
Memory, Heritage & History Through Jewish Eyes with Paul Forgasz Session 1
Tuesday, March 4 @ 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm EST

Join renowned tour educator and guide, Paul Forgaz, for a compelling three-part series that explores the interplay between Jewish memory, place, and heritage. Drawing from his extensive experience leading Jewish heritage tours across Europe, Paul will guide participants through the unique ways Jewish history and culture are woven into the fabric of significant sites. Each session offers rich historical insights and a deeper appreciation of how visiting locations connects travelers to the enduring legacy of Jewish life.
The series begins with a broad framework for understanding how travel enhances the educational experience of Jewish history. By way of an illustrative case study, the series then focuses on the fascinating and complex history of Jews in Spain, delving into the vibrant eras of medieval Muslim and Christian rule.
Session 1: Seeing Places Through Jewish Eyes – March 4, 2024 4pm ET
This session introduces the concept of Jewish heritage travel as a powerful lens for understanding history, identity, and the diversity of Jewish experiences. While many people assume Jewish heritage tours focus primarily on synagogues and cemeteries, these journeys encompass far more complex narratives. Paul will uncover the layers of meaning embedded in various sites across Europe, illustrating how they reflect the dynamic and multifaceted nature of Jewish communities and their historical experiences. Participants will explore how Jewish heritage sites connect us to a rich tapestry of tradition, resilience, and memory, going beyond the expected to reveal the full spectrum of Jewish history. Through vivid examples, this session will challenge assumptions and set the stage for a deeper appreciation of the stories these places bring to life.
Paul Forgasz

For more than a decade, Paul Forgasz was principal of the secondary (grades 7-12) campus of Mt Scopus College, a large K-12 Jewish day school in Melbourne, Australia. He also lectured in Bible and Jewish history at Monash University’s Australian Centre for Jewish Civilisation and taught about Jewish education, as well as school leadership, in the university’s Faculty of Education. Since 2010, Paul has also curated and led Jewish study tours to various European destinations under the auspices of the Jewish Museum of Australia. For most of his professional life, Paul has also been actively involved in Jewish-Christian dialogue and he also works closely with teachers in the Catholic education sector.
- Session 2: Jewish Life in Muslim Spain: Flourishing Under the Crescent – March 11, 2024 4pm
- Session 3: Jewish Life in Christian Spain: A Legacy of Triumph and Tragedy – March 18, 2024 4pm
This series is perfect for educators, students, and anyone passionate about Jewish heritage, offering an inspiring and immersive exploration of memory, place, and history.