CUBA: From Columbus to Castro
A history of the beautiful and long-suffering island of Cuba, from a Jewish perspective
Presented by Prof. Stephen Berk
Come explore Cuba’s explosive history! The story of Cuba delivers from mob ties to mojitos, revolutions to rum. Prof. Stephen Berk will present Cuban history as well as discuss the contribution of the country’s Jewish community across this 4-part virtual series.
PROGRAM(all programs at 7:30pm ET):
- Nov 2: In 1492, Columbus Sailed the Ocean Blue. What are we to make of this man and his legacy?
- Nov 9: 1898 and All That. American imperialism reached its zenith and Teddy Roosevelt did, indeed, carry a big stick.
- Nov 16: Two thieves rape an Island. Meir Lansky and Fulgencio Batista cooperated in making the Mob and the dictator stinking rich…then a “savior” emerges.
- Nov 23: A Duel in the Sun. Fidel, Kennedy and Khrushchev bring us to the brink of catastrophe.
DETAILS:
- Featuring Live moderated chat, and post-talk Q&A with Prof. Berk each session
- Program Cost: $80 for ALL FOUR SESSIONS
- Registration size limited
- Sessions are recorded – view missed sessions via private link (youtube/google log-in required)
About Prof. Stephen Berk:
Prof. Stephen M. Berk is a Professor of History at Union College in Schenectady, New York, Chair of the Department of History, Director of the Program in Comparative Communist Studies and Faculty Advisor to the Jewish Student Organization. He is author of Year of Crisis, Year of Hope: Russian Jewry and the Pogroms of 1881-1882 (Greenwood Press, 1985). At the present time Professor Berk is writing a book entitled, Our People Are Your People: American Jewry and the Struggle for Civil Rights 1854-1965. The book provides an interesting discussion of an extremely important chapter in the history of the civil rights movement and attempts to dispel the myths and misunderstandings that surround the Black-Jewish relationship. Professor Berk is also the author of many articles on Russian History, Russian Jewish History, anti-Semitism and American Policy in the Middle East. Professor Berk is frequently consulted by newspaper reporters and by television and radio stations including the BBC. He has lectured in numerous universities in countless cities and towns in the United States and Israel and is a primary speaker for the UJA, Israel Bonds and B’nai B’rith. Professor Berk is considered an absolutely superb lecturer and teacher. Touring with him has been compared to attending a “traveling university…his lectures are outstanding.” He is always informative, interesting and entertaining. He has lectured as scholar-in-residence for us on many trips to Russia, Spain, the Caribbean, Eastern Europe, Europe and Israel. It is a privilege to have him with us!
Feedback from the past series:
About Prof. Stephen Berk:
Prof. Stephen M. Berk is a Professor of History at Union College in Schenectady, New York, Chair of the Department of History, Director of the Program in Comparative Communist Studies and Faculty Advisor to the Jewish Student Organization. He is author of Year of Crisis, Year of Hope: Russian Jewry and the Pogroms of 1881-1882 (Greenwood Press, 1985). At the present time Professor Berk is writing a book entitled, Our People Are Your People: American Jewry and the Struggle for Civil Rights 1854-1965. The book provides an interesting discussion of an extremely important chapter in the history of the civil rights movement and attempts to dispel the myths and misunderstandings that surround the Black-Jewish relationship. Professor Berk is also the author of many articles on Russian History, Russian Jewish History, anti-Semitism and American Policy in the Middle East. Professor Berk is frequently consulted by newspaper reporters and by television and radio stations including the BBC. He has lectured in numerous universities in countless cities and towns in the United States and Israel and is a primary speaker for the UJA, Israel Bonds and B’nai B’rith. Professor Berk is considered an absolutely superb lecturer and teacher. Touring with him has been compared to attending a “traveling university…his lectures are outstanding.” He is always informative, interesting and entertaining. He has lectured as scholar-in-residence for us on many trips to Russia, Spain, the Caribbean, Eastern Europe, Europe and Israel. It is a privilege to have him with us!
“Your lecture series have been a bright spot in this pandemic. Now I can’t wait to start travelling to these places again…especially Israel!
“I am totally enjoying the series and actually clap when he’s finished even though I’m sitting alone in my office.”
“Always interested to hear Professor Berk speak. The man is a walking encyclopedia, truly incredible. Would love to go on one of his trips someday”
“Love that man and his incredible knowledge and energy! I am ready for his brain sharing anytime! Thank you to you for organizing this and to Dr. Berk…”
“Tonight’s lecture was, as was the last one, so interesting.. “
Give the GIFT OF LEARNING. Past programs are available for purchase – for you and for your family.
Travel With Professor Berk
throughout the Jewish world with Ayelet Tours’ Traveling University.
Jewish & Presidential History: A Journey through the Northeast
Led by Prof. Stephen Berk
December 5-12, 2021
New York, Washington D.C.
MISSISSIPPI RIVER CRUISE & JEWISH HERITAGE TOUR
Led by Prof. Stephen Berk
June 13-21, 2022
New Orleans
Eastern Europe
Led by Prof. Stephen Berk
June 26 – July 8, 2022
Prague, Budapest, Krakow, Warsaw
CUBA
Led by Prof. Stephen Berk
December 4-11, 2022
*Booked in partnership with Cuba Travel Services
Havana, Cienfuegos