Get to know the Haver Foundation of Hungary –Fighting Antisemitism by Building Connections

Anikó Félix - Did you know that the word haver means "friend" in both Hebrew and Hungarian? In this talk, we'll explore how Haver Foundation fosters understanding and mutual acceptance between Jewish and non-Jewish students in Hungary. Haver equips young Jewish volunteers to engage with students in schools, through innovative, non-formal educational programs. These encounters foster meaningful connections that cultivate empathy and dismantle prejudice. Read more and sign up for free

Gleams and Shadows of Jewish Life in France

Emmanuelle Stein - France currently has the largest Jewish population in Europe. The history of French Jews alternated between periods of tolerance and prosperity and the ordeals of insecurity and anti-Semitism, with both phenomena sometimes coexisting. Paris-born Emmanuelle Stein will provide an overview of the Jewish presence in France from the Middle Ages to the present day, while describing what pluralistic Judaism looks like today through the eyes of a young Jewish woman and human rights activist. Read more and sign up

Inside the Jewish Quarter of Budapest: Hidden Synagogues, Hidden Stories

Anikó Félix - Budapest, the capital of Hungary, has one of the most fascinating Jewish culture and history in Europe. It is a community that still flourishes in spite of the many difficulties it has faced throughout its long history. I would like to invite you to a virtual tour, where I will share with you stories about this community, from the time of the Austrian Empire, through the Holocaust, the communist era, and into the present day. Read more and sign up

The Jews of Belarus: From the Pale of Settlement to the USSR and Beyond

Debra Brunner and Artur Livshyts - Belarus's Jewish story is rich, vital, traumatic, fascinating, and barely spoken of. The territory was ruled at different times by Lithuania, Poland, and Russia. It was invaded by the Nazis during World War II and remained under Soviet rule until 1991. This talk will provide a snapshot of the history of the Jewish people of Belarus, the legacy of the Belarusian Jewish community today, and insight into the development of the Jewish Cultural Heritage Trail by The Together Plan Charity. Read more and sign up

St. Petersburg from the Jewish Perspective: Life, History, Art

Evgenia Kempinski - St. Petersburg, the capital of the Russian Empire for 200 years, is known for its unique beauty and rich cultural heritage. It's my privilege to share the charm of my city and much more. We will look at St. Petersburg through a Jewish lens. We will learn about the 'maskilim,' who led the community in the 19th century, explore the role of Jews in the Russian Revolution, discuss the experiences of Soviet Jews, and witness the miraculous rebirth of Jewish life after the fall of the USSR. I will also share with you my own family's story to illustrate the history and present-day life of our Jewish community. Read more and sign up

A Journey Through the Jewish Heritage of Hungary

Dóra Koranyi and Dóra Pataricza -Join us for a virtual journey through today's Hungary and discover the rich Jewish heritage still present in many villages and cities. By visiting synagogues, cemeteries, and museums, we will discover the very early remains, from the Roman period to the Middle Ages. We will find traces from the Ottoman Empire and witness the growth of the Ashkenazi community under the Austrian Empire. In this unique journey, we will explore what survived outside of Budapest following the Holocaust and the fall of communism. Read more and sign up

Qesher Book Club: "The Anatomy of Exile"

Zeeva Bukai - The Abadi Family saga begins when a modern-day Romeo and Juliet story between a Palestinian and a Jew ends in predictable tragedy. The family flees to America to mend, but encounters only more turmoil that threatens to tear the family apart. 

The Anatomy of Exile will be published by Delphinium Books in January 2025. Read more and sign up for free

A Look at Jewish Colombia: Its Community, History, and Challenges

Vivianne Tesone Milhem - Learn about the Jewish presence in Colombia, its historical roots, how the communities were established, the challenges faced during the country's armed conflict, and how Jewish identity has been shaped by these factors. My name is Vivianne, and I am a third-generation Jew living in Bogotá, the capital city of Colombia. I will share my family's history as a springboard to introduce you to our community and country, enriched by fascinating historical anecdotes. I will also discuss the recent resurgence of people rediscovering their lost Jewish roots. Read more and sign up

