Speakers Bureau

AZJHS now offers presentations led by AZJHS Cultural Director, Dr. Lawrence Bell. Please contact Dr. Bell for more information, or to arrange a presentation.

Suggested honorarium: $100
Additional donations greatly appreciated.

  • Shalom Arizona: An Introduction to Jewish Religion, History, and Culture

    This presentation serves as a perfect introduction to Jewish history and religion in a time of rising intolerance and anti-Semitism. In this talk, I provide basic information about Jewish religious beliefs and practices, as well as the ways in which Jewish people have contributed to our wider society. Additional topics include a brief examination of anti-Semitism and also the role of Zionism in shaping Jewish identity. 60 min.

  • Jewish Pioneers of Early Phoenix

    This presentation examines some of the early Jewish pioneers to the Arizona and Phoenix in particular, including the Goldwater family, Korricks, Diamonds, and many others. In addition, this talk considers how a small assortment of Jewish individuals living in Phoenix eventually coalesced into a community with the creation of the Temple Beth Israel building in 1921. 60 min.

  • America and the Holocaust: Indifference in the Face of Tragedy

    This presentation examines the response of the United States to the Holocaust in Europe from 1933-1945. It considers how the Holocaust evolved over time from the disenfranchisement, persecution, and forced expulsion of the German Jewish community between 1933-1939 to the outright mass murder and genocide of Jewish communities throughout Europe after the start of the Second World War, 1939-1945. Although the United States expressed concern about the mistreatment of Jews, American policy was largely indifferent to their plight. From the response to the refugee crisis to the failure to bomb Nazi death camps, this presentation considers why Americans were so indifferent to the crisis, and how the Holocaust continues to impact American immigration policy today. 60-90 min.

  • Yiddishe Gauchos: The Jews of Latin America

    Did you know that nearly 400,000 Jews reside today in Latin American countries? Did you know that these communities contain a range of Ashkenazi, Sephardi, and Mizrachi populations? This presentation examines the rich history of Jewish life in Latin America from colonial times to the present. The presentation focuses primarily on the modern era, with specific analysis of the Jewish communities in Argentina, Brazil, Cuba, and Bolivia. 60-90 min.

  • Lest We Forget: The First World War and the Jews

    The impact of the First World War on Jewish life cannot be overstated. Between 1914-1918 over 16 million people were killed in the world’s first fully industrialized war. The war shaped the 20th Century, and set in motion both the Bolshevik Revolution in Russia as well as the creation of the modern State of Israel. Over 1.5 Jewish soldiers served in the war on all sides, including over 100,000 in the Imperial German army. This presentation examines both the experiences of Jews during the war as well as the lasting impact of World War One on Jewish life today. 60-90 min.

  • Two Peoples, One Land: A Brief History of the Israel Palestine Conflict, 1917-Present.   

    This presentation offers a short overview of the history of the Israel-Palestine conflict from the Balfour Declaration to present.  Specific topics include the origins of Zionism, the rise of Arab nationalism, the wars of 1948, 1956, 1967, and 1973, the peace process and its breakdown.  The goal of this presentation is to provide a basic overview of the conflict for general audiences.  

 

“Stories of Survival: An Immersive Journey Through the Holocaust”

The exhibit is currently open to the public as follows:

  • Schools: Docent-guided tours Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 9AM-3PM by appointment only. Schools pay no charge.

  • Private groups: Docent-guided tours Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 9AM-3PM by appointment only. $20/adult, minimum 10 adults (or equivalent donation). This charge goes mostly to security costs for guests during the tour.

  • Individuals and small groups: Open for self-guided visits various Wednesdays in the month from 11AM-3PM. We cannot guarantee access for walk-in - please schedule your visit in advance. Adult admission is $10; children and members are free. nesdays in the month from 11AM-3PM. We cannot guarantee access for walk-in - please schedule your visit in advance. Adult admission is $10; children and members are free. 

To schedule a visit or tour please email us at Tours@azjhs.org or call 602.241.7870.

 

ADDRESS:

122 E. Culver Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85004-1720

We are located right next to Burton Barr Phoenix Public Library. To find us, take 2nd Street south from McDowell.

AZJHS Cultural Director, Dr. Lawrence Bell

Born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, Dr. Bell earned a B.A. in History from Arizona State University, with an M.A. and Ph.D from The Ohio State University.   Dr Bell served as Executive Director of the AZJHS from 2005-2024, and has recently transitioned to a new role as Cultural Director, where he works to maintain our vibrant cultural programming as we grow into the new Hilton Family Holocaust Education Center.