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This course explores how art, language, and symbols have been used to create myths, shape fears, and mark groups as “other,” examining how visual culture has served to demonize, exclude, and control.

We will examine how Jews, witches, sodomy, and the devil have been represented in Western art, focusing on the use of images in religious, political, and cultural propaganda. Through works by artists such as Goya, Salvator Rosa, and others, participants will explore how images have helped shape persecution, moral panic, and cultural memory.

Topics include:

  • Antisemitism in visual culture
  • The image of the witch and the female body
  • The devil in art and theology
  • The portrayal of sodomy in history and art

Participants will leave the course with a deeper awareness of how words and images construct power—and how art can both reflect and challenge systems of oppression.

The course is given in collaboration with Paideia – The European Institute for Jewish Studies in Sweden.

Course Structure

Lecture and image analysis, with space for discussion and reflection make up the course structure. Participants will be encouraged to engage critically with historical artworks and contemporary connections.

Prior Knowledge

The course is given in English.

No prior knowledge about the subject is needed. Application is open to anyone interested in culture, politics, identity, and how images shape reality.

To apply for this course, you need basic computer skills and knowledge of how to use the digital platform Zoom.

Course Material

Course material is included in the cost for this course.

About the Teacher

Roei Derhi is a fashion designer and lecturer specializing in the intersection of fashion, art, and cultural history. He has worked with institutions across Europe and the Middle East, and his teaching focuses on how visual culture creates meaning, identity, and power structures. His recent research focuses on antisemitism and the politics of representation in visual media.

Photo: Witches going to their Sabbath (1878), by Luis Ricardo Falero.

 

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Lior Becker is one of the best teachers I’ve met! His knowledge and way of holding classes is just a masterpiece. So warm and open minded
Participant, fall 2024

Simone Weil (1909–1943) was a fascinating figure who lived a chaotic and eventful — although tragically short — life. She was a prolific philosopher and essayist who published many texts on a wide range of topics and philosophical ideas.

Weil was a particularly complex person: she was born into a Jewish family with both Orthodox and agnostic backgrounds. Her thinking was deeply influenced by both Judaism and Catholic mysticism, and she was also accused by other prominent Jewish and non-Jewish thinkers of antisemitism. She was a self-proclaimed socialist and anarchist, as well as a pacifist who suffered from ill health throughout her life. Nevertheless, Weil volunteered in the Spanish Civil War, attempted to undertake suicide missions, and joined a unit that carried out sabotage and deep strikes against fascist forces.

Weil was not highly regarded as a thinker during her lifetime but quickly gained recognition and a devoted following in the years after her death.

In this course, we will explore Weil’s life and multifaceted thought, touching on areas such as feminism, politics and society, science, and education. She offers us a unique opportunity to engage with anarchism as both a school of thought and a political movement.

The course is given in collaboration with Paideia – the European Institute for Jewish Studies in Sweden.

Course Structure

The course is mainly lecture based.

Prior Knowledge

The course is given in English.

No prior knowledge about the subject is needed.

To apply for this course, you need basic computer skills and knowledge of how to use the digital platform Zoom.

Course Material

Course material is included in the cost for this course. 

About the Teacher

Lior Becker, PhD, is a modern historian, teacher, and interdisciplinary scholar. His areas of expertise are Holocaust history, historiography and memory, 19th and 20th-century intellectual history, genocide studies, and Eastern-European Jewish history and culture. He has long experience teaching teens and adults in both Sweden and Israel.

Photo: Wikipedia: All photographs of Simone Weil have been generously provided by Sylvie Weil.
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In this course you will learn common words and phrases suitable for different situations, such as in the cafe, in the taxi and more, to be able to tell about yourself, how to ask questions and give easy-to-understand answers in Hebrew. In addition, we study basic grammar and continue to expand reading and writing skills. The course is suitable for adults and upper secondary school students who are interested in learning the basics of the spoken language, basic grammar, as well as writing and reading and so on. 