The Jews of Afghanistan: A glimpse into a vanished community

Sara Koplik and Osnat Gad - The Jewish community of Afghanistan developed and flourished along the Silk Road.  By the 19th century, families survived through commerce, with men frequently traveling long distances to sell their wares. Learn more about the daily life of this community, and how they survived the threat of forcible conversion and discriminatory economic policies while maintaining ancient, unique customs. We will also discuss the community's fate and decline in the 20th century, and what remains of it today. Osnat Gad, born in Pakistan to Afghani Jewish parents, will also share about her efforts to restore Jewish sites in Kabul and Herat. Read more and sign up

The Jews of South Africa: Before, During, After

Gavin Morris - The story of the Jews in South Africa officially began in 1841, when a congregation of 17 British Jews, known as the Gardens Shul, was founded in Cape Town. From that point, it was the mass arrival of Lithuanian Jewish immigrants during the years of the "Gold Rush" which defined the character of South African Jewry. This presentation will explore the community's Litvak roots, its impact on South African commerce and politics, and its current trends of urbanization and migration. Read more and sign up

The Beauty and Magic of Yiddish

Lasha Shakulashvili - Nothing better symbolizes the history and storytelling of Ashkenazi Jews than Yiddish. The language has been a significant part of European linguistic and cultural diversity, and its beauty can be appreciated through its many phrases and sayings. Travel with us to Berlin, Odessa, and Tbilisi to explore how different waves of Jewish migration brought Yiddish to various corners of Europe and the Caucasus, creating a unique linguistic mosaic. Hear some of the most touching and amusing Yiddish expressions. Discover how Yiddish can help you speak to the ghosts and allow you to understand better Jewish wisdom and mysticism. Read more and sign up

From the Inquisition to the Caribbean: The Jews of Jamaica

Rivka Campbell - The history of Jews in Jamaica is rich and extensive. The first wave of arrivals escaped the Inquisition. Among the latest immigrants were European refugees who ran away from Nazism. Today the Jewish community is very connected with the local Jamaican population. Only one active synagogue remains, the sand-floored Shaare Shalom, which hosts the United Congregation of Israelites in Kingston. Though the community today is only a fraction of its former size, its impact on Jamaica endures. Read more and sign up

Qesher Book Club: "Shoham's Bangle"

Sarah Sassoon - SHOHAM'S BANGLE is an award winning heartwarming, intergenerational children's picture book about Middle Eastern Jewish refugees and resilience. This is the story of Operation Ezra & Nehemiah, where over 120,000 Iraqi Jews were airlifted to Israel. Once upon a time a third of Baghdad was Jewish. Today 3 Jews live in Iraq. Come discover the inspiration and Iraqi Jewish family story, history and culture behind SHOHAM's BANGLE. Shoham wears a golden bangle on her wrist, just like her Nana Aziza. Their bangles jingle when they cook, and glitter in the sun. When Shoham and her family must leave Iraq, they are allowed to take only one suitcase each. They may take no jewelry. Shoham has the important job of carrying Nana's homemade pita bread, which Nana says they will eat when they get to Israel. But when they finally arrive and it is time to eat, Shoham bites into something hard inside the pita bread. Read more and sign up for free

Moscow from a Jewish Perspective

Evgenia Kempinski - Moscow, the capital of modern Russia, is home to the largest Jewish community in the country, still numbering some 100,000 people. Despite recent political challenges, Jewish life here flourishes. However, this was not always the case in the past. Our talk will cover approximately 140-150 years, from the time when Jews were first allowed to settle in Moscow to the present day. We will pay a visit to the city's Jewish highlights, including old and new synagogues, the Community Center, the Jewish Museum and Tolerance Center, the Holocaust Memorial Synagogue, and more. Finally, we will discuss the changes in the atmosphere and Jewish community life in Moscow since the beginning of the war in Ukraine. Read more and sign up

Travel to Spain: Sephardic Jewish Heritage Tour

Moisés Hassán - The Jewish History of Spain is one of the most glorious and tragic passages in the history of Jewish People. In the first forty-five minutes of this talk, we'll explore together those thrilling events and times: from the very beginning of Jewish presence and life in the Iberian Peninsula, through its Golden Age, until its tragic interruption and its recent revival. After this, we invite you to stay for the second part of the presentation, where we will focus on our "Sephardic Jewish Heritage Tour to Spain" in October 2025 Read more and sign up for free

