Programs
Jewish Life and Learning
Session:
FALL 2026
Jewish Life and Learning
Dates: September 6, 2026 - December 12, 2026
We aim to enable our members to ignite new interests, engage in stimulating conversations, stay fit and active, make friends, and build community. We address the needs of adults in different life stages and diverse relationships, promoting intellectual enrichment, creative expression, personal growth, social connections, and the development of new skills. We also provide opportunities to contribute to our community through active volunteerism.
Available Courses:
Twelve Critical Events in 20th Century Jewish History with Mark Goldman
Schedule
Course Schedule: September 15, 2026 - December 8, 2026
Day(s) of the Week: Tue
Time: 10:00 am - 11:30 am
Requirements
Ages: 18
Course Information
Pricing Info: JCC Member: Free | Community $18
Location: Benderson Board Room
Instructor: Mark Goldman
Course Description
In this course we will explore the twelve critical events in 20th century Jewish history.
1) The Dreyfus Case and the beginning of Zionism
2) 1919:: The shaping of the Middle East after World War I and its impact on the present.
3)The National Origins Act of 1924 and its impact on Jewish immigration
4) The impact of Jewish Progressivism on the New Deal
5) American Jews respond to the Holocaust
6) 1948: The Establishment of the State of Israel
7) New York City in the 1950s: The flowering of Jewish Cultural life in America
8) Jewish Art dealers and the rise of Modern Art
9) 1967 War and its aftermath
10) The Rise of Palestinian Nationalism and its challenge to the Jewish State
11) Status of Jews in Europe and the US, 2026
12) Jews and the elections of 2026 and 2028.
Mark will assign weekly readings drawn from the internet.
Taught by Mark Goldman, who has been a resident of Buffalo for more than 50 years. A graduate of Brandeis University, he earned his doctorate in history at University at Buffalo. Mark is the author of several books on Buffalo history: High Hopes: The Rise and Decline of Buffalo, NY; City on the Lake: Buffalo confronts the crisis of decline; C010: City on the Edge: Buffalo, 1900-2; Albright: The Life and Times of John J. Albright; a children's book called Max Meets the Mayor; Tillie, A New York City Girl: 1906 - 2001; City of My Heart, Buffalo 1967-2020 and most recently. Incredible Journeys: Stories behind the works at the AKG Art Museum.
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