Join us this season we explore the writing of the Jewish East End through the plays of Arnold Wesker and the poetry and prose of Emanuel Litvinoff.
In the second half of term, we will consider the impact of short stories, including Isaac Babel & Grace Paley’s work, before concluding with a celebration of Dorothy Parker. We will also be joined by Aviva Dautch on 4th June who will be looking at the winner of the 2026 Wingate Prize.
What You’ll Learn:
- Discover the bold, witty and engaging voices who define modern Jewish Literature.
- Understand & discuss themes of Jewish identity, alienation and community.
- Gain insight into the workings of language, form and structure.
- Explore a range of writing styles and literary genres.
Who It’s For:
JW3's Modern Jewish Literature course is designed for curious readers who want to dive into the writers, stories and ideas which have shaped our understanding of Jewish life, culture & society.
It’s perfect for those who enjoy discovering new voices, understanding different perspectives and discussing thought-provoking and relevant writing. If you are excited to deepen your understanding of Jewish Literature in a welcoming & inspiring way, this course is for you.
Who Delivers It?
Naomi Grant is an artist and teacher living and working in London. She graduated from the University of Cambridge with a first class degree in English before joining the Masterclass Programme at the Jerusalem Studio School in Israel. Following this, she completed the Postgraduate Programme at the Royal Drawing School in London. She is a regular contributor to the London Review of Books.
What will we cover?
- 30th April: The plays of Arnold Wesker (Part1)
- 7th May: The plays of Arnold Wesker (Part 2)
- 14th May: The poetry and prose of Emanuel Litvinoff
- 21st May: The short stories of Isaac Babel
- 28th May No class, half term
- 4th June: Wingate Prize 2026 (with Aviva Dautch)
- 11th June: The short stories of Grace Paley (Part1)
- 18th June: The short stories of Grace Paley (Part 2)
- 25th June: The Collected Dorothy Parker (Part1)
- 2nd July: The Collected Dorothy Parker (Part 2)
NB: This series will take place both in the building and online. To attend in person, click the "Book Now" button on this page. To attend online, click the button below.