The course is organized by the Jewish Community of Gothenburg and Paideia folkhögskola. 

Please note that you can only be admitted to one level of the conversation course and one level within the semester courses (levels 1–4) in the same term. If you are unsure which level is suitable for you, you are welcome to contact the administration at info@paideiafolkhogskola.se.

Prior Knowledge

The course is aimed mainly at those who have completed one semester of Hebrew studies at Paideia folkhögskola or have equivalent knowledge (the alphabet with vowels, basic reading skills and some simple phrases). The teacher is an English speaker. Participants speaking both Swedish and English are welcome to apply. 

Course Material 

All course material is not included in the cost for this course. The course uses the following book: 

  • Barosh Uvarishonah, First and Foremost, Hebrew for beginners and more, workbook and textbook. 

You have the option to buy the book from the school. You indicate in your application whether you want to buy a book from the school or acquire the book yourself.

Photo: Paideia/Canva. 
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Together we will read, analyze and discuss memorable plays by Jewish playwrights from the beginning of the 20th century and until today. Some of them became world famous and some remain less known, but each offers an intriguing point of view and artistic perspective on Jewish and non-jewish life, in Europe, America and Israel.

The course contains literary as well as visual material. We will read specific scenes in class, watch theatrical adaptations, and discuss the play and characters together.

The course is organized by the Jewish Community of Gothenburg and Paideia folkhögskola.

Course Structure

The course is given in central Gothenburg. You will be informed of the address in your admission letter if you are admitted to the course.

The course will take place once in three weeks, will contain literary as well as visual material, and participants are advised to read the dramatical material in advance. 

Prior Knowledge

The course is given in English.

No prior knowledge about the subject is needed.

Course Material

Course material is included in the cost for this course.

About the Teacher 

Vera Berzak is a playwright and director who was born in Russia, grew up in Israel, and is currently residing in Sweden, where she runs her own theater company. During the course she will bring up theater works that she personally finds meaningful and touching from the Jewish theater library, and which she looks forward to being able to share with others.

Photo: Canva/Paideia Folkhögskola
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In this course, you will learn the Hebrew alphabet and vowels, common words and simple phrases, how to talk about yourself, ask questions, and give clear, easy-to-understand answers in Hebrew. We will also study basic grammar. By the end of the course, you will be able to read simple words and sentences.

Bruchim habaim—welcome!

The course is organized by the Jewish Community of Malmö and Paideia folkhögskola with support from Heckschers Foundation and Israelitiska ynglingaföreningen.

Note that the Modern Hebrew courses semester 1-4 can only be taken at one level per semester. If you are unsure which level is right for you, please contact the administration at info@paideiafolkhogskola.se.

Course Structure

The course is given in central Malmö. You will be informed of the address in your admission letter if you are admitted to the course.

You are expected to be active during the course sessions and participate in discussions and exercises with other participants. Homework assignments between the course sessions are included.

Prior Knowledge

The course is given in English. The teacher is an English speaker. Participants speaking both Swedish and English are welcome to apply.

The course is suitable for those who are interested in learning the basics of spoken Hebrew, as well as writing, reading, and more. It is a beginner’s course with no prior knowledge required.

Course Material

All course material is not included in the cost for this course. The course uses the book:

  • Barosh Uvarishonah, First and Foremost, Hebrew for beginners and more, workbook and textbook.

Participants have the option to buy the book from the school. You indicate in your application whether you want to buy a book from the school or acquire the book yourself.

About the Teachers

The course is led by the married couple Hadassa and Oded Menuhin. Hadassa was born and raised in Sweden and has an Israeli background, while Oded was born in Israel. Together, they lead a Hebrew course that focuses on both language and culture. Hadassa is responsible for the main instruction, while Oded provides linguistic support, conversation practice, and practical and pedagogical planning. Through the course, they aim to create an engaging and safe learning environment where participants can develop their Hebrew skills while also experiencing the language’s cultural context.

