“Create me not!” cries the Golem’s spirit at the beginning of Leivick’s legendary play. Hear why the Golem has become a powerful embodiment of the ethical crisis facing modern Judaism from Dr. Michael Chemers, an expert on monsters in performance. How do Jews survive with ethics intact when the enemies of Judaism will stop at nothing?

Irving Berlin is best known as the gifted composer/lyricist of hit musicals like “Annie Get Your Gun” and “Call Me Madam” and songs like “God Bless America” and “Alexander’s Rag Time Band.” Less well-known are songs that reflect his Russian-Jewish heritage: “Yiddish Nightingale,” “Russian Lullaby,” and “Cohen Owes Me $47.” Learn about Berlin’s life and work and watch performances of the songs that clearly or subtly illustrate his Jewish heritage, plus video clips of Mr. Berlin performing so... Read more

Claire and Merna Barry—born Clara and Minnie Bagelman in New York City—were a popular singing duo who performed on radio, television, records, and in concert halls and nightclubs from 1937 to 1973. In their elegant form-fitting gowns and coiffed hair, they popularized Yiddish Swing, which melded Yiddish theater tunes with a big-band beat. The sisters also performed highly polished arrangeme... Read more

Howard Freedman will share a variety of short film clips that demonstrate how immigrant Jews were represented in films of the silent era, ranging from admiring portraits to prejudiced caricatures.

Closing Session: Our Gift to You! Join us for the closing session of this course with international baroque music conductor and expert, Nicholas McGegan!

Not sure who Jephthah is, or his (unnamed) daughter? Watch the video of this week's session about the Judges Chapter 11&nbs... Read more

With the aid of audio clips, video, still images, and textual comparisons, Seth Rogovoy, author of Bob Dylan: Prophet, Mystic, Poet, will illustrate how Bob Dylan’s songwriting has always been profoundly rooted in Jewish writings, including the Torah, the Prophets, the Talmud, liturgy... Read more

Join us at Berkeley Rep on Sunday, April 20 at 2pm for this remarkable show by famed Venezuelan Jewish playwright, followed by on-stage conversation and an informal gathering of New Lehrhaus'niks on the patio for continued conversation and pesadik treats. As a nonprofit group, we get an incredible discount on tickets (in the rear orchestra) at $59 (regular price is $99–$134).