Lectures
Experience Jewish History in a New Light
Engaging and insightful lectures that bring Jewish history to life like never before. A journey through the rich tapestry of Biblical narratives, blending humor and wisdom, with accompanying videos enhancing the experience.
Perfect for organizations and universities seeking a fresh perspective, these lectures promise to entertain and enlighten audiences of all backgrounds. An opportunity to explore Jewish history in a way that will leave you both laughing and learning.
Too Soon?
A comforting lecture on humor in times of crisis
Mark Twain said, "Tragedy plus time equals comedy," but has enough time passed for us to start laughing? And if so, at what and how? Together, we will delve into the crises that have shaped our nation and the comedy that was born from tragedy. We will discover how to continue laughing even when it still hurts, and why humor is the best medicine, after antibiotics.
Jewish Herstory
The biblical stories from an untold point of view
The writers of the Bible and history books have always told our past from a male perspective. What will we discover about the stories that shaped us when we shift to the women's perspective in the story? How does the Book of Esther look from Esther's point of view and also from Vashti's? Was Bathsheba the brain behind the plot to crown Solomon, why did Queen Athaliah kill all her children and grandchildren, and was Deborah the prophetess ever asked how she balances her career and motherhood?
The Jews are Coming Master Lectures
The Jews Are Coming is a critically acclaimed, award-winning satirical sketch show that depicts the history of the Jewish people. Regarded as one of the best Israeli TV shows, it is celebrated for its brilliant blend of deep historical insights and clever silliness. The show has garnered widespread recognition and success, having won 4 Israeli Academy awards, including Best Satire TV show and Best Script for a Satire TV show.
Through its satirical lens, the series delves deep into the rich tapestry of Jewish history, traditions, and struggles, bridging the gap between generations, while retaining the essence of their historical significance and fostering a deeper understanding of the Jewish people's shared heritage.
Behind the show's hilarious facade, it maintains a keen sense of cultural pride and identity, allowing audiences to connect emotionally with its vibrant characters from Avraham the founding father to Yitzhak Rabin.
The Lecture
Step into the captivating world of The Jews Are Coming, where we will unfold the rich history of the Jewish people through a collection of comedic and satirical skits. Together we’ll embark on a journey from Biblical times to the era of Zionism and the young State of Israel, all viewed through a satirical lens. We’ll delve into the exploration of significant Jewish myths, challenging their perceptions, and understanding the significance of doing so. We’ll explore the essence of Jewish humor in Israel, drawing inspiration from historical events and biblical tales. Furthermore, we’ll engage in profound discussions about the unity that binds us as one nation, pondering how we endured for over two millennia and contemplate the prospect of thriving for another 2000 years.
The Masterclass
Welcome to The Jews Are Coming masterclass! Our journey begins with a brief introduction to the show, followed by a Limud (learning session), where we’ll explore biblical stories and delve into our unique interpretations at The Jews Are Coming. Afterward, we’ll divide into groups to unleash our creativity and craft satirical sketches inspired by famous biblical narratives.
What people are saying
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"Thank you! Your presence and the workshops you facilitated at the iCenter's diverse events have been a tremendous source of inspiration for the iCenter's Faculty and participants. Your thoughtfulness, creativity and humor are a gift and the insights and ideas you shared helped us to gain new understandings and context about Israeli culture, society and Jewish tradition. It was truly a pleasure ! Looking forward to learning from you again soon."
Yehudit Wercow, iCenter
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"One of our challenges as Jewish educators is how to get people to engage with Jewish history and the Biblical stories. Our events did an outstanding job at exactly that. Through the satirical humor the audience related to the biblical sources of the show and also to Israel, as a cultural and self-reflecting state. I highly recommend it to all audiences and communities, younger and older."
Nir Braudo CEO, BINA
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My students at HUC and beyond derive so much inspiration and insight from The Jews Are Coming; being able to hear about the process and thinking behind the show has been a privilege and delight. Humor and laughter are crucial to Jewish health of body and mind. These lectures remind us of that with every new skit.
Wendy Zierler, HUC