This course tracks the historical development of antisemitism in Western civilization from the Greco-Roman period to its present resurgence throughout the West. We will discuss the nature of antisemitic prejudice, constructions, and concepts of race, the relationship between antisemitism and anti-Zionism, and the ongoing reality of Jew-hatred as a recurring phenomenon. Together, we will work to understand the sources of antisemitism’s post-Holocaust resurgence, paying close attention to cur... Read more

In partnership with Magnes Museum and the Berkeley Art Museum & Pacific Film Archive (BAMPFA)

Tricksters in the Hebrew Bible break the rules. Sometimes they're outsiders or underdogs trying to gain an advantage. Sometimes they try to right a wrong. And on occasion, the trickster may be God. Our class will explore this theme, starting with the trickster motif in neighboring ancient cultures.  Then we'll move on to some of the most ... Read more

This three-semester sequence gives you the essential knowledge and skills to read, understand, and appreciate prayerbook texts and the Hebrew Bible. It starts at the beginning, teaching the alphabet and sight-reading skills, then moves on to build both vocabulary and grammar knowledge using the text Prayerbook Hebrew the Easy Way. And ... Read more

Make amends in an unapologetic world. Learn how to engage in repair work—intentional and interpersonal, whether or not you go to shul (synagogue). Find your own path into a meaningful engagement with the High Holidays, through shared study and reflection.

KlezCalifornia is rebooting their klezmer and Yiddish culture festival! KlezCalYidFest kicks off Friday Sept 12 with a weekend of concerts, workshops and dancing with local and international artists from the klezmer and contemporary Yiddish culture scene. New Lehrhaus is sponsoring two lectures:

... Read more

Some think the rabbis of the Talmud saw women as their servants. Others think they put women on a pedestal. Where does the truth lie? To answer this question, we will read Talmudic texts in Hebrew/Aramaic, with English translation, and assess how the rabbis viewed women's socio-legal status. We will also read non-legal passages that show how the rabbis thought about women. No Talmudic background ... Read more

This multimedia program takes audiences on a journey via music, visuals, and storytelling, tracing klezmer's evolution and development from Old World shtetls to New World nightclubs and concert stages. The program includes insights into the sound and shape of klezmer and introduces many of the great heroes who helped transform Eastern European Yiddish wedding music into the vital form of world music it is today.

This program is based on Daniel Matt's book The Essential Kabbalah, an anthology of teachings from various stages of the Jewish mystical tradition, including Sefer Yetsirah, the Bahir, Spanish Kabbalah (including the Zohar), Lurianic Kabbalah, and Hasidism.

Please register directly with Daniel Matt using the link below. The cost is on a sliding scale from $150-$300, depending on what you can afford.

For methods of payment,... Read more