Under what circumstances was Israel born and what is it today – a dream come true out of the ashes of the Holocaust or an attempt at creating an utopia on its way to become another Middle-Eastern failed state? When did it stop being a social-democratic welfare state and become a neo-liberal market economy? And is there any chance for peace with its neighbors?

The course will take us on a journey through the historic events, the big questions, ideologies and vital issues, the conflicts, the violence and the wars, the leaders, the prophets and political parties and the people who shaped 75 years of Israeli history.

 

Prior knowledge

No prior knowledge about the subject is needed.

Course material

Course material is included in the cost for this course.

About the teacher

Born and raised in Israel and currently living in Stockholm, David Stavrou is a journalist, a guide and a teacher. As a journalist he writes for Israeli daily newspaper Haaretz and for other publications about Sweden, Scandinavia and Europe and about issues related to democracy, human rights and genocide worldwide. His book, “An Israeli Cross”, which he co-authored with his brother, Daniel Stavrou, was published in 2014 by Israeli publisher Indibook. His second book about the Israeli diaspora in Europe, “Leaving Zion”, was published in 2020 by Israeli publisher Pardes. He is married and a father of four boys.

Photo: Haifa, Canva.

Frequently Asked Questions

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This Page is not Available in English.

Through expressive arts, including visual art making, poetry, and spoken word, we will  explore Jewish prayer as a bridge. We will examine Jewish perspectives on prayer, both ancient and contemporary, gaining inspiration from traditional tchines (Yiddish prayers and devotions, usually personal and from a female viewpoint).

We will explore expressive art making emerging in Israel as a form of modern prayer. As artists and participants, prayer will be conceptualized as a means of connecting to ourselves, our inner voice and feelings, to each other, to our communities, to our past, future, and the present moment. 

The course is given in collaboration with the Jewish Community in Stockholm.

 

Prior knowledge

No artistic or textual experience is needed, come as you are! 

Course material

Course material is included in the cost for this course.

About the teacher

Esther Amster moved to Stockholm as a Rabbanit in the Jewish Community and lives here with her husband, Rabbi Mattias Amster, and their children. Esther received her Masters degree in Art Therapy from the School of Visual Arts in NYC, and has studied Jewish texts, thought and history at schools in the US and Israel, receiving her BA from Touro College. She has taught studio art for over ten years, led art therapy groups with a focus on identity and empowerment, and taught Jewish texts with special attention to symbolism in Jewish thought and practice. 

Photo: Paideia/Canva

Frequently Asked Questions

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This Page is not Available in English.

Journey Through Israel: Cities, Cultures, and Kibbutzim Life


The course offers a weekly exploration of Israel’s diverse landscapes, cities, and lifestyles. Participants will be guided through the unique cultural dynamics of major cities like Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and Haifa, as well as rural life in Israel’s famous kibbutzim. The lectures will uncover Israel’s rich history, modern urban life, and communal living, allowing participants to gain a deeper understanding of the country’s complexity.

The aim of the course is to provide participants with a comprehensive overview of Israel’s cultural and geographical diversity, offering a blend of historical insights and modern-day experiences. Through lively discussions, visual presentations, and anecdotes from an experienced tour guide, participants will leave each session with a richer understanding of Israel’s unique communities and regions.

 

Course structure 

The course will be delivered through lectures combined with interactive discussions. Visual materials, such as photos, maps, and videos, will be used to enhance the learning experience. Participants are encouraged to ask questions and engage in discussions.

Prior knowledge

No prior knowledge about the subject is needed. 

Course material

Course material is included in the cost for this course.

About the teacher 

Joni Sanderovich is a licensed tour guide for both Stockholm and Israel, with over 15 years of professional experience in guiding, event management, and cultural programming. He has also served as a Jewish agency Shaliach (Emissary) in the Jewish community of Stockholm, where he played a key role in fostering cultural exchange and community engagement. Joni’s deep passion for sharing Israel’s rich history and diverse landscapes, from its vibrant cities to the tranquil kibbutzim, has made him a sought-after guide for custom tours. He holds certifications from the Ministry of Tourism of Israel and has guided numerous groups, families, and individuals, creating unforgettable cultural experiences. His unique combination of storytelling, logistical expertise, and attention to detail ensures engaging and informative lectures that are accessible to all.

Photo: Pixabay.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Yizkor Books have been published since 1943 to commemorate entire Jewish communities destroyed in the Holocaust. They have been published mainly in Israel, in Hebrew, Yiddish, and English. There have also been publications in other languages, such as Hungarian and German. The books were published by individuals, various organizations, and even school children, reaching peak numbers in the 1960s and 70s. 

The books include a variety of texts, stories, historical overviews, poems, maps, drawings, photographs, and necrologies (lists of Holocaust victims) of the people and the institutions that made up the now-gone Jewish community. The books were created based on the idea that every person in the community was worth remembering, from the poorest beggar to the richest “Gvir” (Yiddish expression for rich person). Yizkor books are a window to knowing everyday Jewish life in Eastern and Central Europe before and during the Holocaust.

In this course, we will examine Yizkor books in person, take a look at their history and the people who published them, as well as discuss the role the books filled in Jewish commemoration of the Holocaust and its victims in the wake of the complete destruction of entire Jewries, and how they approached some areas of society, such as people with disabilities and Jewish-Gentile relations. We will also talk about how valuable books have been used as an essential source of information about Jewish victims of the Holocaust, as well as how we can use the books today to find information about our ancestors and roots.

The New York Public Library has a substantial collection of Yizkor books available digitally online at Yizkor Book Collection – NYPL Digital Collections

 

Prior knowledge
No prior knowledge about the subject is needed.

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. 

Foto: Pixabay.

Frequently Asked Questions