Hadassah and Oded have lived in Malmö since 2023. They are very excited to teach Hebrew together!

Photo: Canva/Paideia Folkhögskola.
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Welcome to the Intensive Yiddish Summer Program in Stockholm!

This is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Yiddish over four intensive days of study, led by experienced and passionate teachers.

Dates: August 17–20, 2026
Daily Schedule: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM (including lunch breaks)
Location: Stockholm, Sweden
Languages of Instruction: English and Yiddish
Program Cost: 1100 SEK (includes smorgasbord lunch, study materials, and coffee)
Note: Travel and accommodation are not included.
Organizers: Paideia Folkhögskola, Paideia – The European Institute for Jewish Studies and Jiddischsällskapet i Stockholm. 

Course Levels Available:

Participants may apply to one of the following three levels. Please read the descriptions carefully to determine which best fits your experience.

 

  1. Yiddish – Beginners Level 

Teacher: Katka Mazurczak

Course Description

This intensive beginners’ course is designed for those who want to use Yiddish in everyday situations and who know the alef-beis and have a basic knowledge of the language. If needed, an alef-beis chart and reading practice comic will be sent in advance. Prior to the start of the course you can also practise the alef-beis using the provided material. 

Rather than following a traditional textbook approach, the lessons will focus on using the language and practical, everyday expressions to help you communicate and describe your surroundings. It is perfect for those who want to refresh and strengthen their skills.

The aim is to make you more confident and fluent, and to teach you some basic grammar rules using a communicative approach.

Materials

All course materials will be provided.

Prerequisites

  •  Knowledge in the Hebrew alphabet (we will review Yiddish alphabet, its vowels, special combination letters and pronunciation).
  • Basic knowledge of the language

  1. Yiddish – Intermediate Level

    Teacher: Oren Cohen Roman

Course Description

This course builds on basic knowledge of Yiddish grammar, particularly the verb tenses (past, present, and future), the three cases (nominative, accusative, and dative), and sentence structure. Over four days of intensive study, you will read simple texts in Yiddish, develop listening and speaking skills, write your own texts, and deepen your understanding of Yiddish grammar.

Among the texts, you will encounter famous writers and poets, such as Sholem Aleykhem, Kadia Molodowsky, and Yosl Birshteyn. You will also write your own texts, listen to recorded songs, and watch selected videos. Of course, you will also have the opportunity to speak with each other in Yiddish.

Materials

All course materials will be provided.

Prerequisites

  • Ability to to read and write Yiddish (i.e., know the Hebrew alphabet)
  • Familiarity with verb tenses (past, present, and future) as well as the three grammatical cases (nominative, accusative, and dative)

 

  1. Yiddish – Advanced Level

    Teacher: Yaad Biran 

Course Description

In this intensive four-day course, we will speak almost exclusively in Yiddish to create our own small Yiddish-speaking environment. Together, we will read selected prose and poetry and hold class discussions to enjoy and better understand Yiddish culture. Through conversation and writing short texts, we will work on expanding our vocabulary and becoming more comfortable expressing ourselves. 

Materials

All course materials will be provided.

Prerequisites

  • Fluent understanding and speaking ability in Yiddish. The course is taught almost exclusively in Yiddish.
  • Reading skills in Yiddish
  • You are welcome even if your grammar knowledge is limited

Meet the Teachers

Katka Mazurczak

Katka currently teaches Yiddish and Hebrew in schools and online. She has completed a one-year Yiddish teacher training course at Lund University. She also runs a weekly Yiddish Club (Jiddischklubben) for children and families.
She holds an MA in Hebrew from the University of Warsaw and has a background in radio journalism. She has attended advanced Yiddish summer programmes in Tel Aviv, Vilnius, Warsaw and Stockholm. She worked as a Language Promoter for Yiddish at Isof in 2024.
In addition to teaching, Katka translates, proofreads texts and creates subtitles. She would also like to start hosting a regular Yiddish podcast again. In her spare time, she enjoys tending to her city garden pallkrage and going for walks in nature.

Oren Cohen Roman

Oren Cohen Roman is an associate professor of Yiddish at Lund University in Sweden. He is a cultural historian of Ashkenazi Jews and a scholar of Yiddish literature from its medieval beginnings to the present day. His research interests include literature inspired by the Tanach/Bible, cultural transfer, gender, and the history of reading.

His book Joshua and Judges in Yiddish Verse: Four Early Modern Epics was published in 2022 by De Gruyter. His publications include a study of Yiddish written in Latin letters (Journal of Jewish Languages), a song reporting the martyrdom of two Jewish criminals in 17th-century Moravia (Jewish History, with Daniel Soukup), and the depiction of female musicians in the works of Sholem Aleichem (Massekhet: Women of the Jewish World).

Yaad Biran

Dr. Yaad Biran teaches Yiddish at Paideia (online), Beth Shalom Aleichem in Tel Aviv, Haifa University, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and the Tel Aviv Summer course. He researches Yiddish literature with a focus on Yiddish in Palestine/Israel.

Beyond his academic work, he is a writer of Hebrew fiction and Yiddish cabaret, as well as a tour guide, leading tours in the footsteps of Yiddish culture in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.

Photo: The image is of a painting by Jean Hessel.
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Knowledgeable, creative, and unconventional.
Participant about the teacher Spring 2024.

The Talmud is one of the foundational texts of Judaism, and the key to understanding Rabbinic thought. It is, however, a challenging text to study, comprising complex philosophical, intellectual and legal debate in a format that is unfamiliar to many.

In this course, we will learn and practice techniques of reading and understanding that will help to unlock this most rewarding corpus of Jewish text.

Course structure

The course structure consists of lectures and chevruta (traditional paired learning). 

Prior knowledge

The course is given in English.

The course is aimed at participants who have some previous experience of Jewish text studies.

Course material

Course material is included in the cost for this course.

About the teacher

Eiran Davies is a rabbi with roots in London, England. He has studied at Montefiori endowment in London, Midrash sepharadi in Jerusalem and Yeshivat hamivtar in Efrat. He is also an artist, beekeeper and trained goldsmith. 

Photo: Paideia folkhögskola.
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In this course, the focus is on spoken conversation and learning common phrases. At a beginner level, you will practice using the language in various everyday situations together with others. The course also includes basic level talks of current social issues, everyday life, and culture. 

Bruchim habaim — welcome!

The course is organized by the Jewish Community of Gothenburg and Paideia folkhögskola.

Course Structure

Participants are expected to be active during class sessions and engage in conversations and exercises with other participants. The structure of the course is based on the participants. Continuous attendance is important if you are offered a place.

Homework assignments, such as practicing and preparing dialogues between class sessions, are included in the course structure.

Prior Knowledge

The course is given in English. Both participants who speak Swedish and participants who speak English are welcome to apply.

This course is aimed at beginners with no or limited prior knowledge in Hebrew. Include your previous experience and knowledge in the application form.

Course Material

Course material is included in the cost for this course.

Photo: Paideia/Canva.
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This course develops participants’ Hebrew proficiency at an intermediate level, with a focus on communication in both spoken and written language. Instruction includes speaking exercises, writing, grammar, reading, listening comprehension, and participant presentations.

Oral proficiency is practiced through dialogues, conversations, and presentations. Writing skills are developed through written assignments, summaries, and translations. Grammar instruction deepens knowledge of key structures, with particular emphasis on verbs, word formation, and syntax.

The course includes reading advanced-level texts as well as working with audio materials such as news and songs, strengthening both reading and listening comprehension.

For the level Bet, participants must pass the placement test for level Aleph with a minimum 67 grade. For more information, see below. 

The course is given in collaboration with Paideia – the European Institute for Jewish Studies in Sweden.

Objectives

The course aims to:

  • develop advanced communicative proficiency
  • deepen grammatical knowledge
  • strengthen written and spoken expression
  • improve reading and listening comprehension


Course Structure

The course uses a varied approach to support advanced language development. The following components are included:

  • Speaking and interaction
  • Writing and written assignments
  • Grammar and language structures
  • Reading and text analysis
  • Listening comprehension
  • Participant presentations

Classes are held twice a week. This course has a fast pace and is offered in collaboration with the academically oriented One-Year Program in Jewish Studies. Participants are expected to attend all classes and actively engage in their studies. The number of places for participants that are not attending the One-Year Program in Jewish Studies are limited.

Participants need to allocate approximately one hour per lesson for home studies to prepare for the next class.

The course runs over one academic year and covers the autumn term of 2026 and the spring term of 2027.

Prior Knowledge

The course is given in English.

For the level Bet, participants must pass the placement test for level Aleph with a minimum 67 grade. Include your results in the course application.
Access the self-test via the following link:

Hebrew placement test

 

Course Material

Course material is included in the cost for this course.

About the Teacher

Michael Kisliuk is a certified Hebrew as a foreign language teacher with an academic background in Hebrew Language (MA) and Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies (BA) from the Hebrew University in Jerusalem. He has extensive experience teaching Hebrew to adults in all levels, with a strong focus on building a solid foundation for real-life communication. His teaching combines clear structure with a communicative, learner-centered approach, emphasizing confidence in speaking from an early stage.

Foto: Paideia/Canva.
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This course is an intensive Elementary Modern Hebrew program designed for beginners, using the first chapters of the textbook First and Foremost. Over 100 academic hours, participants will develop basic functional literacy and conversational skills.

The course follows a communicative approach, focusing on the four language skills: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. By the end of the course, participants will have built a foundation of several hundred high-frequency words and essential grammatical structures.

Through dialogues, texts, and exercises, participants will practice real-world situations, including introducing themselves, describing their homes, navigating a market, discussing their daily schedules, and expressing basic needs and feelings.

The course runs over one academic year and covers the autumn term of 2026 and the spring term of 2027.

The course is given in collaboration with Paideia – the European Institute for Jewish Studies in Sweden.

Course Structure

The lessons combine teacher presentations with individual work, as well as pair and group activities. The course also includes homework, quizzes, and a final exam. Participants need to allocate approximately one hour per lesson for home studies to prepare for the next class.

Classes are held twice a week. This course has a fast pace and is offered in collaboration with the academically oriented One-Year Program in Jewish Studies. Participants are expected to attend all classes and actively engage in their studies. The number of places for participants that are not attending the One-Year Program in Jewish Studies are limited.

The course runs over one academic year and covers the autumn term of 2026 and the spring term of 2027.

Prior Knowledge

The course is given in English.

Knowledge of the Hebrew alphabet is required. Both print and handwriting.

Course Material

All course literature is not included in the cost of this course. The course uses the following book:

  • FIRST AND FOREMOST: Hebrew for Beginners and More. By Goni Tishler and Ateret Yarden-Barak. Academon Publishing House, 2018.

Participants have the option to purchase the course book from the school. Please indicate in your application whether you wish to buy the book from the school or if you will obtain it on your own.

About the Teacher

Frida Schatz is Paideia’s Hebrew lecturer. She holds a BA and MA in Hebrew and French language and literature from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. She also studied at the Sorbonne University in Paris. After studies Frida held positions as Hebrew lecturer at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, at Universities in Paris, Frankfurt, and Copenhagen. She also worked for JDC in Italy. After moving to Sweden, she taught Hebrew as a lecturer at the University of Lund and the University of Stockholm and worked as a translator between Swedish and Hebrew.

Photo: Canva/Paideia Folkhögskola
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