Below is a list of topics. You must choose two topics on which to read the materials and research, and write two academic papers (with references and footnotes) of approximately 8 typed double spaced, pages each. The papers should present a summary of the relevant topics, based on literary research and knowledge gained from the Taglit-Birthright Israel: MAYANOT program.

Upon completion, the paper should be emailed to Danny Sack at danny@mayanotisrael.com.

• First and Second Temples:

Compare and contrast the history of the First and Second temples in Jerusalem. Who built each temple? When? For how long did each stand? What role did the temples play in the Jewish people's lives? Who, when and why were they destroyed? Describe the course of historical events which led to the destruction of each temple? According to Jewish tradition, what are the reasons and implications of each temple’s destruction? Describe the role and significance of the Kotel to the early Jews and to the Jews of today.

• Jewish Settlements in Israel:

In the 12th century BCE, the Israelites settled in the hill country. At the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th centuries CE, the Zionist movement settled mostly along the coastal plain. Examining the modern Arab-Israeli conflict, compare these two settlement patterns, relating to the inhabitants and the conflicts, and the regions that were settled. Compare the political, economic, and religious motives of the Jewish settlers of the two periods, and the steps taken among each group for independence.

• Jewish Debates:

Debate and disagreement have played a huge part in the development of Jewish philosophy, but have also resulted in disasters and tragedy. Explore the effects of two out of three such debates in Jewish life in the land of Israel: the modern left-right political debate, and/or the current debate between the religious and non-religious, and/or the debate between the Jewish sects in the first century CE that led to the Second Temple's destruction. In your answer, relate to the historical background, the leaders of the parties and the significance of their roles, and describe the main issue of the disagreement. At what point did each disagreement accelerate, and why?

• Jewish Immigration to Israel:

During the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th centuries CE there were a number of distinctive aliyot (waves of Jewish immigration) to the land of Israel. Describe each aliya in relation to the time period, country of origin, and motivation. On the whole, what was the socio-economic status of the immigrants in each aliya? Who were the main leaders of each aliya? What was the main impact of each aliya to the new settlement in Israel? How do the different cultures express themselves in Israel Today?

• Jewish Military: