Jewish Studies Courses

SPRING 2026

Classes are online using the Zoom platform. A link will be sent to view the recording of online classes if you missed them live. The recording will be available for 3-4 weeks.

Rebbe Nachman of Bratslav taught that stories are meant not to soothe us into sleep, but to awaken us more fully—what he called an “awakening from below.” Born into the lineage of the Baal Shem Tov, Rebbe Nachman was a radical spiritual guide whose teachings provoke, unsettle, and inspire deep inner and communal transformation.

In the final years of his life, he told his students the Tales of Ancient Days, visionary stories intended not as allegory but as lived spiritual events. In this eight-week course, we will read, imagine, interpret, and engage—sometimes even through davening—two of these major tales and two shorter ones. These stories are not approached “as if” they are happening to us, but because, in a profound sense, they are.

register

Antisemitism/Antizionism Post October 7
Asaf Romirowsky, PhD
Tuesdays: 10:00am - 12:00pm ET
3/10, 3/17, 3/24, 4/14, 4/21, 4/28, 5/5, 5/12
8 sessions
Zoom, $280

This course examines the complex and contentious relationship between antisemitism and antizionism in the aftermath of the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks on Israel and the subsequent Gaza conflict. Students will critically analyze how these concepts are defined, distinguished, and conflated in contemporary discourse, exploring questions about when criticism of Israeli policies crosses into antisemitism, how antisemitic rhetoric has manifested in responses to the conflict, and the ways Jewish communities worldwide have experienced both solidarity and hostility.

register

Optimism, Pessimism, and Judaism
Ruth Sandberg, PhD
Wednesdays: 10:00am - 12:00pm ET
3/11, 3/18, 3/25, 4/15, 4/22, 4/29, 5/6, 5/13
8 sessions
Zoom, $280

In today’s world, many Jews find it difficult to remain optimistic. This course will explore both the optimism and pessimism that is inherent in Judaism, and how Jews have confronted this dichotomy over the ages. In the first four weeks of the course, we will look at how the Hebrew Bible contains the seeds of both optimism and pessimism, from the Creation to how the ancient Israelites both triumphed and failed, to the optimism and pessimism that are found in Psalms, Proverbs, Job, and the five Megillot, with special emphasis on Ecclesiastes (Qohelet). For the last three sessions, we will look at the state of optimism and pessimism after the Holocaust, after October 7, and the current state of antisemitism today. We will ultimately learn how Jews have succeeded in facing the tension between pessimism and optimism.

register

Poetry, Art, and Philosophy: New Approaches to Abraham and Isaac
Sarah Rosenson – CLASS CANCELLED
Thursdays: 2:00pm - 3:30pm ET
3/12, 3/19, 3/26, 4/16
4 sessions
Zoom, $150

The story of Abraham's near sacrifice of his son Isaac is one of the most well-known in the Bible. In this interactive online discussion class, we'll first read and discuss the text and then look at a number of paintings of the scene by different artists. Then we'll delve into the Christian philosopher Soren Kierkegaard's "Fear and Trembling," his book devoted exclusively to this story. Next, we'll explore the ways modern poets have used the imagery of this story in their work. Finally, we'll focus on Sarah, using both ancient and modern Jewish commentary. What did she know about her husband almost killing their son, when did she know it and how did this incident affect her? Advance reading is not required; all source materials will be provided during class.

American Movies and the Holocaust: 1939-1940
Leslye Friedberg – CLASS CANCELLED
Thursdays: 7:00pm - 9:00pm ET
3/12, 3/19, 3/26, 4/16, 4/23, 4/30, 5/7, 5/14
8 sessions
Zoom, $280
Although they were not then called Holocaust films, and the word Jew was rarely spoken in them, the earliest Hollywood movies about the Holocaust remain some of the most powerful and prescient anti-Nazi statements.

In this course, we'll discuss these movies in the context of America's ambivalence and growing awareness of what was happening in Europe. Class members must watch the movies before each class. This is a discussion format, and everyone is encouraged to participate! Information about where to watch the films along with some short readings will be provided. A complete syllabus listing all movies will be available at least a week before the course starts.

To register by phone, please contact Hope Matles at 215-635-7300 x172.

Registration Notes
Minimum class size is required to run each course. For all Scholars Program courses, full tuition payment is due upon registration prior to the start of the first class. If a cancellation is received at least two days before the course begins, 100% of tuition will be refunded. If cancellation is received by the second session, a 50% refund will be issued. Tuition includes a non-refundable $25 registration fee.  For all classes full payment is due upon registration. An internet connection is required for online classes. Gratz is not responsible to make up classes for a limited, local power outage or technical problem.  If a technical issue affects more than half of the class, Gratz will make-up the class at a mutually agreed upon time -- much like any weather-related closing. All online classes are recorded. A link will be sent to view the class if you missed it live. The recording will be available for 3-4 weeks.