Fewer than two thousand Jews lived in North America during the American Revolution. Some were Tories, some sided with the rebellion, and a significant number couldn't make up their minds whose side they were on. Whether they took part in the fighting, held down the homefront, or tried to steer clear of all the trouble, they couldn't help but be implicated by the war's turmoil and outcome.

The French Revolution offered Jews the opportunity to become citizens, but at the cost of abandoning their communal autonomy. Was it a good deal?

Part of “LEHRHAUS ALEHOUSE” at Beer Baron in Rockridge. First drink is on us!

The Mishna speaks of Tu Be’Av, an ancient matchmaking festival, one that disappeared until the modern period, when it was revived in the Land of Israel and in the Orthodox world. On the holiday, great rabbis pray, without charge, for unmarried men and women to find their mates. But who revived this festival? Neither Zionists nor Orthodox rabbis. Join us to discuss the role of a divorced woman... Read more

Eicha, “how,” is the first Hebrew word of the Book of Lamentations, and its Hebrew title. Lamentations is read on Tish’a B’Av, but what really happened/happens on the 9th of Av, Tish’a Be-Av?

In partnerships with the Jewish Studies Program at UC Davis and the Centers for Jewish Studies at UC Berkeley and the Graduate Theological Union.

The 30th day of mourning (Shloshim) marks the end of the first month after a death, when the bereaved return to most daily ac... Read more