CSP - Community Scholar Program, Orange County

Shabbat Shalom from CSP!
As we read Parshat Naso this week and hear the timeless words of the Birkat Kohanim (Priestly Benediction) ,“May God bless you and protect you” (Numbers 6:22-27), it is remarkable to remember that these very verses were discovered by Gabriel Barkay,inscribed on tiny pure silver amulets only 27 millimeters wide, the other is just 11 millimeters at Ketef Hinnom (Shoulder of Hinnom) in Jerusalem, dating back over 2,600 years to the First Temple period.
The Ketef Hinnom scrolls, now housed at the Israel Museum, are considered the oldest surviving Biblical texts ever discovered, predating the Dead Sea Scrolls by 500 years and revealing how deeply these ancient blessings were woven into Jewish life and memory. Across millennia, from silver amulets buried outside ancient Jerusalem to synagogue sanctuaries today, the same words continue to connect Jews to a shared story of protection, hope, and continuity.

CSP@25 Spotlight: David Solomon
In February 2014, CSP was honored to welcome David Solomon as our 13th Annual One-Month Scholar in Residence, bringing one of the most dynamic and wide-ranging Jewish educators in the world to our community. Over the course of his residency, David led a sweeping and ambitious journey through Major Events, Figures & Ideas in Jewish History: A Comprehensive Overview of the Jewish World, helping participants see the big picture of Jewish history through his signature “In One Hour” frameworks. With a rare ability to synthesize anthropology, literature, kabbalah, and history into clear and compelling visual maps, David made complex ideas accessible, memorable, and deeply engaging. His global perspective, intellectual breadth, and electrifying presentation style left a lasting impression and inspired many to continue exploring the richness of Jewish learning long after the month concluded.
.

Shavua Tov! What's on this week at CSP?

Sun 5/24 - Prof Marc Michael Epstein continues with his series Holy Loopholes Part 3, Shabbat Elevators.

Tues 5/26 - Dirshuni Part 3 When Midrash Meets Devastation Tamar will host Nurit Hirshfield Skupinsky, a survivor of Kibbutz Nahal Oz.

Thurs 5/28 - Prof Stephen Fine - The Arch of Titus
From Jerusalem to Rome and Back.

See you online, click on the pics for links!

Fun Jewish history note for Shavuot night:

The custom of Tikkun Leil Shavuot took shape in 16th-century Safed, right around the same time that coffee was spreading across the Ottoman world. Are we saying the mystics invented late-night Torah study because coffee showed up? No. Are we saying the timing is extremely convenient? Absolutely.

As coffee culture blossomed in places like Salonika and Constantinople, Jews were embracing both all-night learning and this remarkable new beverage that helped one remain alert long enough to greet dawn with dignity. Over time, Torah and caffeine became one of Jewish history’s most reliable partnerships.

So if you find yourself holding a steaming cup at 1:47 AM while discussing revelation at Sinai, just know you are participating in a beautiful convergence of mysticism, migration, and mild stimulation.

Torah. Community. Coffee. Some traditions are simply meant to last.