JUDAISM: BORN DIVIDED?
Below the Bible Belt - Continued
How the origin story of our forgotten feud can help direct us from discord and schism to diversity and pluralism.
Online Study Course with Rabbi Amichai Lau-Lavie
January–December 2026
What is this course?
Welcome.
Join a year-long inquiry into the forgotten family feud between the rival kingdoms of Israel and Judah—and the ways it still shapes our reality. This epic Iron Age clash over territory and theology helped define the Bible and continues to influence Jewish and world history, even though most of us have never really heard this story told clearly.
Across the year, we’ll use biblical texts and critical scholarship to explore the ties and tensions between these tribal and global narratives in light of today’s growing gaps: religious and secular, literal and liberal, Zionist and diasporic. Why does this matter? By exposing these layers we can decipher how we got here, name and honor our ideological differences, and seek common ground toward more empathy, pluralism, and peace.
This course grows out of Below the Bible Belt’s first phase, which took over 2,000 readers on a 42‑month journey through all 929 chapters of the Hebrew Bible (2022–2025), with daily posts, weekly videos, and monthly livestreams. As political turmoil and war intensified alongside those readings, one theme kept surfacing: an ancient civil war whose legacy still shapes our religious, political, and societal schisms—and may offer clues for healthier paths ahead.
How does this course work?
A year-long fusion of: critical biblical scholarship, archaeology, history, literature, political analysis, and popular culture.
* Monthly livestream learning sessions with Rabbi Amichai and guests
* Monthly written reflections and essays
* Ongoing reading / watching / listening list
* Additional “Ask Me Anything” sessions for deeper dives
The course is consecutive—each session builds on the others—yet many sessions will also stand alone for drop‑in learners.
Who is this course for?
Curious how the Jewish story really started, how the Bible began, and how we got here? You’re invited.
This course is for anyone with an open mind and heart, respect for critical scholarship, and a brave interest in unearthing historical layers that teach vital lessons about ancient trauma, enduring resilience, the roots of our schisms, and what we may yet do about them.
No prior experience necessary—all are welcome.
How can I join?
Course content will be shared via Substack and YouTube, delivered to your inbox, with updates and promos on Facebook and Instagram.
Watch
* Monthly interactive livestream sessions with Rabbi Amichai & guests on Substack + YouTube
Each session: ~60 minutes of teaching + ~30 minutes of open Q&A
Read
* 1–2 monthly posts with reflections on key themes, research, new archaeological discoveries, and the links between these biblical texts and our contemporary challenges
* Ongoing recommendations: books, articles, podcasts, videos, essays
Listen
* Audio conversations with guest experts on the historical, literary, and political aspects of the topic
Lab/Shul Partners receive 50% off monthly/annual subscriptions.
Partners click here to subscribe >
Ask
* Four livestream ‘Ask me Anything’ open conversations with Rabbi Amichai to help process the information and deepen the learning
(Live participation for Founder Subscribers, recordings available for all subscribers)
Subscription Options
Free Subscriber
* Full access to 1–2 monthly written reflections and essays
* Recording of monthly livestream sessions with Rabbi Amichai and guests
* Full access to the archive
Paid Subscriber
Everything above, plus:
* Live participation in monthly livestream sessions with Rabbi Amichai and guests
* Comment & chat access on posts and livestreams
* Bonus content: extra livestreams and Q&As, exclusive podcast episodes, behind‑the‑scenes material
Founding Subscriber
Everything above, plus:
* Exclusive invitations to “Ask Me Anything” sessions 4 times year—intimate, live virtual opportunities for deeper exploration “below the Bible Belt and beyond”
* Support for fellow community members: your contribution helps keep the project accessible on a sliding scale
Lab/Shul Partners receive 50% off monthly/annual subscriptions.
Partners click here to subscribe >
**If the fee is a barrier, please be in touch about sliding-scale options so you too can enjoy the full features of Judaism: Born Divided – Below the Bible Belt.**
Who’s Teaching this Course?
Rabbi Amichai Lau-Lavie is an Israeli-American communal leader, master storyteller, teacher and social activist. Read more about him HERE
Guest teachers will join throughout the year.
