In this course, we will explore female figures in the Bible who acted against norms of their time, defied social and religious expectations and left their mark on the biblical narrative. 

Participants will be introduced to 12 women in the Bible who in their lives acted against the norms as ideology or to save or change their lives. Through these women, we will explore the role of women in the biblical world and the ways in which they expressed resistance, courage and a desire for change.

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

 

Course structure 

Together, we combine the reading of biblical texts with traditional and modern interpretations and comparisons with other cultures. By analyzing different female characters, we can better understand the forces that influenced women in the Bible and how they managed to make their voices heard despite societal constraints. 

Each session will also include a personal reflection: What can we learn about ourselves through these figures? At the end of the course, we will analyze whether there are similarities between these women and us today.

 

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. The school offers Zoom manuals and a training opportunity before the start of the course.

Course material

Course material is included in the cost for this course.

About the teacher

Tally (Revital) Batami Zahor has over 20 years of experience teaching Bible studies. She has also served as a principal. Tally holds a Master’s degree in Peace and Conflict Management from Haifa University and a BA in Biblical Studies and Education from Oranim Seminary. She also has a Swedish anthroposophical teacher training from the 90s and has been living in Sweden again for some time. 

Photo: Canva.

Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome to a series of meetings dedicated to Klezmer music!

We will explore the fantastic and rich repertoire of Eastern-European and American Jewish instrumental folk music: its joyful and melancholic melodies, how to interpret and embellish them with traditional ornamentations, discovering the structure of the melodies and their modes, as well as how to accompany the various dance forms with their diverse and characteristic rhythmical patterns.

The course is taught by ear. Participants must have intermediate knowledge of their instruments (no beginners), meaning knowing the names of notes and corresponding positions on their instruments. Music scores are made accessible at the end of the lessons, but we will not be reading from them in class. Participants are expected to learn the melodies by heart to proceed with learning how to embellish and accompany them.

Participants will have access to EDU Soundtrap, an online platform for recording multi-track, to be used as a tool for practising at home and creating their own arrangements, and will be introduced to MuseScore, an open-source and free music notation software, to be used as a tool for analysis of the tunes learned in the class. The course combines in-person and online meetings and will conclude with a concert.

This course is given in collaboration with Svenska Klezmerföreningen.

 

Course structure

The teaching takes place partly through physical meetings at the school’s premises and partly through digital meetings remotely. It is not possible to only participate in the course remotely.

  • 12 meet-ups at the school on Thursday evenings. Some meet-ups online via Zoom.
  • 2 meet-ups at the school daytime on Sundays.
  • A concluding concert (date and time to be set during the course).

More information will be sent in the admission letter, if you are accepted to the course.

Group division

Participants are divided into groups based on their instrument skills and experience of learning to play by ear without sheet music. Depending on the number of groups and applicants, each group meets for between 1-2 hours.

Participants are expected to learn the melodies by heart, and practice at home, to proceed with learning how to embellish and accompany them.

Prior knowledge 

The course is given in English.

The course welcomes new as well as previous participants, who have passed the beginner level on their instrument by a good margin. The course is not suitable for guitar players due to its focus on melodies and ornaments. Participants bring their own instruments.

To apply for this course, basic computer skills and knowledge of using the digital platform Zoom are required. The school offers Zoom manuals and a training opportunity before the course starts.

Course material

Course material is included in the cost for this course.

Participants bring their own instruments. 

About the teacher

Valeria Conte is a multi-talented Italian clarinettist who has studied and performed klezmer music since 2006 (www.valeriaclarinetta.com), exploring the music’s connection to Jewish culture and society. She has participated in various seminars and workshops on klezmer music and Yiddish song & culture in and outside Europe. Valeria holds a BA in classical clarinet and an MA in global music. She has performed internationally in various multicultural environments and world music styles. She currently performs with her band, Valeria’s Klezmer Chariot, and is the leader and organiser of the OAKJS – Klezmer Sessions.

Photo: Aaro Keipi.

Frequently Asked Questions

ARABIC FOR BEGINNERS (ONLINE)

This course introduces Arabic for learners with no prior experience, combining Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) with spoken varieties, primarily Levantine and Egyptian dialects. MSA is the formal version of Arabic used in news, literature, and official communication, while the dialects are used in everyday conversation across the Arab world.

The course develops basic skills in reading, writing, speaking, and listening, and introduces key elements of the Arabic alphabet. Participants will learn essential vocabulary and phrases to help them engage in daily conversations and comprehend simple texts.