Recovering the Lost World of Iraqi Babylonian Jews

Sarah Sassoon - Come walk with me through the history of Iraqi Jews, from the River of Babylon to the streets of Baghdad. Together, we will discover the rich culture, Judeo-Arabic language, traditional foods, and everyday life of this ancient Babylonian Jewish community. I will share family stories that trace journeys from Baghdad to Al Uzair—home to the tomb of Ezra the Scribe—to Kirkuk and Hila. We will explore how deeply integrated Iraqi Jews were in Arab society and uncover the reasons behind their departure. Today, only three Jews remain in Iraq. Read more and sign up

Jews of Denmark: A Virtual Tour of Jewish Copenhagen

Charlotte Thalmay -This conversation explores the history of Jewish Copenhagen: the triumphs, sorrows, and legacies of those who have long called Denmark home. We'll explore important locations throughout the city, such as the Great Synagogue. We'll discuss World War II and understand how 95% of the Jewish community was saved from Nazi persecution during the Holocaust. We'll learn about Jewish life in Copenhagen today, the ongoing challenges posed by antisemitism, and the 2015 terror attack on a synagogue. This presentation will deepen participants' understanding of Jewish Copenhagen—its history, struggles, and what it means to have been and to be Jewish in Denmark. Read more and sign up

Jews of Argentina: "They sowed seeds and harvested doctors"

Claudia Hercman - We invite you to a virtual tour of Jewish Argentina, the 6th largest Jewish Community in the world. Argentina has always been a refuge for those who fled from the Inquisition in Spain and Portugal, the pogroms in Russia, and the Holocaust in Europe. We will learn about the first Jewish immigrants, who settled in the rural areas and gradually moved to the cities. In the 60s there were half a million Jews in Argentina, now there are only 220,000. What happened to those who left and those who remained? Read more and sign up

The Jews of Kurdistan: A Land of Jewish Heritage, and Potential Reconciliation

Levi Meir Clancy - Jews from Kurdistan have a documented history going all the way back to the Bible, and there are tens of thousands of Jews whose ancestors immigrated from Kurdistan to the present-day State of Israel. We will learn about the unique Jewish history of Kurdistan, including famous heritage sites and major historical figures. We will also explore Jewish and Muslim relations through the context of the overall Kurdish Muslim society. Read more and sign up

The Moroccan Jews of Cabo Verde: The Preservation of a Unique Heritage

Carol Castiel - The story of the Jews of Cabo Verde is a continuation of the larger Sephardic/Moroccan Jewish Diaspora. A former Portuguese colony, the Republic of Cabo Verde lies in the Atlantic Ocean about 300 miles off the coast of West Africa. After Portugal abolished the Inquisition, Moroccan Jews started immigrating in the mid-1800s. Carol Castiel, founder of the "Cape Verde Jewish Heritage Project", will explore the historical, economic, and political reasons for this migration, discuss why the practice of Judaism was not sustained in the long run, and address the efforts taken to restore and preserve Cabo Verde's several Sephardic cemeteries. Read more and sign up

Along the Silk Roads to Jerusalem: A Voyage into Bukharian Jewish History and Culture

Ruben Shimonov - Embark with us on an exploration of the eclectic and multilayered history of the ancient Jewish community of Central Asia, the Bukharian Jews. Join us as we discover how Bukharian Jews have developed their rich culture against the backdrop of changing societies—including Iranian, Arab, Turkic, and Russian empires. Through archival documents, music, heritage site photographs, and personal stories, our Uzbekistan-born educator, Ruben Shimonov, will guide us on a journey through Central Asia, the Middle East, and the United States. Read more and sign up

The Jewish Experience in Uruguay

Shai Abend - We will embark on a fascinating journey back in time to explore the origins of Jewish immigration to Uruguay. We'll step into the shoes of those who chose this country as their destination, imagining the unique reality they encountered. Discover the process that led to the formation of the organized Jewish community. Witness how Uruguay shaped a vibrant, diverse, and ideologically active community. Learn about the life stories of prominent Jewish figures who lived in the country and explore intriguing connections between Jewish and Uruguayan culture. Finally, engage in a dialogue about the current state of Jewish life in Uruguay, reflecting on its key issues and future challenges. Read more and sign up

Windows to the past: Discovering the Shtetls of Lithuania

Daniel Gurevich -  The journey from Vilnius to Biržai traverses a route rich in Jewish history, passing through former shtetls like Ukmerge, Anykščiai, Panevezys, Kupiskis, Rokiskis, and Biržai. These small towns once flourished as vibrant centers of trade, scholarship, and community life. We'll look at what made these shtetls unique: their marketplaces, synagogues, scholars, and artisans. We'll also reflect on how these communities navigated the challenges and changes of their time. These stories aren't just fragments of the past—they're a vital part of the Jewish history and of our collective memory. Read more and sign up

