In our July series with Dr. David Mendelsohn, we journey through the rich and complex history of Jewish existence in three iconic Muslim realms: the grand Ottoman Empire, the enduring Monarchy of Morocco, and the ancient land of Egypt. Dr. Mendelsohn will provide an immersive exploration into how Jewish communities didn’t merely survive, but flourished under the rule of the Sultans, Kings, and Pharaohs. With an emphasis on the fusion of faiths, culture, and enduring resilience, we’ll delve into the dynamics of coexistence, adaptation, and prosperity, offering a nuanced perspective on these historical periods. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the indelible imprint Jewish communities have left on these regions, shaping their diasporic narratives across centuries.
Part 1 – In the Land of Sultans – In our July series’ inaugural session, “In the Land of Sultans,” we embark on a journey through time, tracing the unique trajectory of Jewish life in the imposing shadow of the Ottoman Empire. Navigating the backdrop of this extraordinary historical tapestry, we’ll examine how a community, expelled from one empire – Spain, found refuge and reinvented itself under another – Ottoman. In a period of great transformation, the Jewish community managed to flourish amidst the grandeur and authority of the Sultans. We will delve into the intricacies of this journey, investigating how the Jews fostered a distinctive cultural and social identity within the framework of this Islamic empire. We will unpack tales of survival and endurance, stories of unprecedented growth and contributions to Ottoman society. This series will shine a light on an era characterized by a remarkable synthesis of religious diversity and cultural intermingling. It will bring into focus the unique Ottoman Jewish experience that resonates with a profound legacy of tolerance, coexistence, and resilience.
Part 2 – Life in the Atlas Kingdom –  In our second session, “Life in the Atlas Kingdom,” we venture into the vibrant landscape of Morocco, immersing ourselves in a rarely told narrative of Jewish history – one where Jews were indigenous, living in concert with the Amazigh (Berber) population, centuries before Islam touched the North African shore. This installment takes us on a journey through the intricate chronicles of Jewish existence under the enduring Moroccan Monarchy. We’ll unearth the trials, triumphs, and transformations of this vibrant Jewish community under the rule of Berber and Arab monarchs. This session illuminates the remarkable resilience and adaptation of Moroccan Jews to their evolving environment. It investigates their changing relationships with their homeland, their non-Jewish Moroccan neighbors, and their monarch. From epochs of tranquility and cooperation to times of tension, we will explore how this community not only survived but thrived. We’ll delve into the rich tapestry of cultural fusion, exploring how Moroccan Jews have influenced, and been influenced by, Amazigh, Arab, and Islamic traditions. The narrative of Moroccan Jews stands as an extraordinary testament to adaptation, resilience, and cultural symbiosis.
Part 3 – Between the Nile and the Pyramids –  In our final session, “Between the Nile and the Pyramids,” guided by Dr. David Mendelsohn, we’ll uncover the timeless narratives of Jewish life in the mystical landscape of Egypt. Home to one of the oldest Jewish communities globally, Egypt offers a fascinating backdrop for exploring Jewish history, culture, and identity. In this session, we’ll delve deep into the enigmatic story of Akhenaten, the Egyptian Pharaoh who is often considered the world’s first monotheist. We’ll explore his unique role in shaping religious thought and his potential influence on early Jewish monotheism. Next, we’ll navigate the time-worn tales of Elephantine Island, nestled in the Nile River. This thriving Jewish community of the 5th century BCE stands as a testament to endurance and religious fervor, having constructed a temple modeled after the one in Jerusalem. We will excavate the stories of this island community, shedding light on how they forged a unique identity amidst the cultural intersections of ancient Egypt. We’ll trace the community’s journey through millennia, examining how Jews navigated life amidst Pharaohs, Islamic caliphates, and the shifting sands of modern society. From the ancient synagogues of Alexandria to their influential roles in Egypt’s cosmopolitan culture, we’ll illustrate how this community crafted a distinct Egyptian Jewish identity.
Dr. David Mendelsohn supervises the entire academic program of Kivunim. His areas of expertise include Islamic Studies, History and Culture of Arabs with Israeli Citizenship, Bedouin Law and the relationship between language and culture in Arabic and Hebrew. His current research examines the influence of Hebrew on the dialects of Arabic spoken in Israel. Mendelsohn also lectures on the history and relationships between Middle East countries and militant organizations. David holds advanced degrees in diverse fields: a PhD Classics / Linguistics, an MA in Archaeology / Linguistics and an Honours BA in Classical Studies. David is the recipient of one of Canada’s highest academic honors, The Trudeau Prize, and is a world medalist in wrestling. He lives in Jerusalem with his wife Ronny and three children.  This program is fully funded by a grant from the Jewish Community Foundation Orange County
Part 1 – Program video
Part 2 – Program video
Part 3 – Program video

“The Good Seven Years” –  Artist Talk with Rafram Chaddad

Tuesday, July 18, 6:30 pm EDT
(online in partnership with the Orange County Jewish Community Scholar Program)

Join us for an enlightening conversation with Israeli-Tunisian artist Rafram Chaddad facilitated by Shirel Horovitz. After spending seven transformative years in his birthplace, Tunisia, Rafram is set to launch his exhibition and book, The Good Seven Years, at Tunis’ B7L9, the country’s largest non-commercial art space. This historical event marks the first exhibition by a Jewish artist in modern Tunisia, sparking innovative explorations of Jewish identity. In our conversation we will explore Rafram’s unique work and the broader context of being a public Jewish figure within an Arab nation.
Rafram Chaddad was born in 1976 on Djerba, an island off the coast of southern Tunisia, and he grew up in Jerusalem where he completed his art studies. Since 2005 he has been working on his art practice mostly between Europe, Israel and based in Tunisia in the last 8 years. In 2010, while working on a Jewish heritage project in Libya, which focused on documenting the remains of Jewish Libyan communities, he was kidnapped by the Libyan secret police and was held for six months in the notorious Abu Salim prison. Later on, Chaddad wrote an account of his incarceration, titled Rafram’s Guide to the Libyan Prison, published with Am Oved publishing. Since 2019, he has been conducting research for Leftovers, an upcoming book investigating how food practices in cities formerly occupied by the Ottoman Empire are inter-connected. The book highlights recipes particular to each place and oral histories around food-making that challenge the nationalization of food and encourage us to approach food as a shared experience. Rafram’s work reflects on his personal life experiences and comments on broader socio-political issues including migration and displacement, identity and belonging. Over the past twenty years, he’s created dozens of short films and installations, which have exhibited worldwide in cultural institutions, galleries, and museums worldwide,  Chaddad has held solo shows at the Mucem Museum in Marseilles and the Maximilian Forum in Munich, among others. Since 2021 Chaddad has been a guest critic in the MFA program of Columbia University.
Shirel Horovitz is a talented artist who uses installations and performances to create deliberate interruptions in daily life, proposing alternative rituals and spaces for reflection. With a BFA from Bezalel Academy of Art and Design and an MA from the Interdisciplinary Art Program at Tel Aviv University, she is a recipient of the Rabinovitch Art Fund Foundation Prize (2018). Her work has been exhibited in galleries, museums, and art festivals in Israel and the U.S.  This program is partially funded by a grant from the Albert and Rhoda Weissman Arts Endowment Fund, a joint program of Jewish Community Foundation Orange County and Jewish Federation.
Program video