Reflections on Jewish history, from a secular perspective
Our Jewish History Study Group meets once a month in member's homes.
We explore a variety of topics throughout Jewish time and space,
using a curriculum developed by the Society for Humanistic Judaism
which we have enhanced with readings from Diamont's History of the Jews, Bernavi's Historical Atlas of the Jewish People,
and materials which we have personally collected.
This year's study group meets at 10:30 AM, on the second Saturday of each month.
Subjects for Study, 2006 - 2007
The Diaspora to the Americas: response to the Inquisition in Spain and Portugal
Jewish settlements and early Jewish organizations in the New World
Sources:
Bernavi 150-153, 180-8-
Readings from the NY Public Library exhibit, "350 years of Jewish Life in America"
Steven Birmingham, The Grandees: America's Sephardic Elite
Max Dimont, The Jews in America
Jewish Music
What do we know about music in the temple? in the early synagogues?
Chasidim and their wordless songs, niggunim
Revival of music in Reform congregations in Germany, and in the U.S.
Cantillation and trope - music of reading from the Torah
The origins of Klezmer
Traditional congregational chants, e.g. the Shema, etc.
Holiday origins: as each holiday occurs throughout the year...
Sources:
Hayyim Schauss, The Jewish Festivals
For information about topics, readings, and locations for specific meetings,
please contact Bernice at Berenice@bestweb.net or (914)965-4202.
