Class Description
This class explores the rich history, culture, and identity of Arab Jewish communities. Over four weeks, participants will examine the political forces shaping Arab Jewish identity alongside their vibrant cultural expressions in art, music, and religion. The course delves into the impact of colonialism, Zionism, and Arab nationalism on these communities, while also highlighting their distinctive presence within Middle Eastern society. Through primary sources, personal narratives, and contemporary perspectives, participants will gain a deeper understanding of the intersection between Arab and Jewish identities and their influence on art, religion, and politics today. By the end of the course, students will develop a broader perspective on the diverse experiences of Arab Jews and their enduring relevance in modern political and cultural discussions.
Hadar Cohen is an Arab Jewish scholar, mystic, and artist whose work focuses on multi-religious spirituality, politics, social issues, and community building. She is the founder of Malchut, a spiritual skill-building school teaching Jewish mysticism and direct experience of God. She teaches and consults in a variety of settings and formats, from one-on-one coaching to online group classes and in-person retreats. Her podcast, Hadar’s Web, features community conversations on spirituality, healing, justice, and art. Hadar is a 10th-generation Jerusalemite with lineage roots also in Syria, Kurdistan, Iraq, and Iran. Subscribe to her Substack for access to her latest writings, offerings, and media appearances. To learn more about her work, visit hadarcohen.me.
All virtual classes are recorded and made available to participants registered in the class. These recordings are password-protected and available for up to two weeks after the class ends.
Materials List
Required
- Instructor-Distributed Materials
First Assignment
- “Sephardim in Israel: Zionism from the Standpoint of its Jewish Victims” by Ella Shohat
- “The Invention of the Mizrahim” by Ella Shohat
A Brief Syllabus
- The Political Identity of Arab Jews
- Art and Music as Cultural Expression
- Spiritual Practices and Theological Perspectives
- Arab Jewish Struggles in the Israel-Palestine Landscape
Cost and Registration
4 Sessions, $200 ($180 for Newberry members, seniors, and students). Learn about becoming a member.
We offer our classes at three different price options: Regular ($200), Community Supported ($190), and Sponsor ($210). Following the models of other institutions, we want to ensure that our classes are accessible to a wider audience while continuing to support our instructors. You may choose the price that best fits your situation when registering through Learning Stream.
To register multiple people for this class, please go through the course calendar in Learning Stream, our registration platform. When you select the course and register, you’ll be prompted to add another registrant.
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