- Pacific Time Series
Profs. Robert Alter & Ron Hendel—The Bible Now: Genesis (Zoom only)
Explore the book of Genesis: major themes, style, character, and authorship. Topics include: Origins, Ancestors, Jacob's Family, and Joseph and His Brothers. We will also consider Genesis within the broader context of ancient Near Eastern literature. The recommended translation is Robert Alter, Genesis: Translation and Commentary.
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Multiple Presenters: Walking in the Valley of the Shadow
In partnership with Sinai Memorial Chapel, the Ben Zakkai Institute, and Bay Area synagogues
Jewish ways in death and dying: traditional and contemporary concepts and practices, the approach of death, dying and burial, grief and comforting the bereaved.
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JCC of the East Bay
Berkeley, CA 94709 + Google Map
Base Bay Area
CA + Google Map
Kehilla Community Synagogue
Piedmont, CA 94610 + Google Map
- Pacific Time
Ken Blady and Amrik Singh Pannu—Sikhs & Jews: Twins Separated at Birth? A Multimedia Presentation (Zoom only)
The Sikhs have much common with Haredi Jews. Like the Jews, the Sikhs lost their kingdom, and have long struggled to re-establish an independent homeland, for which their people have been massacred in the hundreds of thousands. Sikhs have created vibrant diaspora communities throughout the world. There are also marked differences, among others, regarding circumcision and fasting. We will explore both similarities and differences.
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Dr. Rivka Amado: Ladino History, Culture, Music & Language (3-part series, Zoom only)
In partnership with Congregation Etz Chayim, Palo Alto
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- Pacific Time
Dr. Rivka Amado—First Session: Ladino History, Culture, Music & Language (In Person or on Zoom)
In partnership with Congregation Etz Chayim, Palo Alto
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- Pacific Time
Prof. Jeremy Popkin—Zelda Popkin: A Jewish Woman Ahead of Her Time
In celebration of Women’s History Month
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- Pacific Time
Dr. Ron Feldman—Why Jewish Holidays Are Always Late or Early: How the Jewish Calendar Evolved (Zoom only)
This class will examine Jewish timekeeping as a way to understand Jewish attitudes toward the natural world. In particular, we will trace the history and differences among ancient Jewish calendars of the Bible, Dead Sea Scrolls, and Talmud with particular focus on different ways of incorporating the rhythms of the lunar month (a natural cycle) and Sabbath (a non-natural cycle).
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- Pacific Time Series
Multiple presenters: The Heretic in the Room (Zoom only)
In partnership with the Center for Jewish Studies at the Graduate Theological Union
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Katrin Kogman-Appel—The Kennicott Bible: A Masterpiece of Jewish Book Art (Zoom only)
The Kennicott Bible is one of the most celebrated illuminated Hebrew Bibles that survives today, delighting readers since its completion in 1476. Originating from La Coruña in northern Spain, it features lavish carpet pages, gold leaf silhouettes, and abundant marginal decorations. This extraordinary illuminated manuscript is a treasure trove of history, culture, devotion, art, and cross-cultural collaboration.
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- Pacific Time
Prof. Rachel B. Gross—Beyond the Synagogue: Jewish Nostalgia as Religious Practice
In partnership with the Contra Costa JCC
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