CULTURE AND HISTORY FROM AFAR WITH JHSEMINARS
UPCOMING LECTURES
Tuesday, Jan 19th at 6 pm Israel time: A VISIT TO THE ROYAL TOMBS OF VERGINA, GREECE WITH ITS BREATHTAKING GOLD ARTIFACTS AND THE STORY WHICH CHANGED THE COURSE OF HISTORY, Kapi Panou
A visit to the museum at Vergina is a feast for the eyes and the mind. The cluster of royal tombs (including that of Philip II, father of Alexander the Great and his grandson, Alexander IV) is protected by a tumulus-shaped shelter and is now the present Museum of the Royal Tombs of Aigai (modern name is Vergina). Today one can see the architectural buildings, wall paintings of the tombs and gorgeous gold artifacts.
Born in Salonica, Greece Kapi Panou is a highly qualified tour guide and member of the World Federation of Tourist Guides' Associations (WFTGA) Group of Lead Trainers. She has a long experience in group and private guiding all over Greece. A university graduate (Philosophical School) and, currently, a trainer in the School of Guides, Athens, she shares her knowledge and enthusiasm either with the most demanding "study" groups or the simple travellers who look for a comprehensive and thorough interpretation of the secrets of the Greek and Jewish heritage and contemporary life. She is always at the disposal of the "world" traveller who appreciates the "art of guiding."
Sunday, Jan 24th at 7 pm Israel time: (REPEAT LECTURE) JEWISH BULGARIA: A VIRTUAL SEPHARDIC JOURNEY, Dr. Joseph Benatov
Join us for a dynamic interactive trip through Bulgaria’s rich Jewish heritage. Learn about notable moments and individuals from the rich and varied history of Jewish life in Bulgaria. Our virtual tour will make stops in Sofia and Plovdiv, Bulgaria’s largest cities, and will take us inside the sumptuous Neo-Moorish Sofia synagogue. Other highlights along the way include the medieval capital, the grand Rila Monastery, and the mountain town of Samokov, home to the most affluent Sephardic dynasty – the Arie family. You will have a chance to learn about the history and culture of the Bulgarian Sephardi Jews.
Joseph Benatov holds a Ph.D. in comparative literature from the University of Pennsylvania, where he teaches Hebrew. He is originally from Bulgaria and a member of Sofia’s Jewish community. Joseph has over 15 years of experience leading travelers across the Balkans, including UNESCO representatives, 92nd Street Y visitors, JDC board members, and Anti-Defamation League officials. He lectures regularly on the history of Jewish life in Bulgaria and on Balkan Sephardic culture.
Tuesday, Jan 26th at 6 pm Israel time: TO THE BOOTH, TO THE GALLERY, JEWISH WOMEN AND THE VOTE, Rachel Kolsky
Discover the Jewish women committed to the campaign for votes for women and equal rights for synagogue membership. In Britain, the Jewish League for Women's Suffrage was the first organization to link Judaism with suffrage and with support from key members of the male Anglo- Jewish elite they succeeded in breaking down barriers to political and religious emancipation. The suffrage campaign was international and this talk also highlights co-operation across the continents and non-British suffragettes.
Rachel Kolsky was our wonderful guide on our tour to England last year. She is a popular prize-winning London Blue Badge Tourist Guide. Focusing on the 'human stories behind the buildings' Rachel's talks are known to be fun and informative filled with anecdotes past and present. From off-the-beaten track London and famous personalities to cinemas and shopping, memories of all aspects of London's rich and varied social history come flooding back. Before embarking on her career as Guide and Lecturer, Rachel, a qualified librarian, worked as an information professional in the financial services industry for over 25 years. Rachel has published five books including Jewish London (2012), Whitechapel in 50 Buildings (2016) and Women’s London (2018) and she is thrilled to have been a guest lecturer on cruises since 2009.
TO REGISTER FOR A LECTURE: ONE MUST PAY ON PAYPAL.ME/JHSEMINARS
(USD 12 per lecture) AND THEN EMAIL: