FREE Monday: The Holocaust and American Jewish Culture
Fiction, film, art, poetry, television, drama, etc. on the Shoah created by American Jews
Well beyond Schindler’s List and MAUS, American Jews have responded creatively to the Holocaust across many genres and reflecting many values and ideas. In a FREE online class on Monday, September 14 at Noon EDT, we’ll look at some of these cultural products, with special attention to Cynthia Ozick’s novella “The Shawl” (which you can read here). Which genres are particularly well-suited for responding to unspeakable historical horror? Register: bitly.com/BenkofHolocaust
On Thursday, September 17 at Noon EDT, I’ll be repeating my most popular offering, “Debbie Friedman 101.” More than 1,500 students have taken this class so far. We look at the life, music, and impact of this pioneer of Jewish liturgical music whose impact went far beyond the temple. You can sign up for this FREE online class here: bitly.com/BenkofDebbie.
Just announced: “Greatest Hits” Thursdays have been supercharged for October, with “Jewish Culture Academy,” which includes two repeat classes per week.
Included in Jewish Culture Academy next month:
West Side Story;
Cabaret;
Philip Roth’s Goodbye, Columbus (two parts);
Norman Lear’s sitcoms;
MAD Magazine;
Mel Brooks 101;
Funny Women;
Sondheim’s Lyrics; and
Women Photographers.
(A monthly pass to all ten classes for October is $25. Register here: bitly.com/BenkofOctober)
New this fall: an eight-week Judaism 101 course set for Wednesdays at Noon EDT, starting October 7. Every week, we’ll explore the most important knowledge and wisdom needed to understand Jewish history, life cycle, calendar, Israel, values, Hebrew, theology, Bible, and the Jewish home. All are welcome - Jews with no background; Jews with minimal or moderate Jewish educations; and non-Jews. Limited to 40 participants, $125 for eight sessions. Register: bitly.com/Benkof101
Subscribe to my YouTube Channel here: bitly.com/BenkofChannel. You’ll find dozens of American Jewish culture videos, including a countdown of Broadway’s 10 best Jewish shows and this 10-minute clips reel from last week’s “Schoolhouse Rock” class.
I’m booking Zoom talks for individual organizations, and eventually in-person classes. Here’s a demonstration of my in-person teaching and this one-minute intro shows how Jewish Culture 101 works.
My entire schedule, with links, is below. Unless otherwise marked, all classes are at Noon EDT:
Monday, September 14 The Holocaust and American Jewish Culture
Thursday, September 17 Debbie Friedman 101
Monday, September 21 Arthur Miller 101
Thursday, September 24 Philip Roth’s “The Conversion of the Jews”
Monday, September 28 NO CLASS (YOM KIPPUR)
Thursday, October 1: Jewish Culture Academy: West Side Story (Noon EDT) and Cabaret (1 pm EDT)
Wednesday, October 7 Judaism 101 course begins
Thursday, October 8: Jewish Culture Academy: Goodbye, Columbus by Philip Roth double class (Noon EDT)
Thursday, October 15: Jewish Culture Academy: Norman Lear’s sitcoms (Noon EDT) and MAD Magazine(1 pm EDT)
Thursday, October 22: Jewish Culture Academy: Mel Brooks 101 (Noon EDT) and Funny Women (1 pm EDT)
Thursday, October 29: Jewish Culture Academy: Sondheim’s Lyrics (Noon EDT) and Women Photographers (1 pm EDT)