Embark on a dazzling journey through Jewish history and encounter twelve changemakers that shaped our people and our tradition.

In this epic new course you will meet the unsung heroes of our past, including a 12th century Italian priest who converted to Judaism, a Spanish Talmudic scholar who commanded a Muslim army, a secretly Jewish Portuguese businesswoman and philanthropist, and a group of 10th century rabbis taken captive by pirates.

These extraordinary stories teach the secrets of Jewish purpose, unity, and survival.

This course conveniently includes both daytime and evening class options. Daytime sessions feature a catered lunch for all participants. Evening sessions include the option of a catered dinner for those who wish. Food will be available from 7:15 pm and can be enjoyed during the class. Just choose the Course Registration + Dinner option when signing up and join us for a delicious dinner along with great learning!

Two Course Options:

Four Wednesday Afternoons
May 7, 14, 21, 28
12:00 - 1:15 pm

Four Wednesday Evenings
May 7, 14, 21, 28
7:30 - 9:00 pm

Classes take place at:

The Torah Center
5065 High Point Road
Atlanta, GA 30342

Online learning option available via Zoom

Course fee $120 (includes textbook and materials)
Dinner option $200 (includes course registration and dinner for all 4 sessions)
Sponsorship opportunities available

Course Overview

Lesson 1
Courageous Converts
A Roman prince outwits his uncle to study Torah, an Italian priest studies his way to a new life, and a Polish noble meets an old Jew studying Talmud on a Paris park bench—see their journey to Judaism and what came next.

Lesson 2
Influential Jews
Spain’s top Torah scholar leads a Muslim Army, an Amsterdam rabbi with a printshop talks England into readmitting Jews, and a rabbi teaches a Catholic scholar and saves Central Europe’s Jewish books— how did they integrate Judaism into their influence?

Lesson 3
Unsung Heroines
A businesswoman saves thousands from the Inquisition and rebuilds Jewish life across the Mediterranean, and a female Torah scholar shapes Halachic discourse while raising a family, feeding students, and caring for the sick—see the secret ways women shaped Jewish history.

Lesson 4
Heroes and Hostages
Four rabbis are captured by 10th-century pirates, Germany’s foremost Jewish leader is held for ransom, and thousands of East European Jews languish in Ottoman slave markets—how did Jewish communities respond?

Colorful Profiles