"Desert in the Promised Land," a new book by Prof. Yael Zerubavel, explores the multiple meanings of the desert as both a geographic region in Israel and a symbolic landscape in Zionist and Israeli culture. Zerubavel will discuss her book, which draws on literary, artistic, and folkloric sources to examine changing views of the desert from the early twentieth century to the present, shedding light on romantic and mythical associations, settlement and security issues, and environmental concerns. Zerubavel is professor emerita of Jewish studies and history and founding director of the Bildner Center at Rutgers. Free and open to the public. Free parking available with online vehicle registration on the website. For more information or to RSVP, visit BildnerCenter.Rutgers.edu.