Shay Rabineau, associate professor of Israel studies in the Department of Judaic Studies at Binghamton University and associate director of the Center for Israel Studies, will be the first speaker of the 2023-24 season at Beth David’s monthly luncheon speaker series. He will talk about his 2022 replication of a hike around the Dead Sea, last undertaken in 1934 during the British Mandate period in Palestine. People are encouraged to attend the morning service, which begins at 9:30 am. There is no charge for the luncheon. 

“What do we know about that first hike?” organizers asked. “Who undertook it? What records remain of that British Mandate-time trek?” These are some of the questions that Rabineau will address in his presentation. He will also describe the challenges his hike presented. “As you can well imagine,” Rabineau said, “my 2022 circumambulation of the Dead Sea took place amid a vastly different physical and geopolitical landscape. I plan to illustrate what it was like to walk around ‘the world’s strangest lake,’ as I navigated international boundaries, military zones, industrial areas, sinkholes and minefields.” 

“We are thrilled to have such a dynamic expert in the field for our first luncheon of the series,” organizers said. “This promises to be a memorable presentation; Shay is a gifted speaker, who looks forward to a lively Q & A!”

Beth David’s Luncheon Speaker Series takes place the second Saturday of the month. Since the monthly series’ continuation depends on the generosity of contributors, Beth David welcomes and appreciates donations to the Luncheon Fund in order to keep the program going. Donations as well as sponsorships can be made in honor of, or in memory of, someone, or to mark a special occasion. Those wishing an acknowledgment to be sent to the person being honored, or to the family of someone being remembered, can indicate that along with the necessary information. Donations can be sent to Beth David Synagogue, 39 Riverside Dr., Binghamton, NY 13905, Attention: Luncheon Fund.