This course will discuss the contemporary Israeli society and its various components: its population, its various components, and where and when they arrived; the culture(s) in the country and how they separate and unite the different parts of the population; how the population is socialized to Israeli society, whether as children (through their families, schools and youth groups) or as immigrants arriving as adults (learning the language, retraining for the labor force, learning about the political scene and through religious groups and practices).  Israeli families, education, and the military will be presented and discussed. The other social institutions of the society will be presented and discussed, including religion (both Jewish, non-Jewish, and secular); the labor force and economy, including two areas distinguishing Israel from its neighbors the high-tech sector and kibbutzim. The course will conclude with an explanation of the current political situation and next elections, whenever they will occur. The aim is for the students to understand contemporary Israel in its complexity and challenges. Ample time will be allowed for students to ask their questions and for clarification.