What does Tikkun Olam (Repairing the World), really mean- holy mission, social justice rallying cry, or a buzzword gone rogue? In this two-session mini-course, we will dive into the history and controversy of “repairing the world,” tracing its mystical roots and its makeover as a modern mantra, how it’s been praised, politicized, and even misunderstood. 

This eight-session course will flip traditional understandings of seven classic stories: Adam and Eve in the Garden, Cain’s offering, Abraham’s hospitality, Pharaoh’s dream, Aaron’s staff, the Golden Calf, and the Fiery Serpents. Forget the sanitized versions—this is Torah with a twist.

Come for the stories, stay for the insights, and leave with a whole new take on these ancient narratives.

Discover how Jewish artists revolutionized the art world during and after WWII, blending ancient traditions with bold, groundbreaking techniques. As the art scene shifted from Europe to the U.S., figures like Mark Rothko, a Latvian immigrant whose works now command record-breaking prices, redefined creative expression. Dive into the stories and works of pioneers like Adolph Gottlieb, Morris Louis, Lee Krasner, Barnett Newman, and Helen Frankenthaler—artists who channeled post-war resilience into the explosive energy of Abstract Expressionism. This course explores how their Jewish identities and wartime experiences shaped a movement that still resonates today.

Join us for a virtual musical journey through the vibrant world of Yiddish songs! In this 2-week mini-course, we’ll explore everything from lively labor anthems to soulful lullabies, tangos to holiday tunes, all while diving into the rich history, culture, and language behind them. Each session features a new song with lyrics, translations, and a bit of storytelling magic. You’ll even get to sing along, no prior Yiddish or singing experience required! This course combines music, history, and fun, highlighting how these songs built community and survived through hardship—plus, the joy of singing together.

This three-part series analyzes the far-reaching consequences of the October 7th Hamas attack on Israel. Session one delves into the 11-front war Israel faced, including conflicts with Hamas, Hezbollah, Iran, Syria, Iraq, and others. Session two examines the rise of antisemitism in academia, global organizations like the UN and ICC, and the media's failure to accurately cover the war. The final session focuses on the collapse of Syria’s Assad regime, Iran’s weakening influence, and the implications for regional powers like Hezbollah, Hamas, and Israel. What does this mean for the future of the Middle East?

Embark on a captivating exploration of Jewish history and culture, as we delve into the power of collective memory. This six-part course –Jewish Journeys: Collective Memories through Place and Time – will take you on a journey through time and space, examining how our shared past shapes our present and future.

Uncover the forgotten, trace the threads of history from ancient times to the modern era, challenge the narrative on Jewish history and culture and connect with the pastand how collective memory informs the present and can inspire and empower us to build a better future.

This Hebrew Intermediate course will consolidate and broaden the understanding and the active use of the vocabulary and the grammatical structures already acquired. Participants will expand their language skills in order to read and understand contemporary appropriate-level texts and get a glimpse of the news and cultural life in Israel.

Studying Hebrew during these special historical days may give you the feeling of being, somehow, a little closer to Israel. This Advanced course will be focusing mostly on consolidating the acquired knowledge- vocabulary and grammatical structures - while expanding on the fundamental skills: reading, comprehension and speaking. Participants will be provided with appropriate literary texts and modern media articles. The selected material and the interactive class discussions will enable you to connect with the daily life and with the multiple different aspects of the dynamic cultural Hebrew scene in Israel and around the world.

In Dilemmas of Faith, Hartman Institute scholars explore the foundational issue of faith, engaging in broad and deep analysis of some of the many dilemmas that faith in the modern world raises. Based on classical Jewish tradition and contemporary Jewish thought and life, Dilemmas of Faith addresses the big questions raised by the intersection of faith and reason, faith and history, faith and politics, and the faith experience.

Antisemitism has been described as a virus that mutates. In each historical period, hatred of Jews takes on a different form or focus, often as a reaction to the prevailing ideology of the time – be it religious, racist, or political.

In the aftermath of the October 7 massacre and the ongoing war in Gaza, antisemitism is, once again, reaching levels not seen since the Holocaust. Therefore, it is crucial for learners to understand the historical processes that have given rise to today's antisemitism. This understanding will help them comprehend the underlying forces and the recurring tropes used to depict Jews and the Jewish State over time.

In this six-part course, learners will explore pivotal periods, such as the interactions between Jews and early Christianity and Islam, medieval manifestations in Christian Europe, the rise of racially motivated antisemitism leading to the Holocaust, the influence of communism and Islamism on perceptions of Jews, and the contemporary landscape of antisemitism, encompassing both extreme right-wing and left-wing ideologies.

Step into the world of the Hebrew Bible and explore how Moses and his teachings shaped the American Revolution and the founding of the United States. From the quest for freedom to the call for justice, America’s founders drew inspiration from the Bible’s powerful messages. We’ll uncover how the story of slavery, liberation, and divine justice influenced the nation’s fight for freedom and equality. Through the lens of Moses' journey and the Bible's core values, this course reveals how ancient teachings helped forge the American dream and its commitment to liberty and justice for all.

What happens when you combine a boisterous family gathering with a dramatic tale of liberation? You get the Pesach Seder! In this engaging two-part mini-course, we’ll explore how the Seder blends the chaos of a My Big Fat Greek Wedding with the epic freedom story of Let My People Go. Between matzah, wine, and the occasional debate over who’s sitting where, the Haggadah takes you on a wild ride of rituals, history, and more food than you can shake a bitter herb at. Join us for a comedic and insightful take on the traditions that make the Seder unforgettable.

In this eye-opening course, we’ll explore the growing divisions within Jewish communities, from the diverse views of Jewish Americans to the deep religious and political rifts among Jews in Israel. Recent political turmoil in the U.S. has highlighted how Jewish Americans navigate their identities through differing perspectives on social, economic, and foreign policies. Meanwhile, Israel’s Jewish population faces its own struggles with unity. Is this fragmentation a modern challenge, or does it reflect a long-standing pattern in Jewish history? Join us as we dive into the complexities of Jewish identity, community, and division throughout time.

This course explores profound insights into human consciousness as revealed through the stories in the Book of Genesis. Drawing on Chassidic and mystical traditions, contemporary theories of mind, and perspectives from artificial intelligence, the course weaves together diverse approaches to offer fresh interpretations of familiar Torah narratives.

This course explores contemporary issues in Israel that reflect the complex relationship between religion and secularism, tradition, and constitutional liberalism. Through an in-depth examination of pivotal cases, students will gain insights into the characteristics of Israeli society and the tensions between religious and secular worldviews. The course aims to deepen participants’ understanding of the State of Israel and its unique dynamic with Judaism, providing a nuanced perspective on the challenges and opportunities in navigating this intricate relationship.