The aim of the course is to provide learners with a solid foundation in both formal and spoken Arabic, enabling them to communicate effectively at a beginner level. By the end of the course, participants will be able to greet people, introduce themselves, ask and answer simple questions, and handle basic interactions in Arabic-speaking contexts. In addition, students will gain insight into Arab and Islamic culture and history.

This course is ideal for anyone interested in learning Arabic for travel, work, or personal development. It also serves as a steppingstone for further studies, opening the door to the rich linguistic and cultural heritage of the Arab world.

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

 

Course structure 

This Arabic course employs an interactive, participant-centered approach. Learners prepare independently at home, using the LINGCO website which is a LMS (Learning Management System), an online resource linked to the course book where digital exercises are provided and the teacher can follow the learners’ progress.

For every class hour estimate to work two hours at home.

Class time focuses on activating knowledge through pair work, group activities, conversation practice, and dictation exercises. The course encourages self-correction and peer assistance, minimizing lectures in favor of active language use and continuous practice.

Prior knowledge

The course is given in English.

No prior knowledge of Arabic is required for this course. It is designed for complete beginners and will start with the fundamentals of Modern Standard Arabic.

Participants with some existing knowledge of Arabic are welcome to join but they should be aware that the course content and pace is tailored to complete beginners.

To apply, you need basic computer skills and knowledge of how to use the digital platform Zoom. The school offers Zoom manuals and a training opportunity before the start of the course.

Course material

All course material is not included in the cost for this course and participants need purchase the course book on their own.

Course book:

  • “Alif baa: introduction to Arabic letters and sounds”, 3rd edition. 

The book is available in both digital and printed version. Together with the printed version you get a code that gives you access to the website that accompanies the course. Participants are welcome to use either printed version and website or digital version and website.

Participants need to have access to the book for the first class. The digital version is recommended in order to facilitate delivery in time.

More information regarding the book and purchasing it is sent in the admission letter if you are accepted to the course. 

About the teacher 

Michael has been studying and researching Arabic for over 20 years, with a particular interest in the similarities and differences between Hebrew and Arabic. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies and a master’s degree in Hebrew Language from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, giving him a strong foundation in Semitic languages. In Israel, Michael taught Hebrew as a second language at leading academic institutions. Recently, he relocated to Sweden with his family, where he now teaches Hebrew and Arabic, both online and on-site. He also delivers lectures on the history, culture, and evolution of the Arabic language, and the religion of Islam.

Photo: Canva.

Frequently Asked Questions

SPIRITUAL RESILIENCE IN THE EYES OF THE JEWISH HASIDIC SPIRITUAL TRADITION (ONLINE)

Life is often filled with great highs and lows. In Jewish community and our communities more broadly in the last few years we have faced difficulty and struggle. What does the Jewish Hasidic spiritual tradition have to say about resilience and emerging through pain, strife and grief. 

This course will look at Torah text, bible teachings and Hasidic teachings on the Parsha, Jewish weekly reading and the festivals which connect to ideas of spiritual resilience.

We will explore Hasidic insight on the ‘world to come’, ‘Messiah’, focus for life, understanding of the role of mitzvot, commandments and a spiritual understanding of making an impression on the world, the spiritual trace of doing a good deed. 

We will examine Hasidic day-to-day traditional language of interpretation and learn new coping mechanisms and spiritual insight. Join us for this adventure in learning. 

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

 

Course structure

To study text in guided chevruta (learning pairs) for various exercises and processing is part of the course structure. 

Prior knowledge

The course is given in English.

No prior knowledge about the subject is needed. The course design and the teacher encourage questions. Participants’ curiosity and critical questions offer the opportunity to dig deeper into the Hasidic and Jewish traditions.

To apply for this course, you need basic computer skills and knowledge of how to use the digital platform Zoom. The school offers Zoom manuals and a training opportunity before the start of the course.

Course material

Course material is included in the cost for this course.

About the teacher

Oliver Spike Joseph is a rabbi working for community organisations and higher education institutes. His passion is outreach, breaking community boundaries to connect people to Jewish life. Oliver teaches on spiritual care, capacity building and resilience. Oliver is a prison chaplain working with young prisoners. 

Oliver works for the European Masorti Bet Din, a rabbinic council which supports communities from Ukraine to the United Kingdom. Oliver studied in Jerusalem at the Fuchsberg Centre and at the Hartman Institute. He studied Jewish philosophy at the Tel Aviv University. Oliver was ordained as a rabbi at the Ziegler School for Rabbinic Studies in Los Angeles in 2015. Oliver is a cancer survivor and a BRCA gene carrier who has worked with national charities as a health advocate for greater awareness of the cancer-causing BRCA gene mutation. He is passionate about cooking, gardening, hiking, running and cycling.

