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

Evgenia Kempinski - In our previous talk, we explored the general world of the shtetl. This time, we will visit selected shtetls from across Eastern Europe — Poland, Lithuania, Ukraine, and Belarus. We will walk down their old streets, peek into Jewish homes, and observe how typical shtetl features are reflected in everyday life. We will examine the relationships between Jews and Christians, as well as the political and social life in these communities. We will also see how shtetl life evolved over the centuries. By combining old and new photographs with personal memoirs, we will travel through time to imagine and better understand the lives of our ancestors. Read more and register here.

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 influences that shaped their future. We will discover their toys, education, friendships, and family bonds. We will observe the food they ate, the holidays they celebrated, and the joys and challenges they experienced. Through stories, photographs, and memoirs, we will reimagine the innocence, curiosity, and resilience of childhood in these unique communities.  Read more and register here.

Qesher Book Club: Fine, I'm a Terrible Person

Lisa F. Rosenberg - Fine, I'm a Terrible Person is a funny, tender contemporary mother–daughter novel by Lisa F. Rosenberg, inspired by her Ladino-speaking Sephardic family from the island of Rhodes. Rosenberg celebrates the rich culture of the Rhodeslis—their language, history, and unforgettable cuisine—bringing authenticity and affection to every page. Since its release, the book has received a Zibby Award, a Pencraft Award, and recognition from the Jewish Book Council for the 2025–2026 season.

In this talk, Rosenberg will discuss how this heritage shaped the novel and then introduce the story's humorous caper, in which 73-year-old Aurora and her estranged daughter, Leyla, embark on intersecting misadventures from Marin County to Los Angeles, colliding in a weekend of chaos, surprises, and unexpected healing. Read more and register here for free.

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 have developed in cities such as Dubrovnik, Split, and Zagreb, with notable synagogues like 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 throughout 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. Read more and register here.

Moroccan Memories: A Lens into Lost Jewish Holidays and Handicrafts

Sharoni Sibony - The Jewish artisans of Morocco once played a outsized role in the country's decorative arts, and the departure of Jews in the mid-20th century led to a rapid decline in traditional trades such as silversmithing, leatherwork, and textile weaving. Set within the broader legacy of Moroccan Jewish artisans, this talk celebrates the beauty and skill of these traditions as they are remembered and reinterpreted in the work of Los Angeles–based artist and ethnographer Nessim Sibony. Join us to explore some of the handcrafted traditions, holiday customs, and communal rituals that once brought Jewish life in Marrakech to vibrant life. Read more and register here.

Retracing Jewish Heritage in the Bronx

Julian Voloj - After moving to New York in 2004, photographer Julian Voloj became fascinated by the city's diverse Jewish communities but also shocked by the many abandoned synagogues in former Jewish neighborhoods. Growing up in Germany, he was familiar with traces of Jewish history, but he was struck by how quickly New York was forgetting its recent past. He began documenting Jewish heritage in areas like Harlem, the South Bronx, and Brownsville, once vibrant centers of Jewish life. The project became urgent as buildings deteriorated or were repurposed. Voloj's black-and-white photographs evoke history while exploring heritage, memory, and cultural reinvention. Read more and register here.

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. Read more and register here.

Jewish Krakow Part 1: The Golden Age Of Krakow Jews

Olga Bokhonovskaya - Join us to learn about the Golden Age of Krakow Jews and discover Kazimierz, Krakow's Jewish quarter. Learn what attracted Jews to Krakow, when the Old Synagogue was built, and why Jews left Krakow and settled in Kazimierz. As you stroll through the streets of the Old Town, you'll follow in the footsteps of the Jews who moved from the city center to Kazimierz. You'll hear exciting stories of Jewish traders and prominent thinkers and virtually visit 7 old synagogues while learning their fascinating history. Read more and register here.

Sephardic and 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. Read more and register here.

Jewish Krakow Part 2: The

Krakow Ghetto and the Revival of Jewish Life

Olga Bokhonovskaya - By the end of the 1930s, the Jewish community of Krakow constituted about 25% of the city's population. The streets of the former Krakow ghetto bear witness to the desperate struggle for survival and the destruction of this city's Jewish community under Nazi occupation. Join us on this virtual tour to learn about the most devastating period of Krakow's Jewish history. You'll see the places depicted in "Schindler's List", and you will also learn about the revival of Jewish life after the war and the fall of Communism. Read more and register here.

Jewish Rio de Janeiro: 
History, Memory, and Identity

Felipe Lichand - This talk explores the history of Jewish presence in Rio de Janeiro from the colonial period to the present, highlighting its integration into the city's social and cultural fabric. Focusing on key urban spaces, institutions, and migration stories, it examines synagogues, cemeteries, immigrant neighborhoods, and communal centers. Landmarks such as the Grande Templo Israelita and the Museu Judaico do Rio de Janeiro illustrate themes of memory, identity, and belonging. The lecture combines historical context with visual material to provide an accessible introduction to Jewish Rio de Janeiro. Read more and register here.

Qesher Book Club: The Stateless Central Asian Merchant

Dahlia Abraham-Klein - Haim Abraham, born in 1897 in Turkmenistan, recorded his ninety-year life story in a spiral-bound notebook written in Judeo-Farsi. Discovered after his death in 1999 and translated years later, the memoir reveals a nearly lost world shaped by Russian Tsarist, Bolshevik, and Soviet violence. Stateless and repeatedly displaced, Abraham's family migrated across Central Asia, Iran, and Afghanistan in search of religious freedom and economic survival as merchant Jews. Sustained by tight-knit Jewish networks, Abraham endured persecution and instability. His memoir offers a rare window into the largely undocumented history of the Jewish Triangle. Read more and register here for free.

Remembering Kovno: Jewish Life and Heritage in Kaunas, Lithuania

Daniel Gurevich - This virtual talk offers a guided journey into the Jewish history of Kaunas (Kovno), once a major center of Jewish learning, culture, and political life. Using video materials, it traces everyday communal life alongside moments of tragedy and moral courage through key heritage sites, including the former Jewish Quarter, the 9th Fort, and Sugihara House. The talk introduces cultural figures such as Abraham Mapu and Danielius Dolskis, visits active and former synagogues, and presents a distinctive mirrored house in the Jewish quarter as a reflection on memory and place.  Read more and register here.

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. Read more and register here. 

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 2026.  Read more and register here for free. 

Jewish Artists and the Vision of the Homeland

Evgenia Kempinski - Before the State of Israel existed, Jewish artists across Europe imagined its future through art. In the early 20th century, painters, illustrators, and sculptors developed a new visual language expressing hope, memory, and national revival. From Marc Chagall's dreamlike imagery to the Zionist vision of Ephraim Moshe Lilien, and through institutions like the Bezalel Academy, artists blended Jewish heritage with the landscapes and spirit of the Land of Israel, shaping a nation in images even before 1948. Read more and register here. 

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 register here.

