Book Club Online
Dive into Your First Hebrew Book
Available spots
Service Description
Prerequisite: Initial Consultation with Aviv Bertele This course is designed for learners at Level Gimmel and above who wish to immerse themselves in the depth and irony of modern Hebrew literature. This semester, we dive into the vibrant, carnivalesque world of "The Only Daughter" (הבת היחידה), a late masterpiece by one of Israel’s most celebrated literary giants, A.B. Yehoshua. The Story: A Mismatch of Identities Set in a small town near Venice at the turn of the millennium, the story follows Rachele Luzzatto, a sharp, pampered, and only child of a wealthy Jewish-Italian family. As the world prepares for the year 2000 and the height of the Christmas season, Rachele finds herself at the center of a complex web of conflicting loyalties. While studying for her Bat Mitzvah and learning Hebrew, she is chosen by her teachers to play the Virgin Mary in the school’s Christmas play. This irony sets the stage for a profound exploration of what it means to belong: A Tapestry of Heritage: Rachele is caught between her beloved, devoutly Catholic grandfather and her Jewish grandfather, a Holocaust survivor who once posed as a priest to stay alive. The Weight of "The Extra": The narrative is shadowed by her father’s illness—a brain tumor he refers to as "the extra"—which forces Rachele to confront the terrifying possibility of being left alone in the world. About the Author: Abraham B. Yehoshua (1936–2022) was a titan of Israeli culture and a leading voice of the "State Generation." A recipient of the Israel Prize for Literature (1995), his work is renowned for its psychological depth and its relentless questioning of the Jewish and Israeli experience. Course Structure: Coursework involves collective reading sessions during class, with additional sections assigned for at-home study. Our discussions will move beyond simple translation, focusing on the nuances of Yehoshua’s language and the complex psychological landscapes of his characters. Location: This course is conducted via Zoom, bringing our global community together. However, our home base remains
Upcoming Sessions
Cancellation Policy
1. Students have the right to cancel their enrollment and receive a full refund, minus a cancellation fee of 400 NIS, provided the cancellation is done at least 14 days prior to the commencement of the course. 2. If cancellation occurs between 14 days and 72 hours before the course's start date, a credit equivalent to the amount paid will be extended to the student. This credit can be applied towards any course in the following semester and remains valid for a period of 12 months. 3. Should a student cancel their enrollment within 72 hours of the course's starting date, please note that neither a refund nor a credit towards future courses will be available. Additionally, switching between classes is not permitted within this 72-hour period. 4. Once booked, 1-on-1 sessions cannot be refunded under any circumstances. Please note, exceptions may be made under special circumstances at the discretion of the administration. It's always best to reach out to us if there are any doubts or queries regarding this policy.
Contact Details
+ 972515746867
info@avivbertele.com
UAB - Ulpan Aviv Bertele, Moshe Sharet Street 16, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel