The study group is being offered for free to alumni of The Lookstein Center’s Jewish History Bootcamp. For any questions, please email info@lookstein.org.

Jewish History Study Group

For alumni of The Lookstein Center’s Jewish History Bootcamp, this fully-sponsored study group offers Jewish history educators an unparalleled opportunity to delve deeply into key issues in the field. Through deep discussion and text study, you’ll deepen your expertise and bring enriched perspectives to your classroom.

Each year, the Study Group will focus on a different topic, providing fresh insights and unique resources for your teaching.

2025 Cohort: Antisemitism

In 2025, in light of rising antisemitism, the group will explore antisemitism in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and Its echoes today. The study group will meet four times and cover Church-sponsored antisemitism, Soviet-sponsored antisemitism, antisemitism in Arab countries, and American antisemitism. Study materials (articles, primary sources, videos, etc.) will be sent in advance of each session. Sessions will include historical framing, group discussion of the topic, occasional guest lectures, and opportunities to consider how to incorporate this content into your classroom.

Are you a Jewish History Bootcamp graduate and interested in learning more? Please contact us at info@lookstein.org.

Study Group Facilitators:

Naomi Schrager

Director of Education, Lookstein Virtual Jewish Academy

Naomi Schrager is a veteran Jewish educator with more than two decades of experience in classroom instruction, informal education programming, and administration, and currently serves as Director of Education for Lookstein Virtual Jewish Academy. A long-time history lover, she has developed Jewish history curricula, designed and facilitated Professional Development in Jewish history instruction, and supervised its teaching in multiple classrooms, in multiple Jewish day schools. Since making aliyah, Naomi enjoys wandering the land where our national past and present intersect and watching her kids climb and play on antiquities.

Hyim Brandes

Director of Technology

Hyim Brandes has worked at the intersection of Jewish education and technology for more than two decades spearheading projects and initiatives focusing on student personalization and 21st century learning. Hyim studied Jewish History at U.C. Berkeley, spent three years studying at Pardes, and was a Joshua Venture Group Fellow. At The Lookstein Center, Hyim serves as the Director of Technology, where in addition to being responsible for all things ed tech, he creates and facilitates trainings and professional development programs in history, combatting antisemitism, and 21st century learning.