Bible to the Golden Age and the Abraham Accords

Louise Arwas and Alec Nacamuli - The Jewish Community in Egypt is as old as the Jewish tradition itself. We will follow the Jewish presence from the time of the Bible until its Golden Age, from around 1870 until the Suez Crisis in 1956. We will see how the tides changed for the community with the growth of Egyptian nationalism and the establishment of modern Israel. We will end by taking a look at the reality today, at the Jews, the synagogues and cemeteries that remain, and what efforts are being made to preserve this important part of Jewish and Egyptian history. Sign up here to be notified when we schedule a new date.

The Jews of Syria: Legacy and Lost Crowns

Gavriella Bigio Dahan - The Jews of Aleppo and Damascus preserved a rich heritage deeply rooted in ancient traditions, such as unique liturgical melodies, religious works, and Mizrahi-Sephardic customs. Often feeling like an extended part of the Land of Israel, Syrian Jews provided a steady base for Torah scholars and frequently visited or settled near holy biblical sites. As they resettled in new communities worldwide, from the Americas to the State of Israel, they not only rebuilt their lives but also revitalized their heritage, ensuring its survival and influence far beyond Syria. My grandparents' stories in the Syrian diaspora are but one of many that we'll discover. Sign up here to be notified when we schedule a new date.

Colonial Roots and Vibrant Present: The Jewish Heritage of Brazil

Felipe Lichand - In Brazil we can find one of the largest Jewish communities in Latin America, with a presence in different regions, each with distinct stories. In this talk, we will introduce you to the Jewish history of Brazil from colonial times to the present. Travel with us to Rio, São Paulo, and Recife, and explore the most emblematic Jewish landmarks of these cities through images and videos. Sign up here to be notified when we schedule a new date.

Kavkazi "Mountain Jews": Ancient Hebrew and Persian roots at the border of Azerbaijan and Russia

Valeriya Nakshun - The Jewish community of the Caucasus lived for centuries in the mountainous region between the Black and Caspian Seas. Their history is believed to date back to ancient times, with some Jews finding refuge during the Persian Empire's rule. The region remained under Persian influence for centuries, though this influence waned as the area experienced various shifts in control. In 1813 much of this territory was ceded to Tsarist Russia. Later, it became part of the Soviet Union after the Russian Empire's fall. This talk will provide an overview of the origins and history of the Kavkazi Jewish community, along with efforts by the diaspora to preserve their heritage today.  Sign up here to be notified when we schedule a new date.

A History of Jewish Vienna:

from Earliest Times to Today

Michael Simonson and introduction by Julie Metz - Vienna evokes images of café culture, waltzes, and writers like Stefan Zweig. It also brings to mind the tragic fate of the Jewish population of the city in the Shoah. But there is so much more to the history of Jews in Vienna. From its Roman origins to the medieval era of persecution and intermittent stability, Jewish contributions shaped the city. The Enlightenment era saw increased Jewish influence, and the 19th and 20th centuries brought a wave of immigrants seeking refuge and opportunity who formed a thriving middle class integral to Vienna's political and cultural fabric. Though nearly obliterated in the Holocaust, the Jewish community has revived in modern times, creating a smaller yet vibrant presence. Sign up here to be notified when we schedule a new date.

Jewish Estonia: A Century and a Half of Upheaval and Resurgence

Daniel Gurevich - This tour will take us through the 150 years of Jewish life in Estonia, the smallest of the Baltic countries. Estonia is known for its environmental beauty, and its capital Tallinn is considered one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe. We will learn about the Jewish community's commercial success in the late 19th century, and speak about the "Jewish Cultural Autonomy" in the short-lived Republic of Estonia of the 1920s - 1930s. We will discuss the Holocaust and the Communist repression that followed. As we explore these histories, you'll find common threads that highlight the strength of community, the value of cultural continuity, and the triumph of resilience over adversity. Sign up here to be notified when we schedule a new date.

