Robby Adler Peckerar, Rachel Biale & Aaron Paley · From the Periphery: Jewish Culture and Education from Yiddishkayt to New Lehrhaus

This session explores two radical innovations in Jewish culture and education that have their roots in the 1920s: the legacy of the Jewish People's Fraternal Order and Yiddishkayt Los Angeles, alongside Franz Rosenzweig's "New Learning" and today's New Lehrhaus.

The JPFO was one of Los Angeles's most important Jewish organizations in the early 20th century, centering anti-racist organizing and Yiddish culture. After its McCarthyist destruction in 1950, former members created progressive community centers and schools. Yiddishkayt emerged from this heritage 30 years ago, continuing the work of preserving Yiddish culture and advancing progressive Jewish values.

In Frankfurt in 1920, philosopher Franz Rosenzweig proposed turning Jewish education upside down. Instead of starting with Torah and moving toward modern life, he argued for starting with modern life—wherever people actually are—and working back toward Jewish tradition. He rejected religious experts in favor of everyday people: scientists, artists, doctors. His approach welcomed those furthest from Jewish life, trusting the journey "from the periphery to the center."

This discussion traces how both approaches created inclusive models of Jewish engagement that bridge tradition and radical change.