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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What is Yud Shvat? This Week in Jewish History
Yud Shvat, the tenth day of the Hebrew month of Shvat, is an auspicious date for Chabad Hasidm, commemorating the passing of the 6th Rebbe in 1950 and the ascension to leadership of the 7th Rabbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, one year later on January 17, 1951.
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Jewish History in the Sixteenth Century (Essential Lectures in Jewish History)
The Jewish people experienced dramatic changes in the sixteenth century that reverberate to this day. This lecture discusses three aspects of this century in particular: 1) the demographic upheavals associated with the expulsions from Spain and Portugal as well as the Ashkenazic migration, 2) the impact of the disruptive technology of printing, and 3) the…
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Who Was Rabbi Shlomo Alkabets? Jewish Biography as History by Dr. Henry Abramson
Famed author of the Lecha Dodi hymn sung on the eve of the Jewish sabbath, Rabbi Alkabets was one of the founding members of the 16th-century school of Kabbalists based in Safed (Tsfat), Israel. Next week’s lecture: Gluckel of Hameln! Love Yiddish culture? Check out the new poster for the 2015 Kultur Festival in Boca…
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Who Were the Soncinos? Jews and the Gutenberg Revolution(s)
Early adopters of the newest disruptive technology, the Soncino family were the first Jewish printers in 15th century Europe. This lecture discusses some aspects of the early decades of Jewish printing, and meditates on the meaning of the current digital revolution for Jewish culture and society. Planning to attend Limmud Miami this year? I would…
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Who Was the Rashba? Jewish Biography as History by Dr. Henry Abramson
Rabbi Shlomo ben Adret, known to his student by the acronym of his name Rashba, was one of the most brilliant Talmudists of medieval Spain. Student of Nachmanides (Ramban) and teacher to the Ritva, his writings are studied to the present day. Here’s Dr. Abramson in print (because there are times and places where one…
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Thanks for not asking too many hard questions! Henry Abramson’s 2014 Lectures in Review
The WordPress.com stats helper monkeys prepared a 2014 annual report for this blog. Here’s an excerpt: The concert hall at the Sydney Opera House holds 2,700 people. This blog was viewed about 31,000 times in 2014. If it were a concert at Sydney Opera House, it would take about 11 sold-out performances for that many…
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The Septuagint (This Week in Jewish History) Dr. Henry Abramson
The Septuagint, an ancient translation of the Torah into Koine Greek, had a tremendous impact on the later Christian understanding of Jewish theology.
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Who Was Qasmunah? Jewish Biography as History
Preserved in a medieval anthology of women poets, Qasmunah’s unique voice stands out as one of the few surviving voices of the Jewish Golden Age in Spain. Recent Publications by Dr. Abramson (better in print than on video anyway):
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What is Chanukah, and How Do You Spell it? This Week in Jewish History
What, exactly is Chanukah (or is it Hanukah, or Hannukkah)? This short video describes the historical origins of the holiday, notes the ironic nature of its observance in the American context, and has a couple of jokes besides. Suggested Holiday Gifts (Maybe for people you don’t especially like). Many titles available…
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Who Was Ibn Ezra? Jewish Biography as History Dr. Henry Abramson
Hailed as one of the greatest commentators on the Torah, Abraham ibn Ezra lived a life of great scholarly accomplishment amidst great personal suffering.
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THIS YEAR IN JERUSALEM: Alexander Abramson Runs the Jerusalem Marathon for Crossroads
A MESSAGE FROM ALEXANDER ABRAMSON: Hey everybody, this year I have the good fortune to be in Israel and to be able to run the Jerusalem Marathon. The charity that I am going to be running for is called Crossroads and I believe it is an excellent cause. Their mission is to help teens who…
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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A Visit to Poland and Lithuania
Visiting my ancestral home in Lithuania, first family member in a century
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Why do Koreans Love the Talmud? Shabbat Next Week in Woodmere NY
Looking forward to discussing the history of Jerusalem!
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Some Videos to Have in Mind for Passover
Here’s a few notes on the Exodus that you might find useful. Have a wonderful holiday!
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Why I love My Job; The Magnificent 17th century Synagogue of Tiktin; The Jews of the Russian Empire; The Fruit of Haste is Regret
Our Annual Charity Campaign begins March 25! The 1642 Synagogue of Tykocin (Tiktin) A Lightning Survey of Russian Jewish History The Guide for the Perplexed: The Fruit of Haste is Regret The Jews of Ashkenaz Lectures
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Exclusionary Pressures in Medieval Latin Ashkenaz; Jews of the Russian Empire; Maimonides on Biblical Metaphor
The Decline of Ashkenaz in the High Middle Ages From its Origins to the 20th century Maimonides on Biblical Metaphor
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Jews and Moneylending in Medieval Ashkenaz; The Jews of Bukhara; Jews of Russia (Live Lecture in Queens)
Join us for a live lecture at Touro University, Monday night! Difficult Topic. The Jews of Bukhara
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Monday Night in Queens: The Jews of Bukhara and the Sephardic World; The Mysterious Tale of Eldad the Danite; Jews and Commerce in Medieval Ashkenaz
Lecture open to the public! RSVP required Live Zoom link available to YouTube Channel Members, check your Community Tab for the link. The Elders of Kairouan Wondered: Is this guy for real? Jews and Commerce in Medieval Ashkenaz
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Bukharian Jews and the Sephardic World (Public lecture in Queens); Takkanot of Early Ashkenazic; Resurgence of Antisemitism after October 7
Monday March 3: Please join me for this public lecture! Today: The Takkanot of Early Ashkenaz Resurgence of Antisemitism after October 7 (Project Witness Conference) Want to learn more?
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How Were Jews Allowed to Settle in Medieval Ashkenaz? Lectures in Jerusalem; More Guide to the Perplexed; Bukharian Jews in Queens NY
Very enthused to be speaking at the following Yeshivot in Israel! Contact their offices for details: Second lecture in the History of Ashkenazic Jewry series Maimonides’ Guide for the Perplexed 3. Blockheads are Gonna Block Please join me for these public lectures!
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Jews in Poland and Lithuania; The Mysterious Radhanites; Eurafrican Jews of the Caribbean; The Remarkable Shem Tov Bible
Enjoyed this conversation with President Kadish and Dr. Leiman! Who Were The Mysterious Radhanites? The Remarkable Shem Tov Bible With Dr. Sharon Liberman Mintz, Judaica curator for Southeby’s, at a private viewing of this amazing 14th century Spanish Bible. Eurafrican Jews of the Caribbean
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Shabbat in Five Towns at YILC; Poland and Lithuania with Dr. Shnayer Leiman; Videos on Sephardic Diaspora in Safed; New Ashkenaz Series for Members
Really looking forward to speaking to this amazing community! The Sephardic Diaspora: Safed and Rabbi Moshe Cordoeiro (Cordovero) New Series on Ashkenazic Jewry for Channel Members
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
Jewish Resilience After October 7; American Jews, Post-Honeymoon; The Jews of Al-Andalus
Three Strategies
Jews under the Visigoths II; The Spanish Golden Age
Public at 10am ET (44 minutes)
Online Courses in Jewish History
Jewish Life in Visigothic Spain; Commemorating October 7
This is one of the most bizarre periods of Jewish history, and that’s saying a lot.
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
