Memory, Heritage & History Through Jewish Eyes with Paul Forgasz Session 3
Tuesday, March 18 @ 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm EDT
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 3: Jewish Life in Christian Spain: A Legacy of Triumph and Tragedy – March 18, 2024 4pm
Journey into the complex and often turbulent history of Jewish communities in Spain during the medieval Christian era. This session traces the dynamic evolution of Jewish life, from periods of integration and cultural exchange to the darker chapters of persecution and the eventual expulsion of Jews in 1492. Paul will guide participants through the triumphs of Jewish influence in politics, commerce, and intellectual pursuits, alongside the tragedies of forced conversions, Inquisition trials, and widespread displacement.
Through vivid depictions of significant sites, such as the medieval Juderías (Jewish quarters), grand synagogues later repurposed as churches under Christian rule, and haunting Inquisition landmarks, participants will uncover the layered stories of resilience and survival. Paul will reflect on how heritage travel provides a visceral connection to this period of history, illuminating the enduring legacy of Jewish communities who navigated monumental challenges while leaving an indelible mark on Spain’s cultural and historical fabric.
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.
This series is perfect for educators, students, and anyone passionate about Jewish heritage, offering an inspiring and immersive exploration of memory, place, and history.