Qesher Book Club: Diaspora

Isaiah Margulies - DIASPORA tells the epic tale of the Vostęvskie family through eight generations, forced migration, violent uprisings, and the ravages of world war. Interwoven through the family's expansive story are the extraordinary lives of peasant farmers, seamen, soldiers, and the laborers of port cities along the way. Following the destructiveness of the twentieth century, one surviving descendant of the family is forced to distill from myth and reality the deeper truths of their ancestry. The remaining Vostęvskies, and the reader, must confront whether the stories we tell ourselves are only as firm - or as illusory - as we wish them to be. Read more and register here for free.

Mameloshn: 
Yiddish Past and Present

Sarah Benor - Yiddish, the historical language of Ashkenazi Jews, offers a window into medieval migrations and modern cultural production. How did this rich language come about? How has it been written and spoken differently in different regions and communities? How are contemporary American Jews engaging with Yiddish in new ways? Through images, videos, and fun facts, this presentation offers a unique linguistic window into the past and present of mameloshn (mother tongue). Read more and register here.

Qesher Book Club: 
The World Between

Zeeva Bukai - With the breakup of her marriage, a once famous actress of the Yiddish theater travels to Tel Aviv to revisit the apartment she once shared with her husband, Max. Soon after, she finds herself at the Sisters of Saint Joseph of the Apparition Hospice in Jaffa, a sanatorium, run by a group of nuns. Unclear as to how she got there, she begins to piece together the events that led her to this moment. From New York to Tel Aviv, and the Siberian gulag, The World Between explores the landscape of a marriage, friendship, loss, and the way childhood war trauma bleeds into every aspect of the characters' lives. Read more and register here 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 register here.

Shtetl Part 1: A Jewish Universe

Evgenia Kempinski - A shtetl is often defined as a small, self-contained Jewish market town in Eastern Europe, rich in Jewish life and tradition. Yet this simple definition does not fully explain its importance or its lasting influence on Jewish life and culture. This talk invites us to explore the phenomenon of the shtetl by asking questions such as: What did a shtetl look like, and who actually lived there? What made life there so unique? Were there non-Jews in the shtetl? In addition, we will discuss food, traditions, language, beliefs, occupations, communal life, and other essential elements of everyday shtetl life. Sign up here to be notified when we repeat this talk. 

It is personal: Reviving the History of the Jewish Community of Mosul, Iraq

Omar Mohammed - As a historian, I understand the difference between what happened and the "narrative of what happened." This difference motivated me to understand the history of my own city, Mosul, following its liberation from ISIS. These questions—what happened to the Jews of Mosul, why was their history erased and kept off the record, who were they and how did they live, how were they deported, and what happened next—led me to search for every Mosuli Jewish person around the world and reconnect with them to ensure their stories are preserved and documented for future generations. Read more and register here.

The Jews of Pakistan and Their Forgotten Story

Eliaz Reuben-Dandeker  -  The Jews of Pakistan, primarily from the Bene Israel community, settled mainly in Karachi and other cities such as Peshawar and Multan beginning in the early 19th century. They built a major synagogue in Karachi in 1893 and lived largely peacefully alongside other communities. After the 1947 Partition, most of the roughly 3,000 Jews fled, and those who remained mostly lived underground as communal records and institutions disappeared. This presentation explores their history, culture, and the traces that remain of their once-thriving presence. Sign up here to be notified when we repeat this talk.

The Jews of the Greek Islands: Crete, Rhodes and Corfu

Joseph Michael Vardakis -  Since ancient times, many of the thousands of stunning islands scattered across the eastern Mediterranean have been home to Diaspora Jews. In this lecture, we will explore the unique histories and traditions of three such islands in modern-day Greece: Crete, the largest Greek island with its ancient Romaniote Jewish community; Rhodes, a Sephardic microcosm in the Aegean Sea; and Corfu, where a prolific Italian Jewish community flourished in the Ionian Sea. These historic and diverse communities enrich our understanding of the Jewish Diaspora and its remarkable saga of survival. Sign up here to be notified when we repeat this talk.

Portuguese Secrets: Little-Known Jewish History that Changed the World

Irene Shaland - Travel with us to Portugal and discover its fascinating Jewish history, much of which remains largely unknown. Jewish heritage has significantly influenced the country's development throughout the ages. From Roman and Visigoth times to the brilliant Age of Discovery, through the dark centuries of the Inquisition and persecution—when Jewish faith and traditions survived in secret—to World War II, when the country became a safe haven for thousands of European refugees, and into today's small but blossoming Jewish community. Sign up here to be notified when we repeat this talk.

Jewish Languages and Heritage Words: Connecting to Our Ancestors and Communities

This presentation will explore the diverse languages Jews have spoken throughout history and highlight the features shared among Jewish languages. While Yiddish continues to thrive in Hasidic communities, many other languages—such as Ladino, Judeo-Arabic, Jewish Neo-Aramaic, and Judeo-Malayalam—are endangered and are now primarily spoken by older generations. At the same time, many Jews engage with these languages in "post-vernacular" ways—through music, food, and cultural expression. New Jewish language varieties, including Jewish English, Jewish Latin American Spanish, and Jewish Russian, are also emerging. The talk will also examine "heritage words," passed down through the generations even after the languages themselves are no longer spoken. Sign up here to be notified when we repeat this talk.

Jewish Brooklyn Through the Decades: A Photographic Journey

Join photographer Marcia Bricker Halperin as she reflects on a classic slice of Jewish life in New York City and shares the experiences that shaped her as a Brooklynite and launched her photographic career. Over the course of nearly five decades, she has crafted a distinctive narrative by documenting Jewish calendar events within her local communities. From outdoor shofar-blowing at the onset of the High Holy Days to Chol Hamoed outings at Coney Island, Chanukah celebrations among Soviet émigrés, and Purim festivities in Williamsburg, Hasidic style, her images tell the story of a diverse and evolving Jewish presence in an urban setting. Sign up here to be notified when we repeat this talk.

Kosher in the Cold: The Jewish Norway Story

Helene Malting - This talk explores the Jewish history of Oslo, tracing the community's roots from the first arrivals in the mid-19th century, when Jews were legally permitted to reside in the kingdom, up to the present day. It examines how Jewish families built cultural, religious, and economic life in the city, how the community was affected by World War II and the Holocaust, and the remarkable survival of an Oslo synagogue during the war. Through my personal family history, historical documents, and cultural landmarks, we will highlight themes of resilience, continuity, and the preservation of unique Jewish traditions in contemporary Oslo and broader Norway. Sign up here to be notified when we repeat this talk. 

Jewish Female Artists: Voices, Visions, and Legacies

Evgenia Kempinski - From Paris to New York, this online lecture explores how Jewish women artists contributed to modern art from the early 1900s through the postwar years. It highlights figures like Sonia Delaunay, whose vibrant designs influenced modernism; Lee Krasner and Eva Hesse, who redefined American art; and Anna Ticho, whose drawings shaped Israel's visual identity. It also honors artists such as Charlotte Salomon and Friedl Dicker-Brandeis, whose lives were tragically cut short Alongside these names, we'll meet other remarkable women whose work—whether preserved or nearly forgotten—continues to shape the story of Jewish creativity in the modern era. Sign up here to be notified when we repeat this talk.