Photo: Pixabay.

Frequently Asked Questions

CELEBRATING THE BALAGAN 3: ISRAEL’S SOCIETY REFLECTED IN FEATURE FILMS (ONLINE)

The Hebrew word balagan can be translated into mess, chaos.

This course will discuss the texture of contemporary Israeli society, based on an analysis of Israeli movies. Until the 1980s, Israeli society pursued a social ideal that derived from European-Socialist-Zionist dominance and the (real or virtual) experience of the Holocaust. Social unity and uniformity were forged by different institutions and organizations (army, kibbutz-movement, trade unions).

Recent cultural multiplicity and the ideological-political diversity emerged after the Zionist, European and socialist ideal, whether together or separately, have ceased to serve as a basis for national consensus.

After a general presentation of historical facts, the course will explore the different ethnic, cultural, ideological, and religious sectors in Israeli society. Starting out with the identity of second-generation Holocaust survivors, the course will introduce the students to the fascinating, yet problematic reality of a multi-cultural and multi-ethnic society that needs to negotiate its national consensus anew.

The course is given in collaboration with the Center for Jewish Cultural History, Paris Lodron University, Salzburg and Paideia – The European Institute for Jewish Studies in Sweden.

 

Course structure

Each lesson consists of an introduction, watching a movie (90-120 minutes) and discussion. 

Prior knowledge

The course is given in English.

No prior knowledge about the subject is needed. Both participants that have taken the courses Celebrating the Balagan 1 and Celebrating the Balagan 2 and those new to the topic are welcome to apply. 

To apply for this course, you need basic computer skills and knowledge of how to use the digital platform Zoom. The school offers Zoom manuals and a training opportunity before the start of the course.

Course material

Course material is included. Additional reading may be recommended by the teacher and is to be acquired by the participants. The teacher will inform you of this, if you get accepted to the course.

About the teacher

Louise Hecht was recently the Lilli and Michael Sommerfreund guest professor at the Hochschule für Jüdische Studien in Heidelberg, Germany. She studied Judaic Studies, German and Spanish literature at the University Vienna, Austria. She holds a PhD in Jewish History from The Hebrew University, Jerusalem (summa cum laude) and a habilitation in Jewish Cultural History from the Paris Lodron University of Salzburg. Her teaching and research focus on cultural and intellectual history, gender studies, printing culture and popular culture in Israel.

Photo: from the movie “Children of the Sun”

Frequently Asked Questions

MITZVOT  – THE COMMANDMENTS: WHAT AND WHY? (ONLINE)

The Torah contains 613 of them, and some people commonly refer to them as good deeds. But is that really a good description?

In this course, we will learn how the unique relationship between the Jewish people and their God is constituted by both the written and oral components of the Torah, how our observance of mitzvot has grown and transformed through history, and what relevance these ideas might have in a modern, secular society. 

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

 

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. The school offers Zoom manuals and a training opportunity before the start of the course.

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: Foto: Paideia/Canva.

Frequently Asked Questions

In this course we will explore Arab Jewish music from the 1700s right up to 2025, from liturgical poetry to Israeli Mizrahi rock, from Marrakech to Tel Aviv. How have Arab Jews sung, prayed, and partied in Arabic indicating a spirited equality in the Arab world alongside Muslims and Christians?

Throughout the course we will listen (and shake it!) to dozens of incredible and unforgettable songs while learning a small portion of the historical and social context these songs were written and performed in.

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

 

Course structure 

The course will be taught in lecture style with expectation that participants will have listened to song recordings prior to each session. Some small popular media articles will also be shared prior to sessions.

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. The school offers Zoom manuals and a training opportunity before the start of the course.

Course material

Course material is included in the cost for this course.

About the teacher 

Maor Oz is a PhD student at the University of Toronto in the Department for the Study of Religion and the Centre for Jewish Studies. His research has focused on the media representation of Arab Jews in Israeli society, in addition to the role of Arabic in modern Mizrahi Jewish culture in Israel. His doctoral research focuses on Jewish food culture and migration in the modern Mediterranean.

Photo: Iraqi Party, Fiona Murphy, from the film “Remember Baghdad”

Frequently Asked Questions

COEXISTENCE, POLARIZATION AND DIFFERENCE – CONTEMPORARY JEWISH PERSPECTIVES (ONLINE)

In this course we will explore the meanings of coexistence, difference, and polarization through a contemporary Jewish lens, with emphasis upon the thought of Jonathan Sacks (1948-2020) and Abraham Joshua Heschel (1907-1972). In a post-October 7th era that may often appear intolerant and frustrating, how are we to make sense of these realities?

