the world’s leading experts on Theodor Herzl—uncovers the true story of Herzl’s conversion to Zionism and inspires us with Herzl’s vision, strategy, leadership, and deep Jewish pride.

Daniel Polisar

Episodes

01: The Great Challenge of Establishing a Jewish State

01: The Great Challenge of Establishing a Jewish State

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To truly understand Herzl’s challenge, we have to unknow everything we know about Zionist history and the modern State of Israel.

02: What Made Herzl Unique

02: What Made Herzl Unique

You must be logged in to view

Dr. Polisar presents the primary assets Herzl brought to his effort to found a Jewish state.

03: Herzl as the Leading Thinker and Writer of the Zionist Movement - Part I

03: Herzl as the Leading Thinker and Writer of the Zionist Movement - Part I

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Dr. Polisar introduces Herzl’s most important work, The Jewish State, and explains how the book was born.

04: Herzl as the Leading Thinker and Writer of the Zionist Movement - Part II

04: Herzl as the Leading Thinker and Writer of the Zionist Movement - Part II

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When it was published, The Jewish State elicited strong and varied reactions. Dr. Polisar explores the book’s arguments and the reactions to its publication.

05: The First Zionist Congress and the Establishment of the State-in-the-Making

05: The First Zionist Congress and the Establishment of the State-in-the-Making

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When Herzl wrote, “at Basel I founded the Jewish state,” he was not speaking metaphorically.

06: Herzl as Chief Diplomat: The Great Powers, Britain, and the Balfour Declaration

06: Herzl as Chief Diplomat: The Great Powers, Britain, and the Balfour Declaration

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In pursuing diplomacy with the great powers of his time, Herzl left no stone unturned.

07: Herzl's Legacy

07: Herzl's Legacy

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Dr. Polisar closes this course with an exploration of all Herzl achieved in just eight years and a discussion of what aspiring leaders and statesmen can learn from him.

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03: Herzl as the Leading Thinker and Writer of the Zionist Movement -
Part I

04: Herzl as the Leading Thinker and Writer of the Zionist Movement -
Part II