The Paradox of Ukrainian Jewish History

The Paradox of Ukrainian Jewish History

Nine Tuesdays: October 25; November 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; December 6, 13, 20
7:30-8:45 p.m. ET

An Online Course with Dr. David Fishman    

The Russian invasion of Ukraine and the resulting humanitarian crisis has catalyzed the Jewish world into action. But the current outpouring of support should not obscure the multifaceted history of Jews in the region. For centuries, Ukraine was both a major center of Jewish life and cultural vitality, and also the site of brutal anti-Jewish violence. This course will examine the paradox of Ukrainian Jewish history, culminating in the election of its first Jewish president in 2019. Topics will include the 1648 massacres led by Bogdan Khmelnitsky; the rise of Hasidism; Ukraine as the cradle of modern Yiddish literature and theatre; Odessa and the rise of Zionism; the Holocaust in Ukraine; and Jewish life in Soviet and post-Soviet Ukraine.    

To prepare for class sessions, participants are encouraged to read the assigned primary sources. 

Cost: $270 for nine sessions

Dr. David Fishman is a professor of Jewish History at JTS, teaching courses in modern Jewish history. Dr. Fishman also serves as director of Project Judaica, JTS’s program in Ukraine, which is based at Kyiv-Mohyla Academy University. He directs its Jewish Archival Survey, which publishes guides to Jewish archival materials in Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine.