The Jews of Bukhara (Sunday in Denver); the Maimonidean Controversy; Save the Date for Roslyn NY
Really looking forward to speaking to the Or Avner community in Aurora, CO!

The Maimonidean Controversy
Save the Date: Shabbaton in Roslyn NY, December 20-21

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The Holocaust (Essential Lectures in Jewish History by Dr. Henry Abramson)
This is a brief academic presentation of the history of the Nazi attempt to destroy the Jews of Europe during World War II. Part of the Essential Lectures in Jewish History series by Dr. Henry Abramson. To view the Prezi used in this lecture, please click here.
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Heinrich Heine: Poet of Judenschmerz
Revered by many as Germany’s greatest poet, Heine struggled mightily with his Jewish identity in the culturally inimical milieu of the 19th century. This phenomenon, known as Judenschmerz, was widespread among 19th century western European Jews. Despite his 1825 conversion to Christianity, Heine maintained a long, albeit conflicted, relationship to his Jewish background. Part of…
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Sarah Schenirer and the Revolution in Jewish Education for Women (This Week in Jewish History)
Sarah Schenirer (1883-1935) founded the Bais Yaakov (Bet Ya’akov) school system for women. One of the most visionary educators of the twentieth century, her movement had global impact. To view the Prezi associated with this lecture, please click here.
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Benjamin Disraeli: Jewish-born Prime Minister of England
Baptized at age 12 as the result of his father’s dispute with a synagogue, Benjamin Disraeli (1804-1881) rose to prominence as a novelist and politician, serving several times as England’s Prime Minister. Colorful and flamboyant, Disraeli dismissed his antisemitic critics by emphasizing, rather than downplaying, his Jewish origins.
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The Beilis Affair of 1911-1913 (This Week in Jewish History) by Dr. Henry Abramson
The discovery of the mutilated body of a young boy in Kiev led to the false arrest of a Jewish laborer named Mendel Beilis. Ignoring the argument of investigating officers, the Russian government under Tsar Nicholas II pressed ahead with the prosecution of Beilis, arguing that the boy was murdered as part of a Passover-related…
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Women in Jewish History (Essential Lectures in Jewish History) by Dr. Henry Abramson
A thematic introduction to the topic of women in Jewish history, part of the Essential Lectures in Jewish History series by Dr. Henry Abramson. To view the Prezi associated with this lecture please click here.
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“Purimfest 1946:” Julius Streicher and the Ten Sons of Haman (This Week in Jewish History)
In October of 1946, ten Nazi defendants were hung on gallows erected by the International Military Tribunal. One of the most notorious, the propagandist Julius Streicher, uttered the phrase “Purimfest 1946” moments before his death, unconsciously echoing a mysterious passage in the Biblical book of Esther itself. Fascinating footnote in Jewish History!
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Rabbi Israel Salanter: The Mussar Movement
Rabbi Yisrael Lipkin of Salant (Israel Salanter, 1810-1883) was the founder of the modern Mussar movement that revolutionized traditional Jewish education. Controversial during his lifetime, his ideas ultimately permeated the Yeshiva system as a whole. Part of the Jewish Biography as History series in Jewish History.
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Salomon Maimon: Incipient Rebellion
Blessed with a fine mind but an obstreperous personality, Salomon Maimon was one of the most erudite rebels against Judaism in the 18th century, leaving a powerful memoir that betrayed some of the stress points in traditional society.
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The Haskalah (Essential Lectures in Jewish History) Dr. Henry Abramson
The Haskalah was a major intellectual-political movement of the 18th and 19th centuries. Seeking political emancipation and intellectual freedom, it challenged the hegemony of the traditionalist authorities, leading to widespread assimilation on one hand but exceptionally creative solutions to modernity on the other. Part of the Essential Lectures in Jewish History series. To view the…
The Jews of Bukhara (Denver, CO); The Jews of the Lesser Antilles; Varieties of Crypto-Jewish Identity; Wait, Alexander Hamilton was Jewish?
Looking forward to a wonderful Shabbat in the Denver Jewish community!

Our Itinerary of Discovery in the Western Caribbean
Channel Members
Premiering at 10am ET
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Today at 1pm: The Threat of Haskalah
Last of a three-part series looking at the major Jewish intellectual movements of the 18th century.
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Hasidim, Mitnagdim, Maskilim Pt 2: The Challenge of Hasidism (12 Noon ET)
Premiering today, hopefully with live chat, at 12pm ET (New York time). Here’s part 1 if you want to catch up or even review.
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Hasidim, Mitnagdim, Maskilim: Part 1 premieres today at 12 noon ET
First in a three-part series looking at the major Jewish intellectual movements of the 18th century. Guest lecture at Beth Jacob Congregation, Beverly Hills CA, delivered April 21, 2021.
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Jews in the Land of Israel, 132-1492 and How did the Jews Survive the Medieval Period?
Two brief discussions, concluding the second of three semesters of the Jewish History Lab series of lectures. Premiering at 12 pm ET, hopefully with live chat. Enjoy in good health!
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The Purpose of Atheism
The Purpose of Atheism: A brief thought from my Rabbi relevant to Renewal: A Comprehensive Resource for Kidney Donors and Recipients, which is in the last day of its major fundraising drive. Please contribute! https://campaigns.causematch.com/renewal/8464
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Jews in Catholic Spain, Conversos, and the Inquisition
Brief overview of the experience of Jews in Catholic Spain from the 13th century through the expulsion of 1492. Premieres at 12pm ET (New York time) today. Join us for a live chat!
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Kidneys in Jewish Thought and History
Some background to my wife’s altruistic kidney donation two years ago on Erev Yom Kippur. You can help! Click here to support kidney donation through Renewal.
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Can we use the word “pogrom” in Israel?
Some historical thoughts on recent usage of the word “pogrom” to describe the current situation in some Israeli cities. Thanks to JTA Editors Philissa Cramer and Andrew Silow-Carroll for shaping the article.
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Women in Medieval Jewish History
Two brief discussions of the history of women in the Medieval period, 12 pm ET (New York Time) with live chat. Join us!
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Medieval Jew-Hatred in Historical Context (Blood Libel and Host Desecration)
After a brief overview placing the medieval period in historical context, we look more deeply at two especially noxious false charges: the Blood Libel and Desecration of the Host.
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Jews in the Medieval Economy
A look at the role of Jews in the medieval European economy, with emphasis on trade and finance. Premiering today at 1pm ET (New York Time) with live chat.
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This Sunday: Honor our Community’s Kidney Donors
Please join us this Sunday for an outdoor gathering honoring our community’s heroic kidney donors.
Visits to Synagogues in Bordeaux and Libourne (France); Another Open Letter to Jewish Participants in anti-Israel Protests re: Amsterdam; Conference Presentation on Sheptytsky and WW II
Fantastic Voyage of Discovery with Kosher River Cruises
A Difficult Conversation
Recent Conference Presentation in Toronto
Wait, Christopher Columbus was Jewish? Documentary on Roman-Jewish War now Online
Surprised how much attention this got.
Herod’s Tragic Reign
The Fatal Conflict
How Jewish Culture will Thrive after October 7; The Jews of Al-Andalus Part II
Remarks at Lander College for Men
Maimonides and the Controversy over His Work
Jews under the Visigoths II; The Spanish Golden Age
Public at 10am ET (44 minutes)
Online Courses in Jewish History



New Lecture Series: The Sweep of Sephardic History; Faith in Times of Crisis: Commemorating the Tragedy of October 7
New Lecture Series: The History of Sephardic Jewry