As a response to this question, this course views critical (and philosophical) reflection to be a form of conflict prevention and/or de-escalation, with relevance not only for politics, but also for our interpersonal relationships with friends, family, and co-workers. While mediation and conflict resolution techniques may help resolve disagreements that have an identifiable cause, what happens in contexts of political polarization where hateful rhetoric and uncivil dialogue may frustrate dialogue from the start? A need thus crystalizes, as this course suggests, for an alternative approach, and ideally one conceived prior to the encounter with the other.

To complement our task we will review several paradigmatic instances from the Hebrew Bible and the Talmud. 

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

 

Course structure

This course will be interactive, collaborative, and discussion-based. To study text in guided chevruta (learning pairs) for various exercises and processing is part of the course structure. 

Prior knowledge

The course is given in English.

Both new and previous participants are welcome to apply. 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. The school offers Zoom manuals and a training opportunity before the start of the course.

Course material

Course material is included in the cost for this course.

About the teacher

Jordan Spencer Jacobs is a Phd candidate in Religious Studies at the Universidad Complutese de Madrid and is a researcher at the Center for Theology and Religious Studies at Lund University. His dissertation examines the idea of knowing and not-knowing in the thought of Abraham Joshua Heschel and its relevance for interpersonal contexts today. A trained mediator, he holds an MA in Conflict Resolution and Coexistence from Brandeis University, and has worked professionally in the fields of peacebuilding and restorative justice in public schools.

Photo: Pixabay.

Frequently Asked Questions

THE NIGUN – WORDLESS MELODIES IN THE JEWISH TRADITION (ONLINE)

Nigunim are wordless, repetitive melodies intended to inspire emotional and spiritual transcendence. A large part of the Hasidic musical tradition, they can be vastly different musically and are often rooted in Jewish text, lifecycle events or significant times in the Jewish calendar. At each session we will learn a couple of nigunim and explore how they might weave into Jewish practice.

Music is a universal language, the nigun can be an inclusive access point to Judaism for those who might be unfamiliar with Hebrew or struggle to connect with a religion that is so text-based.

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

 

Course structure 

No previous musical experience is required. With everyone but the teacher on mute, you can sing to your heart’s content (even if you can’t sing!) in the comfort of your own home. If you fancy playing along by ear on an instrument, please do! Or if you’d prefer to just listen and let yourself be carried along by the music, that’s great too.

Prior knowledge

The course is given in English.

No prior knowledge about the subject or previous musical experience is required.

To apply for this course, you need basic computer skills and knowledge of how to use the digital platform Zoom. The school offers Zoom manuals and a training opportunity before the start of the course.

Course material

Course material is included in the cost for this course.

About the teacher

Ayala Gottlieb Alter is a Cantorial student, Singer, and Cellist from London. An accomplished concert artist and function musician, she served as Cantor for The Great Synagogue of Stockholm in 2024 and performed at The Riksdag in January 2025. Ayala is currently working towards the European Academy for Jewish Liturgy’s Baal T’filla Diploma and lending her voice to Masorti Judaism UK’s exciting new Shema Koleinu Tefillah (prayer) skills online resource.

Photo: Paideia/Canva.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you enjoy Israeli music and want to sing in Hebrew, this is the course for you.

Experience the richness of the Hebrew language through song. In this course we approach the language and have the opportunity to deepen previous knowledge by starting from and working with song texts in Hebrew.

Together we read, sing and listen to songs related to Jewish holidays, Israel, seasons and Jewish history. The classes offer opportunities for fun learning and focus on the participants’ interests. 

Bruchim habaim, welcome!

Click here to see a compilation of all courses in Hebrew that the school offers for the fall semester of 2025.

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

 

Prior knowledge

The course is given in English.

Beginners as well as Hebrew speakers are welcome to apply. The course is suitable for everyone regardless of their level of Hebrew. For those who are beginners in Hebrew, song texts with transcribed text are offered.

To apply for this course, you need basic computer skills and knowledge of how to use the digital platform Zoom. The school offers Zoom manuals and a training opportunity before the start of the course.

Course material

Course material is included in the cost for this course. 

About the teacher

Anat Samuelson was born and raised in Jerusalem, where she studied vocal studies at the Academy of Music and pedagogy at David Yelin College. She has been teaching Hebrew to adults, youth and children for over 10 years. Anat has a passion for the Hebrew language and a special interest in the origins and roots of Hebrew. Anat sings and performs in various ensembles and studies Kabbalah at Mishkan Hakavana in Israel.

Photo: Paideia/Canva. 

Frequently Asked Questions