Being a Jewish Writer: Themes from the 18th Century to Today
Hosted By: My Jewish Learning
A rare combination of textual exploration and creative writing inspiration come together in this course with a master teacher and storyteller.
What does it mean to be a Jewish writer — today and throughout history?
This unique online course explores that question with an overview of essential figures and moments, beginning with Moses Mendelssohn in the 18th century and moving to the present day, highlighting key themes and challenges.
Each week, students will focus on one or two pieces of writing —drawing from short stories, essays, poems, and memoir excerpts — chosen to reflect specific themes. We will trace how Jewish writers engage with memory, identity, exile, humor and ethics, and we’ll also think about the future of Jewish literature in this fraught moment.
For those participants interested in doing their own writing, the course will provide the opportunity to reflect on their own themes and interests, through the lens of Jewish writers past and present. Prompts will be given each week for participants who would like to develop their own original creative work.
Your guide is Shira Nayman, an acclaimed author of novels, short stories, a memoir and much more, who dives deeply into Jewish themes in all of her work.
