The Jewish Experience
in Central Europe

Course Title:  The Jewish Experience in Central Europe
Instructor: Rabbi Leonard Gordon  (Read Bio)
Dates: 6 Tuesdays, Spring 2025: 2/25, 3/4, 3/11, 3/18, 3/25 & 4/1
Time: 7-9:00 p.m. EST
Course fee: $300, financial aid is available
Location: Zoom
Hosted by: Hebrew College
Registration:  Click here

Our course will examine Jewish life and thought in Central Europe during modern times. Central Europe stands on a number of boundaries, and we will learn about how Jews lived under the Austro-Hungarian Empire and at the edges of the Nazi and Soviet Empires. Our focus will be on three cities: Prague, Vienna, and Budapest, and representative Jewish thinkers from each. After grounding ourselves in the history of the region, we will read from the stories of Franz Kafka (Prague), the social scientific writing of Sigmund Freud (Vienna), and the early Zionist writings of Theodor Herzl (Budapest). Our class will explore the claim that despite their secular identities, each of these writers can be read as an exemplary secular Jew at the turn of the 20th century. Our texts will include a small volume on modern Jewish history and selected writings from each of our authors. No prior background is assumed.

This class is occasioned by a Hebrew College Jewish Educational Journey to Central Europe from May 5th-15th.  For further information about the trip go to: Jewish Journey to Central Europe | Hebrew College 

For more information or questions, contact the Hebrew College Tamid Team