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.
Download our in-depth study guide for concise episode summaries, thought-provoking discussion questions, and resources for further study.
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.
To truly understand Herzl’s challenge, we have to unknow everything we know about Zionist history and the modern State of Israel.
Dr. Polisar presents the primary assets Herzl brought to his effort to found a Jewish state.
Dr. Polisar introduces Herzl’s most important work, The Jewish State, and explains how the book was born.
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.
When Herzl wrote, “at Basel I founded the Jewish state,” he was not speaking metaphorically.
In pursuing diplomacy with the great powers of his time, Herzl left no stone unturned.
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.
Discover the life, legacy, and statesmanship of Zionism’s founding father, Theodor Herzl.
