A Whirlwind History Of The Italian Jews: Part 2

This two-part series will focus on a history of the Italian Jews. There have been Jews living in that region continuously since at least the time of the Maccabbean revolt in the Holy Land, and probably earlier. Their history is quite different and generally more benign that that of the Jews from central and eastern Europe.

Part 2 dives into the dramatic transformations of Jewish life in Italy from the mid-1600s to World War II. We’ll explore the realities of the ghetto period, the liberation that followed, and the astonishing rise of Jews to positions of influence as Italy evolved from scattered principalities into a unified nation.

We’ll end with a powerful look at one of history’s most surprising chapters—how the vast majority of Italian Jews managed to survive the Holocaust.

Tickets for Part 1 are available here.

George Sacerdote is a first generation American of Italian Jewish descent., Branches of his family have lived in Italy since Roman times, while others arrived in the 1400s, mostly from Spain. After careers in academia and management consulting, George has set about documenting his family’s history and the broader history of the Italian Jews. It is a history that differs markedly from that of the majority of American Jews, most of whom trace the ancestry back to Eastern Europe. He has written three books on the subject and given lectures at synagogues and other Jewish Institutions.

Who are these classes for?

Our classes are for everyone—whether you’re brand new to the topic or have been engaging with it for years, we encourage participation from people of all backgrounds, identities, and experience levels. Unless otherwise noted, no prior knowledge or experience is needed. Not sure if a class is for you? Email us at Learning@Lehr.haus!

Why are there tickets at different prices?

Our tickets utilize a Pay-What-You-Can model so attendees can pay a range of prices based on what they are able to pay to allow for greater accessibility. Please select the price point that feels right for you.

Can I eat during class?

While we do not serve food in the study, you are welcome to order and enjoy drinks during class and join us for a meal before or after class. We highly recommend making a reservation if you know you'll be dining with us. Visit www.lehr.haus/reservation to check availability and book a table.