"I Wanna Dance with Somebody": Gender and Romance at Jewish Mutual Aid Dances

What did it mean to flirt, date, and fall in love as a Jewish immigrant in early 20th-century New York? This class explores how the social dances hosted by landsmanshaftn—Jewish hometown mutual aid societies—became crucial spaces for young people to forge romantic relationships and assert their independence from their parents. Drawing from oral histories and Yiddish literature, we’ll examine how the ballroom floor both reflected and reshaped generational norms around gender, sexuality, and courtship—and how we can see their impact in our communities today.

Judy Goldstein (she/her) is a recent graduate from Barnard College and the Jewish Theological Seminary. Her thesis, titled “A Night at the Ball: Jewish Immigrant Social Events in New York City, 1900-1939, won the 2025 Ingeborg, Tamara, and Yonina Rennert Senior Thesis Prize in Jewish Studies at Barnard.

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.