YIVO-Bard Winter Program on Ashkenazi Civilization
Held annually in January since 2012, the YIVO-Bard Winter Program on Ashkenazi Civilization invites students to delve into Ashkenazi Jewish life and culture during its thousand-year history in Eastern Europe and in many Diasporas. The Winter Program courses explore connections between Jewish life and the national, political, philosophical, and artistic identities Jews have historically inhabited, illuminating the fact that Jews have always been influenced by, and influencers of, the cultures in which they’ve made temporary or permanent homes.
Courses are open to all; a credit option is available through Bard College. All classes meet on Zoom.
2026 Course List
Morning Classes: |
An Open Ghetto Next Door to Treblinka
Instructor: Elżbieta Janicka
6 sessions, Tuesdays & Thursdays
January 6-22, 2026 | 9:00am-10:15am ET
Two Revolutionaries
Instructor: Jonathan Brent
6 sessions, Wednesdays & Fridays
January 7-22, 2026 | 9:00am-10:15am ET
The Wandering Jew in Yiddish Literature
Instructor: Anita Norich
6 sessions, Tuesdays & Thursdays
January 6-22, 2026 | 10:45am-12:00pm ET
Afternoon Classes: |
The Jews of Mexico
Instructor: Ilan Stavans
6 sessions, Tuesdays & Thursdays
January 6-22, 2026 | 12:00pm-1:15pm ET
American Jews, Communism, and Espionage
Instructor: Harvey Klehr
6 sessions, Tuesdays & Thursdays
January 6-22, 2026 | 1:00pm-2:15pm ET
Émigré Jews and Film Noir
Instructor: J. Hoberman
6 sessions, Wednesdays & Fridays
January 7-23, 2026 | 1:30pm-2:45pm ET
The Shtetl
Instructor: Samuel Kassow
6 sessions, Tuesdays & Thursdays
January 6-22, 2026 | 2:30pm-3:45pm ET
Jews and Revolution
Instructor: Tony Michels
6 sessions, Tuesdays & Thursdays
January 6-22, 2026 | 4:00pm-5:15pm ET
Evening Classes: |
Photography and Jewishness
Instructor: Maya Benton
6 sessions, Tuesdays & Thursdays
January 6-22, 2026 | 6:30pm-7:45pm ET
Questions? Read our 2026 Winter Program FAQ.
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