A History of Jewish Vienna: From Earliest Times to Today

Michael Simonson - Vienna evokes images of café culture, waltzes, and writers like Stefan Zweig. It also brings to mind the tragic fate of the city's Jewish population during the Holocaust. Yet, there is much more to the history of Jews in Vienna. From its Roman origins to the medieval era of persecution and intermittent stability, Jewish contributions have significantly shaped the city. The Enlightenment era saw an increase in Jewish influence, and the 19th and 20th centuries brought waves of immigrants seeking refuge and opportunity, forming a thriving middle class that became integral to Vienna's political and cultural life. Though nearly obliterated during the Holocaust, the Jewish community has since revived, creating a smaller yet vibrant presence today. Sign up here to be notified when we repeat this talk.

The Moroccan Jewish Diaspora in the Atlantic

Carol Castiel - The presentation will include a general brief overview of Moroccan Jewish history, the "push/pull" factors that led many Moroccan Jews (especially from the north) to migrate to these mostly Portuguese-speaking territories) and the remnants of their presence in these regions. We will explore the factors that enabled some communities to sustain their Jewish traditions (Gibraltar and the Amazon region in Brazil) and prevented others, like southern Portugal, the Azores, and Cabo Verde, from doing the same. We will also acknowledge the role of commerce, trade and economic promise in these lands - the common denominator which impelled many Moroccan Jews to emigrate. Sign up here to be notified when we repeat this talk.

Vilnius: The Jerusalem of Lithuania and the City of my Family

Daniel Gurevich - Lithuania became home to a Jewish community over seven hundred years ago, which later became known as the Litvaks. How and why did this happen? When did it occur? What did this term mean in the past, and what does it signify today? In this talk, I will use my personal and family stories to illustrate both the past and present of Vilnius and Lithuania. I will explain the main reasons why Vilnius is famous in the Jewish world and highlight the key sites featured on a Jewish tour of the city. Sign up here to be notified when we repeat this talk.

Jewish Tour of Scandinavia: Denmark, Norway, Sweden

Charlotte and Ronen Thalmay - Join us on a virtual tour where breathtaking Nordic landscapes blend with centuries of shared history. The region's kingdoms have long been connected by language, culture, and a strong sense of community. Yet the Jewish experience in Denmark, Norway, and Sweden has taken very different paths, marked by both hardship and hope. We will virtually take you through the streets of Copenhagen, Oslo, and Stockholm, and learn about how Jewish life began under very different circumstances. In the second part of our meeting, we will present the itinerary and details of the Jewish Heritage tour to Scandinavia taking place in August 2026. Watch the recording here

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, Portugal, and other parts of the Mediterranean settled there under the Ottoman Empire. Known as the "Mother of Israel" and the "Jerusalem of the Balkans," it remained one of Europe's foremost Sephardi cities for centuries, offering refuge and fostering a rich and distinctive Jewish culture. This presentation will trace the history of this remarkable community from its early development to the modern era, exploring the traditions and characteristics that made Salonica an indispensable chapter in the story of the Jewish people. Sign up here to be notified when we repeat this talk.

Three Centuries of Philadelphia Jewish Life

Dr. Michael Schatz  - We will explore the origins of the Philadelphia Jewish community—one of the largest in the United States—tracing its beginnings in 1740. Through the city's synagogues, neighborhoods, and Jewish communal institutions, we will follow the development of the community and meet some of its leading figures. The talk will examine Jewish immigration from Europe, the movement of Jewish families from immigrant neighborhoods to modern suburbs, and the dynamics between successive waves of newcomers. We will conclude with an overview of contemporary Jewish life in Philadelphia and its diverse expressions in the twenty-first century. Sign up here to be notified when we repeat this talk.

Transylvania Beyond Dracula: The History and Present of Transylvanian Jewry

Mercédesz Czimbalmos - When people hear "Transylvania," a region in modern-day Romania, they often think of Dracula, but the area also has a rich and deeply rooted Jewish history. This talk will explore the development of Transylvania's Jewish communities, highlighting their struggles, distinctive traditions, and present-day situation. It will also examine the Szekler Sabbatarians and the Jewish communities of places such as Bezidu Nou, Alba Iulia, Satu Mare, Cluj-Napoca, and Oradea, as well as nearby centers in the Banat region like Timișoara and Arad. Sign up here to be notified when we repeat this talk.

Jewish Artists Who Shook the World

Evgenia Kempinski - Welcome to a journey into the world of Jewish artists who transformed European art forever! Imagine a group of young men, often from small towns in Eastern Europe, arriving in Paris with big dreams and little else. For them, the city became their Promised Land—a place where they could finally make their mark on the world. Despite facing poverty and cultural challenges, these artists shared one thing: a burning passion for art. We'll explore the lives of icons like Marc Chagall, Amedeo Modigliani, Chaïm Soutine, and Moïse Kisling. Whether you've admired their work for years or are just discovering it, I'm excited to guide you through this remarkable chapter of modern art history. Come with me into the heart of an artistic revolution! Sign up here to be notified when we repeat this talk.

Exploring the Jewish Heritage of Turkey: A Journey Through Izmir and Ankara

Nisya Isman Allovi - After exploring Istanbul, we still need to examine Jewish life in two other major cities in Turkey. The first is Izmir, also known as Smyrna, distinguished by its rich history, remarkable personalities, and significant cultural heritage, where vibrant Jewish life continues to this day. The second is Ankara, the capital of Turkey, home to a small but historically important Jewish community that dates back to the 1st century BCE. In Ankara, architecture plays a central role, preserving the authentic character of the Jewish neighborhood. Let's discover the Jewish legacy of these two Turkish cities together. Sign up here to be notified when we repeat this talk.

The Streets of Jewish Minsk: A Journey Through History

Sonya Shaipak - Embark on a captivating journey through the streets of Jewish Minsk. This talk will transport you back to the bustling neighborhoods where Jewish communities lived, worked, and prayed, highlighting the contributions of their inhabitants from the early 19th century to the mid-20th century, when more than half of the city's population was Jewish. We will uncover the resilience and creativity that characterized Minsk's Jews, even in the face of adversity and persecution. By revisiting the streets of Jewish Minsk, we aim to celebrate the enduring legacy of a community that played a vital role in the city's history. Sign up here to be notified when we repeat this talk.

Jewish Istanbul: Where East Meets West

Nisya Isman Allovi - Istanbul—a city of contrasts and the crossroads of two continents—seamlessly blends diverse religions and cultures. Once known as ancient Constantinople, it now boasts a stunning skyline of minarets and domes. Scattered throughout its neighborhoods are synagogues, each with a unique story of the Jews who built and worshiped in them. Join me as we explore the rich Jewish heritage and vibrant Jewish culture of this remarkable city. Sign up here to be notified when we repeat this talk.

