Program Options

What is Jewish Magic and Mysticism? 

What is the difference between a Mezuzah and a Hamsa? Join the Klau library staff to learn more about the evolution of Jewish customs and folk rituals. In this session, you’ll experience examples from the world-famous Klau collection of Kabbalistic works, Ilan scrolls, protective amulets and charms.  45 min. 

Jewish Travelogues in Medieval Times 

In the Middle Ages, several significant Jewish people took upon themselves to travel throughout their known world to collect information and gain personal experiences among the far-flung Jewish communities. Learn about their lives through their travelogues with fascinating examples from the Klau’s collections. 45 min. 

The History of American Jewish Food & Regionalism  

What does the cuisine featured in sisterhood temple cookbooks tell us about the Jewish communities where they were published? Learn about regional Jewish history through the foods enjoyed on festivals and special occasions. This class can be adjusted to concentrate on Cincinnati’s history. 45 min.  

Fragmentary Learning: What we learn from pottery of the ancient near east 

From magic bowls to heaps of broken vessels detouring at miniature idols, learn about ancient Israelite culture through the items left behind. 45 min. 

The History of Jewish Art 

Until modern times, very few items of Judaica were created with intention to be beautiful. Learn about which Jewish texts were illuminated and why and explore some beautiful examples from the Klau’s collection. 45 min. 

History of Hebrew Writing (with calligraphy activity) 

Participants will enjoy a virtual tour of the many writing styles unique to the different regions where Jews lived, including Italy, Spain, Germany, Yemen, and China. The program will also include learning to write a sample in each of these lettering styles. 90 min. 

The Development of Jewish Micrography (with Micrography activity) 

One of the earliest forms of Jewish art that survived the centuries is micrography – tiny decorative writing. Learn about how it was used over a thousand years ago and enjoy trying your hand at creating your own works. 90 min.  

An Introduction to Jewish Philosophy  

Who were the major philosophers of the Jewish people and from where did they develop their ideas? Learn about the controversial figures in Jewish theology and the development of the principles of the Jewish faith.  

The History of Hebrew printing (with print-making activity) 

Printing became the main method to disseminate information with the invention of Gutenberg’s moveable type printing press in the 15th century. Learn about the development of print culture and Jewish contributions to the craft as this class examines the long history of Hebrew printing. Includes a DIY print-making activity. 90 min.  

Klau Manuscript and Rare Haggadot for Passover 

The Klau Library is home to some fantastic examples of illustrated Haggadot, used for Passover seders from medieval times through the modern era. Learn about the Passover rituals through these beautiful representations of Jewish culture throughout history. 45 min. 

The Talmud: What is it and why is it so significant? 

The Talmud is the most studied work of Rabbinic literature throughout the Jewish world. Join this class to gain insight into this foundational work of Jewish practice and thought and learn about how it was transmitted through the ages. 45 min. 

Illuminated Esther Scrolls of the Klau Library 

Among the Klau’s collection of Esther scrolls are examples of one of the very first illustrated Esther scrolls from the 16th century, richly illuminated scrolls with floral designs and family crests, and scrolls with miniature scenes of episodes from the Purim story. Enjoy this vibrant visual presentation and learn about the decorative and sometimes strange motifs used to enhance this important ritual object. 45 min.

Exquisite Exteriors: Judging books by their covers (with paper marbling activity) 

There are many beautiful elements in crafting the binding for a medieval book or manuscript, especially a luxurious book commissioned by the wealthy. In this class we will look at a variety of special features – marbled end papers, jewel casing, leather embossing, and foredge decoration- and how they were developed by various craftspeople. This class includes a 30 minute DIY paper-marbling activity. 90 min.

 Genizah: The all-time greatest discovery of Jewish cultural artifacts 

The Cairo Geniza was discovered in the late 20th century and proved to be the most important discovery of Jewish historical material in any generation. It contained letters, receipts, drafts, amulets and more, documenting over a thousand years of Jewish existence in the Middle East and Europe. The Klau Library is the proud repository of several hundred of these fragments, many of which are incredibly important in understanding different aspects of Jewish history. 45 min.

The Akeidah

Join us for a presentation of manuscripts depicting the Binding of Isaac from the collections of the Klau Library and their reflection of different historical interpretations. 45 min.

The History of Jewish Chaplains in the Armed Forces

In this session, learn about a different type of "congregation" that rabbis serve and engage in meaningful discussion about the history, purpose, duties, and function of Jewish chaplains in the military. Through exploration of resources and material from the Klau Library, we will dive deep into the rich history of Jewish chaplaincy.

New Topics Under Development! 

Jews and drinking 

What is the Jewish view of alcohol consumption and how does it fit into Jewish ritual? In this class you’ll learn about some of the various customs that arose out of the holiday traditions of Passover and Purim, from the sublime to the raucous. The involvement of wine in lifecycle rituals such as the bris and wedding will further round out our understanding of the role drinking plays in Jewish culture from past to present.  

Jews in the afterlife 

What does Judaism believe about the afterlife? In this class, we will explore Jewish rituals around death and mourning, historical customs and practices and how they developed, and what Jewish philosophy has to say about physical and spiritual entities as they leave this earth. 

History of Kosher 

What makes food Kosher? How has Kosher observance changed from biblical times throughout Jewish history? How did Kashruth agencies develop in America and what exactly do they do? Come with your own questions and prepare to be amazed by this fascinating exploration of an often misunderstood aspect of Jewish history. 

Censorship: Not just a modern problem! 

For centuries, Jewish books fell under the intense scrutiny of religious leaders of the host countries during the Jewish exile. In this class, we will explore some of the significant eras of Jewish book censorship and see examples of items from our collection that suffered from burning, expurgation, and text modification in the 15th-17th centuries. We will learn about how censors were trained for their work, how it affected the texts, and deduce the echoes of their impact in the development of Jewish thought and worship. 

Jewish Lifecycle: Learn about the seminal points in Jewish life 

From the time a baby enters the world until its last day on earth, Jewish life is filled with rituals and times to celebrate. Participants in this class will learn about the significance of various rite and customs held by Jewish communities across time and space, from the Jewish German custom of the baby’s “Wimpel” to the Moroccan bride’s Henna party. 

Tabernacle vs. Temple (can be adapted for High Holiday orientation) 

While the Pentateuch extensively explains the aesthetics and rituals related to the tabernacle, the descriptions of the temples of Jerusalem appear in both the books of the prophets and the Talmudic writings. Learn about the importance of ancient temple rituals to the Israelite culture and how it impacts modern Jewish culture. This class can be modified to focus on the ritual aspects of the High Holiday services of Yom Kippur and the concept of collective atonement through these actions. 

Queer history and the Jews 

From rabbinic writings of the 2nd century CE and on, Jewish sages have grappled with the concepts of gender roles and identities, anomalies in sex presentation, and interpreting modern conceptions of gender through a Jewish lens. In this class we will learn about famous Queer Jews, historic Rabbinic views and rulings, and the involvement of Jews in the LGBTQ+ landscape of today. 

The hidden language of Jewish dress 

Why do some Jews wear old-fashioned garb while some do not? Are there any Jewish garments and accessories that are universal? What was the role of specifically Jewish dress throughout the ages, and was this self-imposed or the function of darker imperial forces? Learn about how Jewish denominations self-identify and what symbolism they attach to their special garments. 

Jews and dogs 

What do Jewish sources tell us about the relationship between Jews and our four-legged friends? Has this dynamic shifted over time? In this class, we’ll look at some rabbinic writings and historical sources and see some charming doggy depictions from the Klau’s rare book and manuscript collection.