In this shiur we discuss the early poet-sages of Northern Italy, marked by the the great Kalonymus family as well as other figures such as R' Shlomo HaBavli. We seek to explain their influence on German Jewry and Tefillah.

In this shiur we look at the history of Jews in Italy in the Middle ages, and try to develop an understanding of the Payytanim that lived in this time. We explore the Megillat Ahima'ats, and the Piyyutim that are still recited to this day.

In this class we learn about the fascinating life of R' Yosef Ibn Abitur, a hugely influential Rabbi and poet that lived in 10th century Spain and (in the 11th century) Cairo.

In this shiur we explore the life and poetry of R' Shmuel HaShlishi, a Payytan that has been long forgotten. The rediscovery of his works and experiences revealed that they are very much worth our study today.

In this class we begin studying the Late-Oriental period of Piyyut, and we focus on one of the most influential people in Jewish history, R' Sa'adyah Gaon, who made significant contributions to the world of Piyyut.

In this shiur we study the Classical Period of Piyyut, and discuss the influence of R. Eleazar b. Kallir and his colleagues.

In this shiur we explore the research and history of Eleazar HaKallir, as an introduction to further study regarding his works and legacy.

In this shiur we learn about Yannai HaPaytan, and we follow the 200-year long investigation into who he was and the Piyyutim that he wrote.

In this shiur we explore the life and work of Yose ben Yose, the earliest Payytan known to us by name.

In this shiur we introduce a new series on Piyyutim and the Payytanim. We begin with a general overview of the genre and it's history, and in the coming classes we will discuss the individual Payytanim and their poems.