Dublin's "Little Jerusalem": A Jewish History of Ireland

Alexander Vard - The Irish-Jewish community, though small, has played an influential role in Ireland for over 800 years, beginning with their arrival in Dublin in 1171. This presentation explores the legacy of "Little Jerusalem," the city's former Jewish quarter, and traces the history of Irish-Jews from medieval times to today. It highlights Jewish contributions to Ireland's independence, their ties to the founding of Israel, and the tragic fate of Ettie Steinberg, Ireland's only Holocaust victim. The program also examines the cultural impact of Jewish life in Ireland, including the inspiration behind the Jew Leopold Bloom, the main character of James Joyce's masterpiece, "Ulysses". Please note that this talk will not discuss the current Israel-Ireland relations. Sign up here to be notified when we repeat this talk.

Stories from Jewish Barbados, the Pearl of the Caribbean

Neal Rechtman - Join us for a fascinating tour of Jewish Barbados. We will visit the restored Nidhe Israel synagogue (1654), its adjacent cemeteries, and the recently discovered Mikveh. Learn how a group of Sephardic Jews, fleeing the Portuguese Inquisition in Brazil, made their way to Barbados and secured the protection of Oliver Cromwell, the English Protestant leader. This early Sephardic community later grew with new arrivals from England and was key in developing the British sugar industry. After its decline and the mass emigration of Jews from the island, a new wave of Ashkenazi refugees formed the core of today's tiny 50-person Jewish community—giving Neal the distinction of being 2% of the entire Jewish population of Barbados. Sign up here to be notified when we repeat this talk.

Jewish City Tour of Riga, the Hidden Gem of the Baltic

Daniel Gurevich - Join us for a virtual walking tour of Riga, once dubbed the "Paris of the North." Latvia's capital is an architectural gem, showcasing Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and Art Nouveau styles, and its Old Town was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. The Jewish presence in Riga dates back to the 13th century, though it would take another two centuries before the community began to make a significant economic impact. In the late 1920s, Riga even became the center of the global Lubavitch movement. Come and discover this cultural and historical treasure with us.  Sign up here to be notified when we repeat this talk.

Jewish Tour of the Balkans

Joseph Benatov - Join us for a virtual tour exploring the Jewish history and culture of the Balkans, focusing on the Romaniote, Ashkenazi, and predominantly Sephardic communities that settled here after 1492. Key events and figures from Jewish history in cities like Salonica, Sarajevo, Belgrade, Sofia, Dubrovnik, Bucharest, Zagreb, and Split will be highlighted. Discover the Sephardic roots of proto-Zionism, the Neo-Moorish architectural style, and a unique Jewish holiday created by Ottoman Sephardim in 1892. In the second part of our meeting, we will present next year's Jewish Heritage Tours of the Balkans organized and led by Dr. Joseph Benatov scheduled between May and July 2026. For more information about trips, click here. Watch the recording here. 

Virtual tour of Jewish Bessarabia: Today's Moldova and its capital - Kishinev (Chișinău)

Evgenia Kempinski - Today Moldova is still home to a few thousand Jews. Historically, this land was known as Bessarabia, and Jews had already settled here by the 16th century. Along the tour, we will visit some of the typical Jewish towns of Bessarabia. We will also walk along the streets of Kishinev (today's Chișinău), once a city with at least 50,000 Jews (more than 40% of the city's population). We will talk about Kishinev's synagogues, the Jewish political and intellectual leaders, and everyday Jewish life. We will look at the past and present and also discuss the future of Kishinev's Jewish community. Sign up here to be notified when we repeat this talk.

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. Sign up here to be notified when we repeat this talk. 

Greek Jewry: At the Crossroads of Civilizations

Joseph Michael Vardakis - The presence of Jews in Greece dates back to antiquity, making it one of the oldest Jewish communities in the Western world. Greece became a major center of Sephardi culture in Europe and was home to the distinctive Greek-speaking Romaniote community, as well as Jews who had taken refuge there from across the continent. On the eve of World War II, the Jewish population of Greece numbered around 80,000, but the Holocaust decimated this community. Today, Greece's Jewish community continues to work to preserve its unique heritage. Sign up here to be notified when we repeat this talk.

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 repeat this talk.

Jews of Burma: The Tribe That Vanished

Misha Gulko - This is the story of the Burmese Jewish community — a community that once flourished but quickly ceased to exist. In its short history, the Burmese Jewish community went through the archetypal Jewish narrative, with inner rifts and mortal danger from the outside. Its members either emigrated or assimilated, but is there still hope for the revival of Jewish life in this distant Southeast Asian country? As a photojournalist, I took the opportunity to photograph the remnants of the Jewish presence in Burma today and the quickly vanishing traces of its past. Sign up here to be notified when we repeat this talk.

Jewish Tour of Galicia, Eastern Poland:  
Przemyśl, Tarnów, and Rzeszów

Olga Bokhonovskaya - This virtual tour through Tarnów, Przemyśl, and Rzeszów explores the rich Jewish heritage of Eastern Poland, once part of the historic region of Galicia. In Przemyśl, visitors trace the city's Jewish roots through surviving synagogues and the site of the former ghetto. Tarnów reveals the ruins of its Great Synagogue, a historic Jewish cemetery, and stories of Holocaust deportations. In Rzeszów—once known as the "Little Jerusalem" of Galicia—the preserved Jewish quarter and architecture reflect a once-thriving community. The tour highlights everyday life, cultural contributions, and the profound losses suffered during the 20th century. Sign up here to be notified when we repeat this talk. 

Jewish Heritage in the Middle East and North Africa: What Synagogues, Cemeteries, and Texts Reveal

Yoram Meital - Although only a few Jewish communities remain today in the Middle East and North Africa, the region preserves a rich and multifaceted Jewish past. This heritage is embodied in extensive material culture—including hundreds of synagogues, cemeteries, Judaica items, and textual sources—dispersed across Arab and Islamic countries. These materials are not static relics; they form part of a living archive: a dynamic, tangible conduit through which the histories and experiences of Jewish communities can be reinterpreted within their lived environments and the social, cultural, political, and historical dynamics that shaped—and continue to reshape—them. Sign up here to be notified when we feature this talk.   

Jewish Finland: Home of Kosher Reindeer and Kabbalat Shabbat at Midnight

Mercédesz Czimbalmos and Dóra Pataricza - Finland's Jewish community, rooted in the Eastern European (Litvak) tradition, is one of the few that remained largely untouched by the Holocaust. The local community, centered around two Orthodox congregations in Helsinki and Turku, is also one of the northernmost Jewish communities in the world. As Finland becomes increasingly multicultural, this diversity is reflected within the Jewish community as well, which now includes a vibrant mix of cultures, languages, and religious perspectives. This presentation will highlight the key aspects of Jewish history and life in Finland. Sign up here to be notified when we repeat this talk. 

