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. Read more and sign up

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. Read more and sign up

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. Read more and sign up

Qesher Book Club: "Eva and Eve"

Julie Metz's mother Eve was the quintessential New Yorker—steely, savvy, thrifty, pragmatic, brusque. It was difficult to imagine her living anywhere else except the Upper West Side of Manhattan, but New York City was in fact her adopted home. She was born in Vienna to a comfortable, middle class Jewish family until Germany annexed Austria on March 12, 1938.  In the two years following the Nazi takeover, her father Julius struggled to find a safe haven for his wife and children. Across the ocean, anti-immigration fervor prevailed as part of the initial America First movement. Miraculously, Julius got his family out of Vienna just in time, thanks to perseverance, a medicine package made of folded paper, a sympathetic American Vice Consul, and good luck. Shortly after Eve's death, Metz found a keepsake book her mother had kept hidden in a drawer for over half a century, filled with farewell notes from her childhood friends and relatives. In that secret keepsake book, her mother's name was Eva. Inspired by this discovery, Metz set out in search of her mother's lost childhood. The result is Eva and Eve, a real-life detective story that offers moments of grace, serendipity, and lessons for this polarized moment when once again Otherness is the enemy. Read more and sign up for free

A History of Jewish Vienna: From Earliest Times to Today

Michael Simonson  and 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. Read more and sign up

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.  Read more and sign up

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 Read more and sign up

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. Read more and sign up

The Jews of Egypt: From the 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. Read more and sign up

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 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

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.

Get to know the Bendigamos Community of Amsterdam

Nachshon Rodrigues Pereira - Amsterdam was once a thriving center of Jewish life, offering refuge to Jews fleeing the Spanish Inquisition and Eastern European pogroms. The city became known for its synagogues, Torah schools, and vibrant Jewish culture. WWII devastated the community, with 80% of Dutch Jews murdered. In 2015, Bendigamos was founded to revive Jewish life, preserve Portuguese Jewish traditions, and address Holocaust trauma. Engaging around 2,000 people annually through services and events, Bendigamos now aims to expand its reach and revitalize the Dutch Jewish community. This talk explores their journey and future plans. Click here to watch the recording

The Belgian Jewry: Dynamic, Complex, Unique

Eitan Bergman - Belgium, home to the largest Hassidic community in Europe, has been described as the 'most successful failed state in the world'. In this land of surrealism, the Belgian Jewish community mirrors its nation, exhibiting a multifaceted nature—strong yet weak, united yet divided. Embark on an enlightening journey with Eitan Bergman, a Liège-born Jew who found his way to national and European Jewish institutions. Through his personal and family stories, witness the exceptional character of Belgian Jewry and explore its remarkable evolution throughout history. Sign up here to be notified when we schedule a new date.

Shtetl Part 1: A Jewish Universe

Evgenia Kempinski - A shtetl is often defined as a small self-contained Jewish market town, full of Jewish life and tradition. But a simple definition does not explain its importance and influence on Jewish life and culture. This talk will help us find our own answers to many questions about the phenomenon of a shtetl like: What was so unique about the shtetl? What made the life of the Jewish community in the shtetl so special? What did the shtetl look like and who actually lived there? Were there any non-Jews in the shtetl? In addition, we will discuss food, traditions, language, beliefs, jobs, community, and other important elements of the shtetl's everyday life. Sign up here to be notified when we schedule a new date.

Shtetl Part 2: A Virtual Tour of the Once Jewish Towns of Eastern Europe

Evgenia Kempinski - In our previous talk we presented the general world of the shtetl. This time we are going to visit selected shtetls from all ends of Eastern Europe - Poland, Lithuania, Ukraine, and Belarus. We will walk down their old streets, look at the Jewish homes, and see how general shtetl features are reflected in them. We will discuss the relations between Jews and Christians, as well as the political and social life in these shtetls. We will see how shtetl life changed over the centuries. Combining old and new photographs and people's memoirs we will travel through time to imagine and understand the life of our ancestors. Sign up here to be notified when we schedule a new date.

Shtetl Part 3: Exploring the lives of Jewish children in Eastern Europe

Evgenia Kempinski - In this part of our journey, we will step back in time and immerse ourselves in the world of Jewish childhood in the shtetl. From the moment a child was born to the joyous celebration of their wedding day, we will explore their daily lives and the many factors that shaped their futures. We will discover their toys, education, friendships, and family bonds. We will look at the food they ate, the holidays they celebrated, and the joys and challenges they faced. Through stories, photographs, and memoirs, we will reimagine the innocence, curiosity, and resilience of childhood in these unique communities. Sign up here to be notified when we schedule a new date.

The Life and Times of the Zimbabwe and Zambian Jewish Communities

Dave Bloom - The former British colonies of Northern and Southern Rhodesia saw thousands of Jews arrive during the late 19th and early to mid-20th century. This presentation will describe how, why and when Jews arrived and how they contributed to the building of those countries which became Zimbabwe and Zambia as well as their own highly organized and closely knit Jewish Communities. It will cover over 130 years of history tracing the origins of Jewish migration and how the backdrop of powerful political changes impacted on their development, both positively and negatively. Sign up here to be notified when we schedule a new date.

Transylvania Beyond Dracula: The History and Present of Transylvanian Jewry

Mercédesz Czimbalmos - When people hear "Transylvania" (now part of Romania), they often think of Dracula, but the region also has a rich Jewish history. This talk will explore the history of Transylvania's Jewish communities, highlighting their struggles, uniqueness, and current state. It will also cover the Sabbatarians and communities in places like Bezidu Nou, Alba Iulia, Satu Mare, Timișoara, Arad, Cluj-Napoca, and Oradea. Sign up here to be notified when we schedule a new date. 

Sephardic & Ashkenazi: Stories from Jewish Sarajevo and Bosnia

Dr. Joseph Benatov - Join us for a virtual journey through Sarajevo and Bosnia. The city's rich Jewish heritage earned it the nickname "Little Jerusalem". We will discuss notable moments and individuals from Bosnia's rich Sephardic and Ashkenazi past. How did the famous Sarajevo Haggadah survive both Nazi occupation and the Yugoslav Wars of the 1990s? Who were the noble Bosnian Muslims who protected their Jewish neighbors during the Holocaust? Why was Freud fascinated by the town of Trebinje? Outside of Sarajevo, we'll make stops in picturesque Mostar, and we will also visit the most important pilgrimage site for the Jews of Bosnia – the resting place of Rabbi Moshe Danon. Sign up here to be notified when we schedule a new date.

Jewish Tour of the Baltic States

Daniel Gurevich - Join this brief excursion into the history of the Jewish communities of the Baltic States: success, tragedy, and revival. In the first half of this talk, we will explore key sites in Vilnius and Kaunas (Kovno) in Lithuania, Riga in Latvia, and Tallinn in Estonia. In the second part, we will focus on the Jewish History Tour: Baltics 2025 (June 5-15, 2025). We will review the daily program with Daniel, who will walk us through the highlights of the planned itinerary. We will also discuss the itinerary, hotels, and food. Click here to watch the recording

Jewish Bulgaria: A Virtual Sephardic Journey

Dr. Joseph Benatov - Join us for an interactive trip through Bulgaria's rich Jewish heritage. You will have a chance to learn about the history and culture of the Bulgarian Sephardic Jews and the details surrounding the survival of 50,000 of them during the Holocaust due to the efforts of Bulgarian society and leadership. Joseph will also share personal family stories of growing up and being part of the country's vibrant Jewish community. Sign up here to be notified when we schedule a new date.