“Who Was Vladimir Jabotinsky?” is sponsored by Norman and Bridgette Robinson in memory of Leona Robinson of blessed memory. In the words of her son, she was “an avid reader who loved history” who would have enjoyed this lecture. Thank to the Robinsons for becoming the first members of the Friends of Jewish History! Their…

Hello fans of Jewish History! We have some very exciting plans developing for the Fall 2016 lecture series. I’m thinking about organizing a live webcast, live Q&A sessions, and a few other really cool things. We are thinking about how we can bring the lectures to a new level of technical quality, and that’s where you…

Hey, here’s a nice article that Elisheva Schlam put on the Touro College website. They even splurged for a new headshot (above).  I like it, but it makes me look about ten years older than the last one we took, about a decade ago.  View the article in its original context, or read below. This…

I am grateful to Rebecca Odessa, an exceptionally talented artist, who recently created thirteen startling and powerful illustrations of the Thirteen Levels of Mercy as described in Rabbi Moshe Cordovero’s Date Palm of Devorah.  I am so pleased that my translation and commentary, entitled The Kabbalah of Forgiveness, helped her clarify her vision and translate it into these…

Maybe this you’ll like? Maimonides on Teshuvah: The Ways of Repentance Click here for the first chapter and some cool videos on the book. Here’s another book that’s super-appropriate for the High Holidays.  Excellent personal reading, and if someone is really angry with you, makes a great gift! (I have given it to several of…

Hello fellow students of Jewish history! I’m very proud to announce the Fall 2016 schedule of lectures in Jewish history, featuring the Jewish History @ J series at the Mighty Avenue J campus of Touro College!  Please visit this link for the full calendar, with photos and descriptions: https://jewishhistorylectures.org/upcoming-public-lectures/ Last year, without even trying, we received…

Join us for this free webinar! Speaking in Miami this Shabbos: Please drop by and say hello if you’re on Williams Island! Paul of Tarsus (aka St. Paul) Schwab and Yael explore this fascinating topic that is, believe it or not, a big part of Jewish history!

The Saga of Dutch Jewry (live webinar: please join us!) Premiering at Noon ET. Class delivered to The Habura in London A Tribute to Professor Michael Marrus ע׳׳ה from a Student

Some personal memories and appreciation of Professor Michael Marrus, a master instructor who taught at the University of Toronto for 49 years.

What an amazing history! Who Were the Radhanites? The Hebrew Hammer: The True Story of Hanukkah The Synagogue and the Church Emergent (Jewish Encounter with Rome series)

If you’re in the neighborhood of Shaarei Shomayim, please come by on Saturday or Sunday morning, would be nice to say hi.

Students of Daf Yomi! This one’s for you. Who are the Jews of Africa? Join me for Shabbat at Shaarei Shomayim, Toronto!

Proud parent: Aryeh running to support ADI Negev Very proud of our son Aryeh, raising funds to support the Respiratory Therapy and Hydrotherapy programs at ADI Negev, an institute that celebrates Ability, promotes Diversity and insists on Inclusion. Join us in supporting his worthy efforts! Please click here for more information: https://adi-il.org/campaign/aryeh-abramson/ How did Jews get to Africa…

Ach, here we go again. Who is a Jew, anyway? Join me for a discussion of the long history of Jewish communities of color, beginning with some historical observations relating to the current version of the perennial “Who is a Jew” debate. Register for free at https://bit.ly/JEWSOFCOLOR. The Genetic History of Ashkenazi Jews Related, strangely,…

What happens when two young Jewish history nerds start to schmooze? This. Visiting the Jewish Community of Mexico City Upcoming Lectures Brief discussion with Dr. Daniel Fainstein, Dean of Jewish Studies at Universidad Hebraica (in English)

Join us Wednesday Night (7:30 pm) at Young Israel of Lawrence-Cedarhust Interview with Dr. Daniel Fainstein of the Universidad Ebraíca, Mexico City I recently spent several days in Mexico City getting to know this fascinating community (more video forthcoming!). Here’s a conversation I had with my colleague Daniel Fainstein, Dean of Jewish Studies at Universidad…

Explora tu Judaísmo at Limmud Mexico this Shabbat! Very honored to share the stage with James Carroll, author of the National Book Award-winning Constantine’s Sword this coming Shabbat at Limmud Mexico. Our joint keynote address will focus on the topic of “Jews in the Christian Mind; Christians in the Jewish Mind.” I’ll be speaking on…

Fascinating Jewish History in Venice! Yahrzeit of the Piaseczno Rebbe (Aish Kodesh) Meaningful People Podcast Interview Thanks to all who have sent kind words about the podcast version of this interview. I thought it went well, here’s the YouTube version.