Sephardic Life in Seattle: A Tapestry Unfurled and Extended

Stuart Eskenazi - Seattle hosts the U.S.'s third-largest Sephardic population, rooted nearly 125 years ago by immigrants from Turkey and Rhodes. The community centers around two distinct synagogues and thrives through cultural revival efforts. The University of Washington's Sephardic Studies Program leads with a major Ladino archive, promoting language and heritage. Seattle has also played a key role in Spanish citizenship efforts for Sephardic Jews and supports the only U.S. youth summer camp dedicated to Sephardic traditions, ensuring the culture's vitality and global reach. Sign up here to be notified when we repeat this talk.

Recalling Jewish Calcutta

Jael Silliman - I will present the history of our Jewish community, which came from Baghdad and other parts of the Middle East to Calcutta, then the seat of the British Empire, seeking their fortunes. My ancestor, Shalome Obadiah Ha Cohen, was among the first settlers. His diary, kept from 1789 to 1834, offers a vivid glimpse into life in the city during that period Though the community never numbered more than a few thousand, they left a lasting mark on this mercantile city, distinguishing themselves in business, scholarship, and the arts. Today, only a handful remain, but three synagogues, two schools, and a sprawling cemetery continue to preserve their rich legacy. Sign up here to be notified when we repeat this talk.

Jewish Paris: A City of Contrasts

Emmanuelle Stein - In 2025, Paris is still one of the main Jewish centers in the world. Local community member and activist Emmanuelle Stein will describe what Jewish life looks like today in Paris, especially in light of the October 7 attacks and the increase in antisemitism. We will also learn about the beginnings of the Jewish presence in Paris since the Middle Ages, their emancipation under Napoleon, and the events of WWII. We will comment on the waves of modern Jewish immigration to the city, first from Eastern Europe and then from North Africa, and discover their neighborhoods, synagogues, and community institutions. Sign up here to be notified when we repeat this talk. 

Jewish Siberia: Russia's Promised Land

Evgenia Kempinski - Siberia is a giant region of Russia, usually associated with frost, snow, prisons, and forests. But is it really like that? In this talk, we'll learn about Jewish life in this vast territory over the last 400 years. We'll explore when and how Jews got to Siberia, where they settled, and what they did there. I will also take you to Birobidzhan – a Jewish Autonomous Region located next to the border with China. Today, it is still a unique place where a visitor may find street signs in Yiddish. Temperatures in Siberia range from extreme cold to extreme heat – and so does Jewish life there. Sign up here to be notified when we repeat this talk.

The Jews of Cuba: Journeys, Stories, Poems

Ruth Behar - My talk will offer a broad perspective on the Jews of Cuba, drawing on historical scholarship, ethnography, and literary and artistic visions. We will start with a close look at the formation of the first Jewish communities in the early 20th century and examine the rise and fall of these communities after the Cuban Revolution. The revitalization of Jewish life since the 1990s will lead us to the present day and to how Jews continue to assert their presence on the island during challenging times. We will also spend time exploring the nostalgia felt by Jewish Cubans who left the island but have never forgotten their beloved Cuba. Sign up here to be notified when we repeat this talk.

A Historic Tour of Jewish Los Angeles: From Alta California to the Continuing Allure of Hollywood 

Aaron Castillo-White - The history of Los Angeles is deeply intertwined with its Jewish community. Since the city's first census in 1850, Jewish residents have shaped its growth, founding major institutions such as the University of Southern California, Cedars-Sinai Hospital, and Hollywood studios. Their influence extends from early cable cars to the development of Santa Monica, Boyle Heights, and other areas. The story of Jewish Los Angeles is complex. It is the story of the Jewish diaspora, of overcoming adversity, and—above all—of building the second-largest Jewish community in the United States and the fourth-largest in the world. Sign up here to be notified when we repeat this talk. 

Jews in the Jungle: The Community of Suriname

Jacob Steinberg - Discover the surprising and fascinating story of the Jews of Suriname, the oldest existing Jewish community in the Americas. It all began with the establishment of a Jewish community in Amsterdam by Portuguese and Spanish Jews in the late 16th century. Thousands of them moved to Dutch Brazil (Recife), and from there, three groups continued on to what is now Suriname, clearing the jungle and starting sugar plantations. We will also learn about the community's role in saving Jews during World War II, and explore what life looks like today for the small and isolated Jewish community in Suriname. Sign up here to be notified when we repeat this talk.

History, Synagogues and Swiss Chocolate: A Journey Through Jewish Switzerland

Ari Hechel - This talk traces the history of Jewish life in Switzerland from the Middle Ages to today. It explores periods of exclusion, such as bans on ritual slaughter and restrictions on residence and work, as well as Switzerland's mixed role during World War II—offering refuge to some Jews while rejecting others. The story also highlights resilience and renewal through youth movements, schools, and community life. Despite ongoing antisemitism, vibrant Jewish traditions persist, with growing communities, kosher resources, historic synagogues, and an Eruv soon to be completed. Sign up here to be notified when we repeat this talk.

A Jewish Tour of Serbia: Where Ashkenaz meets Sepharad

Sonja Viličić - With a little bit of Balkan and a little bit of Central and Eastern European vibes, this tour will take you on a journey through a country with a turbulent history—a country that had one foot in the Ottoman Empire and the other in the Austro-Hungarian. The tour will explore the history and culture of the Sephardi and Ashkenazi communities that have lived in what is today Serbia. We will look at the role of Jewish communities during some of the bitterest times in the region's history—the World Wars and the breakup of Yugoslavia. The tour will conclude with an overview of contemporary Jewish life in Serbia. Sign up here to be notified when we repeat this talk.

Jews in the Arab World: 
How 3,000 Years of Jewish Civilization Vanished Overnight

Lyn Julius - For nearly 3,000 years, Jews lived across the Middle East and North Africa, often under Muslim rule. Cities like Baghdad once had thriving Jewish populations, yet in just 50 years, over 99% of these communities vanished. What caused this mass exodus? In this talk, Lyn Julius, author of UPROOTED, explores the rich but overlooked history of Sephardi and Mizrahi Jews, Muslim-Jewish relations, the role of European colonialism, and how the plight of Jewish refugees is key to understanding today's Middle East conflict.  Sign up here to be notified when we repeat this talk.

Between Empires and Identities: The Jewish Story of Trieste

Evgenia Kempinski - Trieste, a culturally rich city on the Slovenian-Italian border, has a fascinating Jewish history dating back to the 14th century. Shaped by various empires, it became a unique crossroads of identity and influence. This talk explores Jewish life in Trieste, from its medieval roots in finance to the golden era of cultural flourishing. We'll visit the Jewish Quarter and Synagogue, and trace Ashkenazi and Sephardic communities. We'll confront the tragic impact of the Holocaust, and learn about the enduring heritage of Trieste's Jewish community. Sign up here to be notified when we repeat this talk.

The Jews of Boston: From Late Beginnings to Lasting Impact

Carl Kaplan - Boston's Jewish community shares much with other major U.S. cities—but its story also includes unique twists rooted in its relatively late founding and distinctive development. This engaging presentation, led by a gifted storyteller, explores how the community began, interacted with its neighbors, and grew into a national influence. Featuring figures like Louis Brandeis and Leonard Nimoy, and uncovering lesser-known surprises, the talk brings to life the vibrant legacy of Boston's Jews—past and present—even in the "ghost neighborhoods" left behind by Jewish mobility. Sign up here to be notified when we repeat this talk.

