A brief biography of Sigmund Freud, with emphasis on his Jewish background and identity. Part of the Jewish Biography as History Series, more available at http://www.henryabramson.com.
Who Was Sigmund Freud? Jewish Biography as History
Modern Antisemitism (Essential Lectures in Jewish History)
An introduction to the major themes in modern antisemitic ideology (1880-present). Warning: not quite as nasty as the lecture on medieval antisemitism, but disturbing nevertheless. Part of the Essential Lectures in Jewish History series, more available at http://www.henryabramson.com.
Who Was Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneerson? Jewish Biography as History
Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneerson, also known as “Der Frierdiker Rebbe” (The Earlier Rebbe) to distinguish him from his successor, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, was the sixth leader of the Chabad-Lubavitch movement. Living in tumultuous times, he shifted the center of the movement from its Eastern European origins to its current headquarters in the United States.
Who Was Heinrich Graetz? Jewish Biography as History by Dr. Henry Abramson
Heinrich Graetz (1817-1891) was the first encyclopedic historian of the Jewish people, and his massive 10-volume History of the Jews had a phenomenal impact on the way Jews saw themselves as a nation living in the diaspora.
Looking forward to seeing you at Limmud this Sunday! Click the image below to learn more about my presentation on The Kabbalah of Forgiveness: Rabbi Moshe Cordovero and the 13 Levels of Mercy.
Jewish History Manifesto by Dr. Henry Abramson
Imagine that, while browsing in the library, you come across one book unlike the rest, which catches your eye because on its spine is written the name of your family. Intrigued, you open it and see many pages written by different hands in many languages. You start reading it, and gradually you begin to understand what it is. It is the story each generation of your ancestors has told for the sake of the next, so that everyone born into this family can learn where they came from, what happened to them, what they lived for and why. As you turn the pages, you reach the last, which carries no entry but a heading. It bears your name.
Jonathan Sacks, A Letter in the Scroll
We believe:
- that the study of Jewish history adds value and meaning to human existence for both Jews and non-Jews
- that academic Jewish history lectures need not sacrifice content to be entertaining
- that access to high-quality information on Jewish history should be free
- that shared intellectual curiosity about Jewish history is a healthy way to build a community
- that the study of Jewish history is one of many paths that lead to the study of Torah, and that Torah study is enriched by a fuller understanding of Jewish history
Who Was Rabbi Nahman of Bratslav? Jewish Biography as History
One of the most creative, unusual, and controversial Hasidic leaders at the turn of the 19th century, Rabbi Nahman of Bratzlav (Nachman of Breslov) continues to inspire generations of disciples. Part of the Jewish Biography as History series, more available at http://www.henryabramson.com.
Who Was Joseph Perl? Jewish Biography as History by Dr. Henry Abramson
One of the strongest critics of early Hasidism, Joseph Perl was a fervent advocate of the Haskalah, or Jewish Enlightenment, in 19th century Galicia. Part of the Jewish Biography as History series by Dr. Henry Abramson, more available at http://www.henryabramson.com.
The Origins of Modern Jewish Humor (Essential Lectures in Jewish History)
This is a more-or-less scholarly discussion of the origins of modern Jewish history in Enlightenment Europe. Warning: there are a few jokes in this video, but they only start around the 15 minute mark. The rest is more theoretical and historical. Part of the Essential Lectures in Jewish History series, more available at http://www.henryabramson.com.
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Here are a few of Dr. Abramson’s recent publications. He’s not very funny in print (but taller).
MIAMI Students! Last chance for me to teach a Melton class in Florida.
Hello everyone!
I’m excited and challenged to be taking a new position in New York this summer, but I’ll be very sorry to leave this community that has been my home for almost twenty years. One of the last rituals of departure will be a last series of classes for the Florence Melton School for Adult Jewish Learning.
Here’s a nice email from my colleague and friend Efrat Zarren-Zohar, with a link to registration information. I’m especially proud that’s she’s going to be joining the class (we have some great arguments, all l’shem shomayim) and I would love to have the opportunity to learn with you all one last time! If you’re free Tuesday nights, please consider registering.
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Nice email from Efrat:
I’m writing to you because my friend and teacher, Dr. Hillel Abramson, will be moving to New York at the end of this school year for a well-deserved promotion at Touro College.
But before he leaves, he’s agreed to teach one last course on his new book, The Kabbalah of Forgiveness, a translation, commentary and thought-provoking conversation about Rabbi Moshe Cordovero’s classic work (see description below).
Not only is this an important text to study (who doesn’t need to learn more about forgiveness of others and sometimes– even more importantly– ourself?!?!?)…
but it’s our final opportunity to study regularly with our own Hillel (and he’s not going to make you do it on one foot either 😉
Please consider registering for and/or sampling this class 7:30-9pm on Tuesday nights, starting February 10th at Temple Beth Sholom, Miami Beach.
I will be signing up as well and am hoping to see you there too–I know you’ll love it!
Call me if you have any questions or hesitations.
Xxxooo,
Efrat
Who was Gluckel of Hameln? Jewish Biography as History by Dr. Henry Abramson
Gluckel of Hameln, a Jewish woman who lived in late 17th-century Germany, left a remarkable memoir describing her life. Part of the Jewish Biography as History series by Dr. Henry Abramson, more available at http://www.henryabramson.com.
Henry Abramson 