- Oxford Academia at:
- 2026 Sessions:
July 3–16, 2027
July 31–August 13, 2027
- Eligibility:
- Typical Seminar Size:
Explore the rich and complex history of Jewish life in Europe through the lens of Oxford’s own Jewish past, dating back to the 1100s. Beginning with the medieval community of European Jews and in particular the Anglo-Jewish community, trace the evolution of the Jewish experience from expulsions and persecution to political emancipation and modern identity. Through site visits, discussions, and primary sources, examine how European nationalism planted the seeds of Zionism in Jews yearning for a homeland and trace the history of antisemitism from 12th century Europe to the modern day. Visits to historic sites, libraries, and museums—including Oxford’s synagogue, Mansfield College’s collection of Hebrew texts, and the Ashmolean’s Jewish collections—bring this history to life, connecting centuries of Jewish resilience, culture, and thought.
FEATURED FACULTY
University of Oxford, M.St., Modern Jewish Studies
SOAS University of London, B.A., Hebrew and Israeli Studies
While at Oxford, Peter focused on European nationalism and political ideologies, especially Zionism and Fascism, and he spent much time in Jerusalem and Vienna. During his studies, he also worked during the breaks as an orchestra conductor, leading ensembles in the UK and Portugal. He has been teaching for various summer schools in Oxford since 2014 and balances his academic work by continuing his musical pursuits. Originally from Toronto, he has lived in Vienna, London, Jerusalem, and Oxford. Peter now works as a Lecturer in Oriental Studies at Mansfield College, University of Oxford, and Research Fellow for the Oxford Centre for Hebrew and Jewish Studies. He has previously spent summers in China, teaching history to summer school students there. Peter is fluent in German and Hebrew and proficient in French. This fall, Peter will be finishing off two new books that he has been working on for the past year.