Jews in the Commonwealth of Nations: Trinidad, Gibraltar, Tanzania and Hong Kong

Clive Owen - 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 Trinidad, Gibraltar, Tanzania, and Hong Kong, reflecting on how the Commonwealth shapes and sustains these varied Jewish identities. Sign up here to be notified when we repeat this talk.

A Unique Jewish Story from Libya: A Journey from Suffering and Loss to Joy and Success

David Gerbi's life is a journey of exile, memory, and resilience. Born into a Jewish family in Tripoli, Libya, he fled to Italy after the 1967 anti-Jewish pogroms. As a young refugee, he faced disorientation but also discovered inner strength. Inspired by his heritage and the need to heal trans-generational trauma, he became a Jungian analyst and psychotherapist. In 2002, he returned to Libya, where he found the Jewish cemetery destroyed and met his aunt—the last Jew in Libya. After months of negotiation with Gaddafi's regime, he brought her safely to Italy. While telling his own story, David also sheds light on the heritage, culture, and history of the Jews of Libya. Sign up here to be notified when we repeat this talk.

Jewish History Tour to Morocco

Southern Discomfort: A Personal Journey of the Jews of the South (USA)

The Jews of Crimea and the story of the Karaites

Evgenia Kempinski - The peninsula of Crimea, on the northern shore of the Black Sea, has historically been a land of different peoples and contested borders. Two distinct Jewish communities also lived here side by side for a very long time: traditional Jews and Karaites. We are going to visit Crimea and learn about the differences between traditional (Rabbinic) and Karaite (Non-Rabbinic) Jews. We will also talk about Jewish agricultural settlements, Zionist training camps, and Soviet Jewish collective farms. Then we will discuss the history and traditions of the Karaites in the Russian Empire and look at synagogues, Karaite prayer homes (kenesas), and old Jewish cemeteries. Sign up here to be notified when we repeat this talk.

From Nowogrodek to New York City and Beyond: The Music and History of Klezmer

Yale Strom - The word "klezmer" comes from the Hebrew kli zemer, which means "instrument of the singing." Over time, it came to signify the musicians themselves, and in current usage, it also refers to the musical genre of East European Jewish dance music. This lecture will look at the development of klezmer from medieval times through the 20th century, including photos, video, and musical examples (some from Yale Strom himself). Many of the locations discussed have been personally visited by Strom, who has conducted ethnographic research there.  Sign up here to be notified when we repeat this talk.

The Jews of London: One Thousand Years of History

Ian Fagelson - Join us on a journey through the streets and alleys of London to discover the history of the Jews in England. From the arrival of a Jewish community from Normandy in 1066/67 to the Kindertransport children of 1938/39, Jews have played essential roles in the unfolding drama of British history. On our journey, we will encounter many colourful characters and visit some of the most spectacular sites in the City, revealing the little-known Jewish associations of some of London's most famous landmarks. Sign up here to be notified when we repeat this talk.

Stories of Jewish Budapest: From Affirmation to Persecution and Revival

Dora Koranyi - Budapest, the capital of Hungary, has one of the most fascinating Jewish cultures and history in Europe. It is a community that still flourishes in spite of the many difficulties it has had 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 and the communist era until our present time. Sign up here to be notified when we repeat this talk.

Jewish Life in Toronto's Global Mosaic

Sharoni Sibony - Toronto has been called the "most diverse city in the world" because half its population was born outside of Canada and because its residents represent 230 different nationalities. But at its founding, Toronto was the "City of Churches," a city where, it's been said that into the 1950s, "even the Jews were Presbyterian." Today, Toronto's Jewish community boasts a diverse range of synagogues and schools, social services, cultural festivals - and even filming locations for Adam Sandler! Sign up here to be notified when we repeat this talk.

Jewish Life in China: Tales from the Far East

Pablo Faivel Levinton - For many, it is surprising to learn that China has a long and rich history of Jewish communities. In this talk, we will explore three key locations with significant historical Jewish presence: Kaifeng, where a Jewish community was established in the Middle Ages and whose descendants still live today; Harbin, where Russian Jews settled and thrived around the time of the Trans-Siberian Railway; and Shanghai, which became a refuge for thousands of Jews fleeing persecution during World War II. We will also look at what Jewish life is like in China today for those currently living there. Sign up here to be notified when we repeat this talk.

The Karaite Jews of Egypt - A Hidden Chapter in Jewish History

Ranash (Ran Menashe) - In this lecture, we'll journey through the streets of Alexandria and the pages of my own family history to uncover the lesser-known legacy of Karaite Jews in Egypt. At their peak, they formed a distinct and active part of Jewish life in the region, with their own synagogues, customs, and scholars. We'll also explore how Karaites differ from Rabbanite Jews — in prayer, in Torah interpretation, in their approach to kashrut, gender roles, and more. Join us for this glimpse into a unique Jewish tradition that few have heard of, but that continues to survive and evolve to this day, though now in other parts of the globe. Sign up here to be notified when we repeat this talk. 

Communities of the Past: A Virtual Tour of Ukrainian Shtetls

Evgenia Kempinski - After having visited the main cities of Ukraine, in this third part of our Jewish Ukraine series we will explore the shtetls of Berdichev, Chernowitz, Vizhnitsa, Medzhibozh, Minkovtsy, Murapha, Husyatin, and Chortkiv, symbols of a bygone era in Jewish history. Join us on this virtual expedition to resurrect the past and honor the legacy of Jewish life in Ukrainian shtetls. Let us bridge the gap between generations and weave together the threads of a remarkable heritage. Sign up here to be notified when we repeat this talk

A Tale of Three Kingdoms: The Jews of Andalusia, Morocco and Gibraltar

Moisés Hassán-Amselém - Andalusia (Andalucía), the southern region of Spain, was once considered the most advanced and educated society in the Western world. After the expulsion of the Jews, some fled south across the Strait of Gibraltar and settled in what is now Morocco. Two hundred years later, some of their descendants returned to Gibraltar—a rocky outpost less than two square miles in size that had recently become part of the British Empire. Since 1749, a significant Jewish presence has remained. Travel with us in their footsteps. Sign up here to be notified when we repeat this talk

Jewish Tunisia: At a Crossroads of Civilizations

Rafram Chaddad - Tunisia, once the heart of the Carthaginian empire, has been home to Jewish communities for over 2,000 years. Its central location at the crossroads of civilizations has brought diverse influences on food, culture, language, and identity. Rafram will guide us through the layered and complex history of Jewish life in Tunisia, which took a fateful turn in 1967 following the Six-Day War. He will also share what Jewish life looks like in Tunisia today, and discuss his work as a visual artist, which blends together biography and Jewish identity in contemporary Tunisian society. Sign up here to be notified when we repeat this talk

