Echoes of the Past, Challenges of the Present: Jews and Race

Race has shaped history, society, and personal identities—including Jewish identities—in profound ways. In this class, we’ll explore why race matters from historical, sociological, Jewish, and personal perspectives. How has race influenced Jewish life in America? How does it intersect with antisemitism, identity, and belonging? Together, we’ll dive into different understandings of race and discuss how Jewish and African American thinkers—including Heschel, Wiesel, Sacks, Greenberg, Eisen, DuBois, Baldwin, Giovanni, West, and Coates—have challenged us to think deeply about its meaning. Through conversation and reflection, we’ll grapple with how race continues to shape Jewish experiences and the world around us.

Michael L. Sanow, Ph.D. is Professor Emeritus at the Community College of Baltimore County. He has a Ph.D. in Sociology from The Ohio State University. He has taught a variety of Sociology courses in “Race Relations,” “The Holocaust,” “Social Problems” and “Service Learning” for fifty years.

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.