IRAN: From Cyrus
to the Ayatollahs
IRAN: From Cyrus to the Ayatollahs
Presented by Prof. Stephen Berk
Join Professor Stephen Berk for a four-part journey into the forces that have shaped Iran and the wider Middle East across centuries, from a Jewish perspective. Through clear, compelling storytelling, we trace the rise of ancient Persia, the transformative arrival of Islam, the tensions between monarchy and clergy, and the revolutions—both political and spiritual—that continue to influence global affairs. Each session offers a deeper understanding of how past events reverberate into the present, illuminating the complex relationships among Iran, the West, and the region at large.
SESSIONS: All programs are Tuesday nights except Session 1.
- January 7 (Wednesday): Session 1: The Glory of Persia and the Coming of Islam A time that was good for the Jews, bad for the Greeks and marked by Islam’s transformation of the Middle East.
- January 13: Session 2: Shiite Islam and The First Revolution The Shah and clergy clash, a deviant religion appears and a new century brings revolution.
- January 20: Session 3: Reza Shah, his son and America’s Original Sin mark a Turning Point As the two men attempt to modernize Iran, they elicit growing clerical opposition. The CIA intervenes.
- January 27: Session 4: A Tale of Two Ayatollahs A massive revolution creates a theocracy rocking the region and causing a crisis in relations with the United States. The impact continues down to the present day.
DETAILS:
- Program Cost: $90 for ALL FOUR SESSIONS
- Featuring Live moderated chat, and post-talk Q&A
- Sessions are recorded – view missed sessions via private link (youtube/google log-in required)
- All sessions begin at 7:30pm ET
- Closed Captioning available (Zoom CC)
- Session size is limited – register now…
ABOUT OUR PRESENTER:
Professor Stephen Berk is a distinguished scholar and professor of Holocaust and Jewish Studies at Union College in Schenectady, New York. He is renowned for his expertise in modern Jewish history, Russian history, and the history of the Middle East. With a career spanning decades, Professor Berk has authored numerous publications and lectured extensively on topics related to the Holocaust, Israel, and Jewish identity. His engaging style and deep knowledge have made him a sought-after speaker, guiding educational tours and providing participants with meaningful insights into the complex histories of the regions they explore.
“
Dr. Steven Berk is without a doubt the finest lecturer I’ve ever seen or heard. The wealth and breadth of knowledge that he brings to his lectures is truly astonishing. This ongoing series of lectures, tours and programming is the by far the most informative, interesting and well managed of any that I’ve seen or attended. The many presenters and lecturers are highly educated, well informed on their subjects, and have years of experience in their fields.
”
– Margie Leisawitz
“
Dr. Berk is a pleasure to listen to. He is direct in his presentation, without notes and the most interesting and informative presenter that I have heard. His love and knowledge of history makes each lecture delightful. He also presents the information in an easy to follow format. (Not like many lectures I had in my college classes)!!! Looking forward to many more lectures with Dr. Berk at Ayelet Tours.
”
– Ellyn Stern
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