Polish Jews: Warsaw Ghetto remains and Jewish revival

Łukasz Godlewski - Before World War II, Warsaw was the second-largest Jewish city in the world. After the Holocaust, many survivors left Poland, but some chose to stay. In recent decades, young Polish people have begun rediscovering their Jewish roots—often hidden by parents and grandparents. I am one of them, and I want to share my family's story with you. I will also take you on a virtual tour of the Warsaw Ghetto remains and show you how Jewish life in Warsaw is being revived. Sign up here to be notified when we repeat this talk

Past and Present of Jewish Romania, from Transylvania with love

Natalia Gross & Cristian Ezri - Before the Holocaust, the Romanian Jewish Community had a very interesting mix of cultures, traditions and languages, based on the three areas of the country: Transylvania, Moldavia & Wallachia. Find out some of the historical facts and legends of the community, and the eclecticism of the scenery where Judaism could have been long gone. Discover our life story, and our goal to keep Judaism alive in Romania, while being fully involved in the secular society. Sign up here to be notified when we repeat this talk

The Jewish Metropolis: A tour of Jewish New York through Time and Space

Daniel Soyer - New York City is the greatest Jewish metropolis of all time. At its peak, Jews constituted nearly 30% of the city's population. Not surprisingly, Jews have influenced New York's culture, economy, and politics. But the Jewish presence is also very diverse. From the establishment of the first community in 1654 to the present, New York Jews have pioneered religious reform and led the resurgence of traditionalist orthodoxy; they have been among the richest financiers and poorest shop workers; they have provided the base for political radicalism and liberalism, and the intellectual power behind resurgent conservatism. This talk will offer a virtual tour of Jewish New York through time and space – from the 17th century to the 21st, and from tenements of the Lower East Side to leafy Riverdale. Sign up here to be notified when we repeat this talk

Echoes of the Past: Jewish Life in Venice's Ghetto and Beyond

Nina Wachsman - What is known about the Jews of Venice is that they were the first to be restricted to living in a small walled island known as a "ghetto." But though they were limited in where they could live, Jews were valued and their presence in Venice was seen as a benefit to the welfare of the city. This talk will describe Jewish life within and outside the Venetian Ghetto and the famous men and women from its Golden Age. Today, the smaller yet vibrant Jewish community in Venice preserves its heritage through synagogues, a museum, and cultural activities. You will come away with a better appreciation of the unique relationship between the city of Venice and its Jews. Sign up here to be notified when we repeat this talk

Names and Heritage: The origins of Ashkenazi Surnames

Evgenia Kempinski - Explore the fascinating history behind the family names of Ashkenazi Jews in Central and Eastern Europe. This virtual lecture delves into the origins, meanings, and cultural significance of these surnames. Together, we will discover how historical events, occupations, places of residence, and local languages shaped the naming conventions of Ashkenazi Jewish communities. Sign up here to be notified when we repeat this talk

Jerusalem as Modern City: A Virtual Tour of the German Colony and Baka

Eszter Koranyi - When people think of Jerusalem, they often picture its holy sites. Yet Jerusalem is also a living, modern city, with all its challenges and beauty. We invite you on a virtual walk that begins in the mid-19th century, when the first residents left the Old City's medieval alleys to settle outside the walls, and newcomers arrived, bringing with them a modern way of life. This process of modernization, shaped by shifting political landscapes and an ever-changing mosaic of religions, ethnic identities, and languages, continues to this day. We'll explore two iconic neighborhoods to examine this transformation more closely, through stories and personal impressions. Sign up here to be notified when we repeat this talk.

Two people, one womb: The Jews of Italy

Miriam Camerini - Jews have been living in Italy since the last centuries BCE, even before the destruction of the second Temple. They've adopted local music, food, language, style, and customs. There have been tough times, but overall, it is a story of co-existence and mutual respect. We'll explore the history of Jews during the Roman Empire, the Middle Ages, the ghettos of Venice, Mantua, and Rome through emancipation, World Wars, and the present day. We'll discover language, poetry, music, theater, liturgy, and - of course - cuisine. Sign up here to be notified when we repeat this talk.

A Year of Music and Food in Jewish Italy

Miriam Camerini - Italy is one of the most ancient Jewish diasporas, probably the oldest in Western Europe. Both its liturgical music and culinary recipes are therefore believed to have stemmed directly from the destruction of the second Temple, if not earlier. Following an ideal Jewish calendar, from a Rosh Hashana to the next, we'll delve into the music and cuisine of what has been her family heritage for centuries and centuries with Miriam Camerini, Israeli-born, Italian-raised theatre director, actress, singer, and rabbi-to-be. Miriam has written a book on food and religion(s): (Ricette e Precetti, 2019) and has been researching and performing Jewish music of different diasporas for the last 20 years: come and  hear! Sign up here to be notified when we repeat this talk.

The Jews of Panama: A Thriving Community Between Two Oceans

David Mizrachi Fidanque - Welcome to Panama, the only place where you can see the sunrise over the Pacific Ocean and the sunset on the Atlantic Ocean. It is also the only country besides Israel to have had two Jewish presidents in the 20th century—a remarkable achievement for a community that has existed openly only since the end of Spanish colonial rule in the 1820s. Home to 10,000–12,000 Jews, Panama has the largest continuously existing Jewish community in Central America, and it continues to grow thanks to the recent arrival of Jews from other Latin American countries fleeing political and economic instability. Join us on this virtual journey for a historical, demographic, social, gastronomic, and spiritual exploration of this small but thriving community. Sign up here to be notified when we repeat this talk.

Turkish Jews: Jewish legacy in Anatolia and today's Turkey

Nisya Isman Allovi - Director of the Jewish Museum of Turkey

The history of the Jews in Anatolia began around 2,400 years ago with the arrival of Romaniot, Mizrahim, and Karaite communities, followed later by Ashkenazim and Sephardic Jews. We will explore ancient synagogues, Jewish settlements, and cemeteries from different eras and traditions, as well as significant events from World War I and World War II. Sephardic cuisine, music, the Judeo-Spanish language, and ethnographic and liturgical objects from the museum collection will be presented. Finally, we will discover today's vibrant Jewish life in Turkey. Sign up here to be notified when we repeat this talk.

Music among the Crypto-Jews of Portugal: An almost vanished world

Judith Cohen - After the expulsion of Jews from Portugal, some remained as Crypto-Jews. In the early 20th century, there was a "discovery" of the Jews of Belmonte and the northeastern region of Trás-os-Montes—communities that had lived in isolation with limited cultural contact with the outside world. I will introduce the people I interviewed and explain how their songs and recited prayers function in both religious and secular contexts. Then, we will move into the internet and social media age, exploring how these traditions have been folklorized—always emphasizing the people and the places where and how they live. Sign up here to be notified when we repeat this talk. 

