In the Great Jewish Books Fall Program, adult learners explore and discuss masterpieces of modern Jewish literature with dynamic scholars and other engaged readers. Participants spend a week at the Yiddish Book Center examining important novels, stories, and poems in an intimate setting and considering what these works teach us about our world.

In fall 2016, our theme will be Power and Powerlessness. Between the nineteenth and twenty-first centuries, Jews across the world often found themselves subject to prejudicial treatment and brutal violence, but they also achieved unprecedented levels of political, economic, and military power. Over the course of the week, we will discuss works written in Yiddish, Hebrew, Russian, German, French, English, and other languages (all available in translation) and consider how different writers have understood the complex positioning and repositioning of modern Jews vis-à-vis those different types of power. We’ll read challenging literary works that grapple with suffering, perseverance, and the moral ambiguities of modern life. Authors we will consider include Isaac Babel, Franz Kafka, Isaac Bashevis Singer, Dahlia Ravikovitch, Cynthia Ozick, and Anna Deveare Smith.

Space is limited, so early registration is advised. Registration closes October 7. 

For more information, click here. 

 

PROGRAM ACTIVITIES

Program activities take place at the Yiddish Book Center and include:

• Lectures by Aaron Lansky, the founder and president of the Yiddish Book Center; Josh Lambert, the Center’s academic director; and visiting scholars
• Opportunities for small group work (participants choose either a Yiddish-language reading circle, a creative writing group, or a literary discussion group)
• A film series and live performance
• Five kosher lunches and two kosher dinners provided at the Yiddish Book Center (participats staying at the Hotel Northampton will receive a continental breakfast there)

ACCOMMODATIONS

Participants will stay at the Hotel Northampton, a beautiful historic hotel in the center of downtown Northampton. The hotel is within walking distance of Northampton’s renowned local shops, galleries, bookstores, and restaurants. Program tuition includes hotel accommodations for Sunday night through Thursday night. A commuter rate is available for local participants.

COST

Tuition and room shared with another participant: $1,100 per person
Tuition and private room: $1,475 per person
Tuition at commuter rate: $750 per person 

CANCELLATION POLICY

Cancel by September 30 to receive a full refund, minus a $50 processing fee. If you cancel by October 14, you will receive a refund of 50 percent of your original payment. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide a refund for cancellations after October 14.