Jewish Narratives in Pop Culture
Program: Hebrew College Tamid
Instructor: Elisha Gechter (Read Bio)
Dates: 5 Mondays, Fall 2024: 9/30, 10/21, 11/4, 11/18, 12/9
Time: 8-9:30 p.m. ET for Zoom classes. In-person classes on 9/30 and 12/9 will begin at 7:00 p.m. ET (Zoom option available for anyone unable to attend in person.
Course fee: $200, financial aid is available
Location: Hybrid. In Person on 9/30 at Temple Bnai Brith, Somerville, and on 12/9 at Lehrhaus, Cambridge. All other dates online via Zoom.
Hosted by: Hebrew College and Honeymoon Israel (Read Info)
Registration: Click here
Ever spotted a Jewish character in a TV show and wished you had a “book club” to discuss the episodes with? Join our class to unpack specific episodes from television series featuring Jewish characters and/or themes and discuss the ways that Jews show up in pop culture today. We will examine the narratives being raised, in ways they are stereotypical, and in what ways they are more inclusive and expansive. Between sessions, participants will watch a 30–50-minute episode of shows like Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Weeds, Shtisel, and more. Come ready to discuss and reflect on examples of overtly Jewish shows and characters, as well as ones that are more subtle or creative. You’ll be with an eclectic group to consider how the stories and people portrayed land with you, why representation matters, and how you are left feeling from the different scenes.
Please note: If you have studied with Elisha before, the content will all be new.
Please also note: This class’s first session on 9/30 will meet in-person at Temple Bnai Brith in Somerville, and the last session on 12/9 will meet in person at Lehrhaus in Cambridge. For both of these classes, there will be a Zoom option for anyone unable to attend in person. The in-person sessions will begin at 7 p.m.
For additional information or questions, contact the Hebrew College Tamid Team