Sefarad: Music of the Jews of Spain, Portugal and their diaspora

Judith Cohen - Sefarad is both a place and a concept - it's Spain and Portugal, but also the centuries and continents of the Sephardic diaspora to the present day. We'll travel musically from medieval Jewish life in the Iberian Peninsula through the diaspora in Morocco and the eastern Mediterranean, across former Ottoman lands. Old ballads with hypnotic stories, irresistible wedding rhythms, songs of the Jewish calendar, and beloved love songs and everyday melodies will be presented live and through archival recordings - accompanied by photos and stories of the Sephardim who kept this tradition alive against all odds. Sign up here to be notified when we schedule a new date

The Jews of Galicia (Western Ukraine): A Virtual Tour of Lviv and Brody

Evgenia Kempinski - Lviv—the city that changed hands so many times: from Poland to Austria, then back to Poland, then to the USSR, and finally to independent Ukraine. Jews settled here as early as the 13th century. At its height, the city had around 100 synagogues, and Jewish religious, commercial, and intellectual life flourished over the centuries. Brody—now a small and little-known town—was once one of the most important Jewish centers in Europe. We invite you to travel through Galicia and explore the uniqueness of its Jewish history. Sign up here to be notified when we schedule a new date

Jewish Genealogy 101. A Beginners Guide to Tracing Your Jewish Roots

Michael Tobias - This presentation will outline some of the methods, materials, and sources available to help you trace your Jewish lineage. We will cover some of the complications that arise when researching Jewish families, including variations in given names, surnames, and town names. Contrary to popular belief, spelling is not the main obstacle in Jewish genealogy. Getting started on your journey can be difficult, and identifying your family's origins in the "old country" and uncovering their original surnames is not always easy. Some common myths will be dispelled—no, your family surname was NOT changed at Ellis Island or UK ports of arrival, and they were not "dumped" at a UK port and told it was America. If time allows, DNA testing will also be discussed. Sign up here to be notified when we schedule a new date

The Jewish Heritage of São Paulo, Brazil's Most Cosmopolitan City

Felipe Lichand - São Paulo is home to the largest Jewish community in Brazil and one of the most vibrant in Latin America. The Jewish presence in the city dates back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when waves of immigrants from Europe and the Middle East arrived, shaping São Paulo's cultural, economic, and social landscape. In this talk, we will explore the fascinating history of the city's Jewish community, from its early days to the present. Discover São Paulo's most significant Jewish landmarks, synagogues, institutions, and neighborhoods—each of which has played a crucial role in shaping Jewish life in Brazil. Sign up here to be notified when we schedule a new date

Jewish Germany Part 1: Berlin Jewish Heritage Through the Ages

Olga Bokhonovskaya - This Jewish Berlin tour explores the fascinating history of the city's Jewish community, from its early settlers to modern times. You'll visit the oldest Jewish cemetery, admire the imposing New Synagogue, and learn about the Jewish merchants, financiers, and intellectuals who shaped Berlin's economic and cultural life. At the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe and the "Trains to Life – Trains to Death" monument, you'll confront the darkest chapter in the history of Berlin's Jews. Finally, the tour looks at Jewish life in the GDR and how Jewish communities were rebuilt on both sides of the Berlin Wall.  Sign up here to be notified when we schedule a new date

Jewish Germany Part 2: Virtual Jewish Rhineland Tour. Frankfurt, Mainz, Worms

Olga Bokhonovskaya- Explore the rich Jewish heritage of the Rhineland on this virtual tour of Frankfurt, Mainz, and Worms—three cities that helped shape Ashkenazi Jewish culture. In Frankfurt, stroll through the historic Judengasse—once home to the Rothschild family—and visit the Jewish Museum and the Old Cemetery. Mainz, a renowned center of medieval Jewish learning, features the Judensand Cemetery and the striking New Synagogue. In Worms, discover the legacy of Rashi, the 11th-century synagogue, and the historic Heiliger Sand Cemetery. Experience the resilience, scholarship, and enduring contributions of these communities, whose profound influence on Jewish history lives on to this day. Sign up here to be notified when we schedule a new date

Jewish Germany Part 3: Virtual Jewish Bavaria Tour: Regensburg, Bamberg, Nuremberg, and Munich

Olga Bokhonovskaya - Discover the rich Jewish history of Bavaria on this virtual tour through Regensburg, Bamberg, Nuremberg, and Munich. Regensburg, home to one of Germany's oldest Jewish communities, features a medieval Jewish quarter and the New Regensburg Synagogue. In Bamberg, Jewish life thrived from the 12th century, with highlights including Judengasse and several historic synagogues. Munich's Jewish heritage includes the Ohel Jakob Synagogue and memorials to sites lost during Kristallnacht. Nuremberg, once a center of Jewish scholarship, later became a hub of Nazi propaganda. The tour explores the medieval Jewish quarter, the destroyed Nuremberg Synagogue, and postwar efforts to restore Jewish life. Sign up here to be notified when we schedule a new date

The Ashkephardim of Venezuela: A Unique Jewish Community

Néstor Luis Garrido - Do Jewish communities in the Diaspora end up resembling their host countries? In the racially mixed Venezuela of the 20th century, this seems to be true, as the local kehila, mainly from Romania and Morocco, followed the example set by the broader Venezuelan society. Ashkenazi and Sephardic Jews intermarried and established common institutions that laid the foundations of a brotherhood that distinguishes the Venezuelan Jewish community—an identity where gefilte fish and adafina are shared at the same table. However, the current times have forced many to leave, and this community is trying to hold on to the splendor it enjoyed in past decades. Sign up here to be notified when we schedule a new date

Jewish Amsterdam: A Small Community with a Giant History

Nachshon Rodrigues Pereira - Nachshon, one of the few remaining descendants of the original Portuguese Jews of Amsterdam, will describe what Jewish Amsterdam was like in the 17th century when the city was the center of the Jewish world: offering the best Jewish education, housing the biggest Rabbis and being home to the largest synagogue in the world. Find out how this community was shaped and how it shaped its environment; how much was lost during World War II, and what is left now. A compelling journey embellished with music, visuals, and anecdotes. Sign up here to be notified when we schedule a new date

Jewish Barcelona: now you see it, now you don't

Dominique Tomasov Blinder- Jewish presence in Barcelona can be traced back to the period between the mid-9th and the end of the 14th century. What are the clues to this Jewish past? Are there any artifacts from that time? Where are they kept? How do we connect with our history? What are our places of memory today? The early 20th century marks the beginning of a second chapter of Jewish life in the city. We will explore the irregular evolution of this community, the second largest in Spain, and discover how Jews contributed to some of the most characteristically "Spanish" creations. Sign up here to be notified when we schedule a new date

The Jews of Ukraine: A Virtual Tour of Kyiv and Odesa

Evgenia Kempinski - We invite you to discover the heart of Ukraine through its key cities, Kyiv and Odesa, and explore their rich Jewish heritage. Jews have lived in Kyiv since the 8th century. Throughout the centuries, the city has been home to renowned Jewish scholars and rabbis, writers and Zionist thinkers, as well as influential figures in business, culture, and politics. Kyiv's Jewish community has known both great prosperity and profound tragedy. Odesa, on the other hand, is often regarded by many Russian-speaking Jews as the Jewish capital of the former USSR. Sign up here to be notified when we schedule a new date