BALTIC JEWISH HERITAGE STUDY PROGRAMME 2024- Call For Application

BALTIC JEWISH HERITAGE STUDY PROGRAMME 2024

Online Learning Module and Travelling Summer School

Call for Applications

Join the Baltic Jewish Heritage Study Programme (BJHSP) a unique opportunity to learn about the rich and diverse Jewish heritage that existed in the Baltic region prior to the Second World War. Initially piloted in 2019, followed by a second iteration in 2022, and now scheduled for its third installment in 2024. This program offers young professionals across various sectors including education, academia, tourism, and more, located in the Baltic and Nordic countries  the chance to visit and explore historical Jewish sites, engage with local Jewish communities, and contact with a wide range of people working on contemporary Jewish memory projects.

The programme consists of two integral parts: an Online Learning Module and a Travelling Summer School. The Online Learning Module comprises nine sessions that provide participants with the necessary knowledge to understand the wider perspective and background of Jewish heritage in Latvia and Lithuania. The Travelling Summer School is a six-day excursion through various towns and cities in Latvia and Lithuania. Its purpose is to provide participants with an opportunity to observe the influence of Jewish history on local culture and vice versa, as well as to become familiar with different approaches to preserving Jewish heritage and history.

The programme is designed to inspire interest, increase knowledge, and equip participants with the necessary skills for working with Jewish heritage in various settings. It comprises a diverse range of lectures, workshops, visits, and more, which combine the complementary subjects of Jewish culture, religion and heritage with history. It covers the historical, textual, and linguistic contexts of Jewish heritage. The program is coordinated and delivered by renowned organizations and individuals from Latvia, Lithuania, and Sweden, who are active in academia, Jewish education, and community life.
BJHSP is an independent initiative committed to fostering a deeper understanding of Jewish history, culture, and heritage in Latvia, Lithuania, and the Baltic region.

BJHSP aims to equip participants with:

  • The necessary skills to work in the field of local Jewish heritage;
  • A wider understanding of Latvian and Lithuanian Jewish heritage and history as an integral part of the culture
    and history of these countries;
  • The knowledge of how Jewish heritage can play a significant role in addressing social challenges and promoting cultural diversity and integration;
  • Ways to utilise the rich and multifaceted sources of Jewish heritage;

The programme is co-organised by:

  • Museum “Jews in Latvia”, Riga Jewish Community
  • Center for Judaic Studies at the University of Latvia
    In Sweden
  • Paideia – The European Institute for Jewish Studies in Sweden
  • Paideia folkhögskola

Dates:

Online Learning Module

The Online Learning Module consists of eight two-hour sessions, taking place every Thursday from April 4, 2024 to May 30, 2024, from 17:00 – 19:00 CET (18:00 to 20:00 – Riga time).
There will also be a three-hour session shortly before the Travelling Summer School gets underway, as well as a follow-up session at the end of the programme. Dates for both will be announced after consultation with the participants.

Travelling Summer School

The Travelling Summer School is scheduled to take place from Thursday August 1, 2024 to Tuesday August 6, 2024. It will begin and end in Riga. It will include visits to sites relevant to the theme of Baltic Jewish history and heritage.

Costs Covered During the Travelling Summer School:

  • Travel*
  • Accommodation in double rooms
  • All meals
  • All excursions, guided tours and cultural activities associated with the Travelling Summer School
  • Workshop materials

* Travel costs to and from Riga for the Travelling Summer School are not included.
Additionally, BJHSP is not responsible for travel insurance.

Eligibility:
Applications are open to individuals of all nationalities, provided they are officially resident in the Baltic and Nordic countries* between April 4, 2024, and August 6, 2024. The organisers welcome applications from individuals working for NGOs, community, organisations and museums, as well as civil servants, journalists, social media influencers, artists, union representatives, social activists, educators, and academics. The Baltic Jewish Heritage Study Programme is open to all individuals, irrespective of their background, identity, or special needs.

* Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Denmark
Applicants must:

  • Be able to communicate in English
  • Be actively and professionally involved and/or working with the general public
  • Have an open-minded approach
  • Be willing to learn about Jewish history, heritage and culture
  • Be capable of working in a team
  • Attend the Online Learning Module and Follow Up Online Session

Approximately 14 participants will be selected.

How to apply:
Applicants wishing to participate must complete the online application form. Applications are open until 22:59 CET (23:59 Riga time) on Monday March 11, 2024. Applicants will be notified after March 21, 2024.

For more information about the pilot programme “The Travelling Summer School: Challenging the Past: Jewish Heritage Study 2019”  here.

In case of any questions in connection with the application, please send an email to [email protected].

In 2024 BJHSP is financially supported by Latvian Jewish Community Restitution Foundation (LEKOREF).