Jewish Salonica, the Sephardi Metropolis

Joseph Vardakis - Salonica (modern-day Thessaloniki in Greece) became a vital center of Sephardi Jewish life after Jews expelled from Spain and elsewhere settled there under the Ottoman Empire. Known as "Mother of Israel" and the "Jerusalem of the Balkans," it was Europe's largest Sephardi city for over 400 years, providing refuge and fostering a unique cultural heritage. We will trace the history of this remarkable Jewish community from its origins to the present, exploring the rich traditions and distinctive qualities that made Salonica an indispensable chapter in the story of the Jewish people. Sign up here to be notified when we schedule a new date.

The Music and Poetry of the Jews of Iran

Alan Niku - Jews and Persians: two cultures known for their music and poetry. From hazzanut and klezmer to dastgah and motrebi, and from Psalms and piyyutim to ghazals and robaiyat, these two peoples have been linked through their common love for poetry, and for the musical expression of that poetry. So what about the Jews of Iran? Was their music similar to other Jewish communities? Was it more Iranian or Jewish? Did they participate in greater society, or were they isolated from the music and poetry around them? And what can we learn about the Jews of Iran through their music? We will explore these questions and more in this class about the music and poetry of the Jews of Iran. Sign up here to be notified when we schedule a new date.

Jews in the Commonwealth of Nations: Cyprus, Sri Lanka, Nigeria and more

Clive Lawton - This presentation will explore the contemporary relevance of the Commonwealth of Nations, the world's second-largest international organization, and its diverse Jewish communities. It includes both established Jewish populations in countries like Canada and the UK, as well as smaller, lesser-known communities in places like Sri Lanka and Lesotho. First, we will examine the strengths, challenges, and characteristics of approximately 40 Jewish communities across Oceania, the Americas, Europe, and Africa. Then, we will focus on specific examples from regions such as Cyprus, Nigeria, Sri Lanka, New Zealand, and the Cayman Islands, reflecting on how the Commonwealth shapes and sustains these varied Jewish identities. Sign up here to be notified when we schedule a new date.

Jews of Iran: Not Just Purim and the Revolution

Alan Niku - Iran's Jewish community is one of the oldest in the world. But is there more to these 2,700 years than Queen Esther and the Islamic Revolution? This talk examines lesser-known aspects of its history. Through music, languages, foods, writings, and stories, the Jews of Iran have forged a culture that is both Persian and Jewish, with traditions and aesthetics uniquely their own. Now in a second diaspora in the United States and Israel, with a small population remaining in Iran, the community faces inevitable changes. We will explore how the unique heritage of Iran's Jews can be preserved by drawing on knowledge of the past. Sign up here to be notified when we schedule a new date.

Vilnius: The Jerusalem of Lithuania and the city of my family

Daniel Gurevich - Lithuania became home to a Jewish community seven hundred years ago, which eventually became known as 'Litvak'. Why did this happen? When did it occur? What did this term mean then, and what does it signify today? In this talk, I will use my personal and family stories to illustrate the past and present of Vilnius and Lithuania. I will explain the main reasons why Vilnius is famous in the Jewish world and show you the principal highlights of a Jewish tour in Vilnius." Sign up here to be notified when we schedule a new date.

The 3K Virtual Tour of Jewish Lithuania: Kaunas, Kedainiai and Kalvarija

Daniel Gurevich - We continue our series of Virtual Tours in Lithuania. In my first talk, we presented Jewish Vilnius. Now, get ready for the country's second-largest city, Kaunas, as well as the towns of Kedainiai and Kalvarija. Kaunas (Kovno) was 60% Jewish at the end of the 19th century. Using videos, I will guide you through its main Jewish heritage sites. After that, we will travel 50 kilometers north to Kedainiai (Keidan), which was home to a very interesting Jewish community. Finally, the shtetl of Kalvarija (Kalvarye) is a must-see on this journey. Sign up here to be notified when we schedule a new date.

The Jews of Croatia: A Rich Heritage of History and Culture

Ante Jericevic - This presentation explores the history of Croatia's Jewish community from Roman times to the present. Jewish communities developed in cities like Dubrovnik, Split, and Zagreb, with notable synagogues such as Dubrovnik's 14th-century synagogue (the oldest Sephardic synagogue still in use and one of the oldest in Europe) and Split's synagogue, located within Diocletian's Palace complex. During World War II, many Jews were persecuted and deported, but the Zagreb Jewish Community Center remained operational during the Holocaust, providing vital support. Today, the Jewish community in Croatia is small but active, preserving its rich heritage through various educational and cultural institutions. Sign up here to be notified when we schedule a new date.