Azzan Yadin-Israel, 9/10/24 Just as a writer must choose what elements of the story to focus on, every artistic depiction represents a series of choices regarding content, emphasis, and mode of representation. In this course we examine biblical art as a form of commentary. Our focus will be on two narratives: the binding of Isaac and Ruth And Boaz on the threshing floor. There will also be an opportunity for participants to introduce and discuss images that they find noteworthy.

Rabbi Peretz Wolf-Prusan, 8/11/24 Eicha, “how,” is the first Hebrew word of the Book of Lamentations, and its Hebrew title. Lamentations is read on Tish’a Be-Av, but what really happened/happens on the 9th of Av, Tish’a Be-Av? Examine this date on the Jewish Lunar/Solar calendar (the only sacred calendar guided by the sun and the moon) through the wisdom and insights of "This Is Real and You Are Completely Unprepared: The Days of Awe as a Journey of Transformation" by the late, great Rabbi Alan Lew.

Prof. Jeremy Popkin, 7/14/24 The French Revolution offered Jews the opportunity to become citizens, but at the cost of abandoning their communal autonomy. Was it a good deal?

Prof. Michael Hoberman, 7/1/24 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.

Dr. Harry Radousky, 6/27/24 The history of baseball is filled with interesting stories of Jewish players. In this program we'll take a closer look at many of the famous—and perhaps slightly less famous—players over the past 160 years, as well putting them in a historical context. The story continues today, as we take a look at the 16 Jewish players on an active Major League roster. From Moe Berg to Hank Greenberg to Sandy Koufax, baseball gives us unique insights into a changing America.

John Erlich, 4/18/24 In 1947, Baghdad’s Jewish community comprised about 25% of the city’s population, and Iraq’s 130,000 Jews comprised almost 3% of the total population (higher than the Jewish population in the USA today). From 1948 to 1951, nearly the entire Jewish population of Iraq emigrated under extreme duress. This presentation, with performed musical examples, describes the place of Iraqi Jews within the larger Iraqi culture, the function of music in Iraqi Jewish life, and the role played by Jews in Iraqi music.

Rabbi Harry Manhoff, 6/20/24 Superman, Batman and the Fantastic Four were all created by Jewish men. In fact, almost all of the original DC and Marvel superheroes, except Wonder Woman, were created by Jewish writers and artists. Rabbi Harry Manhoff considers why this may be true. He also discusses why, until five or ten years ago, the comic book industry was dominated by Jews as writers, artists, pencilers and publishers. We will also look at the Jewish roots for some of these superheroes and supervillains, and the characters who are identified as Jewish today.

Natalia Mehlman Petrzela, 6/6/24 Stereotypes about Jewish physical weakness have meant that the crucial role of Jews in making American fitness culture has often been overlooked despite the 19th century tradition of muscular Judaism established precisely to challenge these assumptions. Join historian Natalia Mehlman Petrzela, author of "Fit Nation: The Gains and Pains of America's Exercise Obsession" for an exciting talk and conversation about how and why Jews were so influential -- but understudied -- in shaping American fitness.

Natalia Mehlman Petrzela, 6/6/24 Stereotypes about Jewish physical weakness have meant that the crucial role of Jews in making American fitness culture has often been overlooked despite the 19th century tradition of muscular Judaism established precisely to challenge these assumptions. Join historian Natalia Mehlman Petrzela, author of "Fit Nation: The Gains and Pains of America's Exercise Obsession" for an exciting talk and conversation about how and why Jews were so influential -- but understudied -- in shaping American fitness.