New location next week: Corner of J and Ocean

New location next week: corner of J and Ocean.

Who Was the Hatam Sofer (Chasam Sofer)? Jews of the Danube pt. 3

A scholar and a fighter, the Hatam Sofer articulated a definition of Orthodoxy for the modern era.

A Statement on the Pittsburgh Tragedy from the Flatbush Society of Fellows.

Who Was Isaac of Vienna (Or Zaru’a)? The Jews of the Danube pt. 2

Brief video lecture on the life and work of Isaac of Vienna (c. 1180-c. 1250), author of the important Or Zaru’a.

Jewish History Lectures Resume Monday Night!

We begin our discussion of the Jews of the Danube with the question: “Who Was Isaac of Vienna (the Or Zaru’a)?”

The Tomb of the Hatam Sofer in Bratislava, Slovakia

Unexpected and unexplained, a phalanx of glass obelisks emerge silently from the earthen mound, punctuating the atmosphere above what appears to be an anonymous tel. Some are transparent, others pebbled and translucent, but all glow with a faint green hue. Unyielding, they stand in rigid formation on the angled surface of the earth. These mute […]

The Golden Age of Budapest Jewry: Today’s Excursion with Kosher River Cruises

When the Hungarians purchased their alphabet, vowels were on sale (also plastic sofa coverings and chandeliers). By the time the Poles came around, all that was left were the consonants. This helps explain why we anglophones are so challenged by both languages: in the case of Hungarian, there are just way too many umlauts and […]

Will the Danube Release its Wartime Secrets?

Abandoned Nazi trucks were discovered by children playing in the shallows of the diminished Danube.

Tonight in Budapest, Hungary

Hello fellow students of Jewish history! Today our exploration of Jewish heritage along the Danube River valley begins in Budapest, home to one of the largest concentrations of Jews at the turn of the 20th century. I’m really thrilled to be together with so many people who share my passion for the amazing story of […]

The Saga of Danubian Jewry: Part One of The Jews of the Danube Series (Fall 2018)

Part One of The Jews of the Danube series (Fall 2018). Several lectures to be presented live in Europe this month, planning to return to Brooklyn for more live lectures beginning November 5. Enjoy in good health!