Jewish Studies Courses

Spring 2025

Classes are either online using the Zoom platform, in-person at our Bala Campus, or in-person at the Mandell Campus in Elkins Park. 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.

ONLINE ONLY

Kings to Kibbutzniks: A History of Jews and Agriculture
Rabbi Lance J. Sussman, PhD
Mondays: 2pm - 4pm ET
February 3 - March 24 (8 weeks)
Zoom, $250

This course explores the long and complex history of Jewish agriculture, from Biblical times to the present. It covers the agricultural practices in Ancient Israel, the shift to city-based economies in late Antiquity, and the impact of antisemitic laws. The course also examines the 19th-century encouragement of Jewish farming by Russian Czars and philanthropists, the development of Jewish model farms globally, and the role of the kibbutz movement in early 20th-century Zionism. Additionally, it highlights Jewish involvement in collectivized agriculture in the USSR and contemporary contributions to agricultural research, agribusiness, and sustainability, with Israel as a leading food exporter.

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The Legacy of Rabbi Jonathan Sacks
Ruth Sandberg, PhD
Wednesdays: 10am - 12pm ET
February 5 - March 26 (8 weeks)
Zoom, $250

This course is a study of the life, teachings, and legacy of the late great Rabbi Jonathan Sacks. We will first explore the extraordinary life of Rabbi Sacks as Chief Rabbi of the United Hebrew Congregations in England, his appointment to the House of Lords, and his Rabbinic and academic career. We will also delve into his many writings concerning: Judaism’s universalism and particularism; creative and thought-provoking Torah commentaries; Antisemitism and the Holocaust; the importance of the State of Israel; Jewish environmentalism; interfaith dialogue and diversity; the concept of chosenness; and the many paths to the one God. 

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The Holocaust in Film
Leslye Friedberg
Wednesdays: 7pm - 9pm ET
February 5 - March 26 (8 weeks)
Zoom, $250

We will analyze a selection of films that depict aspects of the Holocaust through fictional film narratives which are character-driven and explore characters' perceptions and responses. We will consider how the stories reflect the experiences of Jewish people within the context of each film and within the larger historical context. Class members must watch the films on their own before each class. The class discussions are intended to be very interactive with everyone encouraged to participate. 

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IN-PERSON ELKINS PARK

Women in the Bible: Powerless or Empowering?
Rabbi Leah Berkowitz
Tuesdays: 3 - 5pm ET
February 4 - March 25 (8 weeks)
In-person in Elkins Park, $250
*Not recorded

Women in the biblical narrative are often viewed as secondary characters, typically appearing only as wives, mothers, or daughters. But through a closer reading of the biblical texts, and by looking at both traditional and modern commentaries, we will see how, even from a position of vulnerability, biblical women wielded power and influence

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IN-PERSON BALA CYNWYD 

This course explores the unique role that grandparents have played throughout Jewish history, from Biblical times to the present. We will discuss the ways in which grandparents influenced their grandchildren, including some well-known Jewish historical figures. In telling this moving story, we'll talk about our personal connections to our grandparents, and (for those of us who are grandparents ourselves) our relationships with our grandchildren. How do grandparents connect us to our past and help to shape the Jewish future? 

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L'Chaim: A History of Jews and their Drinks
Rabbi Zev Eleff, PhD
Fridays: 10am - 12pm ET
February 7 - April 4, excluding 3/14 (8 weeks)
In-person in Bala, $250
*Not recorded

There are many lenses through which we study Modern Jewish history. In this course, Dr. Zev Eleff will explore how drinks—coffee, wine, scotch, etc.—have played an outsized role in the social, economic, and culture history of Judaism in the past several hundred years. You're invited to study, sip, share as we take a unique dive into Jewish history. 

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For more information or to register for classes, please contact Hope Matles at 215-635-7300 x172 or at hmatles@gratz.edu. 

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.