Events

The Midrash Says What?!

in

Taught by Rabbi Ashley Barrett
Tuesdays, October 13, November 10, December 8, January 19
7:00-8:30pm
In Person & Online

Are you bothered by the little things in Torah that just don’t make sense? Ever wondered what happened to that one character we never hear from again? Torah says two different things that contradict each other; what do I do with that?!

The ancient Rabbis refused to live with those problems, instead they got creative and came up with some answers. Those answers we call midrash: the rich tradition of Jewish interpretation that fills in the gaps of the biblical text and invites us to see familiar stories in entirely new ways.

In this class, we’ll explore some of the most fascinating and surprising midrashim (plural for midrash).  Along the way, we’ll ask a bigger question: What does it mean to be a Jewish reader of Torah? And even create our own midrashim. No prior knowledge necessary, or skill at the fine art of midrash required.

The Midrash Says What?!

in

Taught by Rabbi Ashley Barrett
Tuesdays, October 13, November 10, December 8, January 19
7:00-8:30pm
In Person & Online

Are you bothered by the little things in Torah that just don’t make sense? Ever wondered what happened to that one character we never hear from again? Torah says two different things that contradict each other; what do I do with that?!

The ancient Rabbis refused to live with those problems, instead they got creative and came up with some answers. Those answers we call midrash: the rich tradition of Jewish interpretation that fills in the gaps of the biblical text and invites us to see familiar stories in entirely new ways.

In this class, we’ll explore some of the most fascinating and surprising midrashim (plural for midrash).  Along the way, we’ll ask a bigger question: What does it mean to be a Jewish reader of Torah? And even create our own midrashim. No prior knowledge necessary, or skill at the fine art of midrash required.

The Mishnah Continued

in

Taught by Rabbi Michael Holzman
October 6 – Mishnah Sukkot
December 22 – Mishnah Taanit
March 9 – Mishnah Megillah
March 30 – Mishnah Pesachin
June 10 – Shavuot in the Mishnah
Tuesdays, 6:30-8:00pm
In Person and Online

We continue our exploration of this foundational text of Jewish law and ethics, compiled by the earliest rabbis in the 2nd century. A work of clear, concise Hebrew, the Mishnah translates the general laws of the Torah into specific rules for Jewish practice (we will study in English). In five classes spread over the year, we will look at Mishnah Sukkot, Mishnah Ta’anit, Mishnah Megillah, Mishnah Pesachin, and Shavuot in the Mishnah. No previous Hebrew, Mishnah, or Talmud experience required!

The Mishnah Continued

in

Taught by Rabbi Michael Holzman
October 6 – Mishnah Sukkot
December 22 – Mishnah Taanit
March 9 – Mishnah Megillah
March 30 – Mishnah Pesachin
June 10 – Shavuot in the Mishnah
Tuesdays, 6:30-8:00pm
In Person and Online

We continue our exploration of this foundational text of Jewish law and ethics, compiled by the earliest rabbis in the 2nd century. A work of clear, concise Hebrew, the Mishnah translates the general laws of the Torah into specific rules for Jewish practice (we will study in English). In five classes spread over the year, we will look at Mishnah Sukkot, Mishnah Ta’anit, Mishnah Megillah, Mishnah Pesachin, and Shavuot in the Mishnah. No previous Hebrew, Mishnah, or Talmud experience required!

The Mishnah Continued

in

Taught by Rabbi Michael Holzman
October 6 – Mishnah Sukkot
December 22 – Mishnah Taanit
March 9 – Mishnah Megillah
March 30 – Mishnah Pesachin
June 10 – Shavuot in the Mishnah
Tuesdays, 6:30-8:00pm
In Person and Online

We continue our exploration of this foundational text of Jewish law and ethics, compiled by the earliest rabbis in the 2nd century. A work of clear, concise Hebrew, the Mishnah translates the general laws of the Torah into specific rules for Jewish practice (we will study in English). In five classes spread over the year, we will look at Mishnah Sukkot, Mishnah Ta’anit, Mishnah Megillah, Mishnah Pesachin, and Shavuot in the Mishnah. No previous Hebrew, Mishnah, or Talmud experience required!

The Mishnah Continued

in

Taught by Rabbi Michael Holzman
October 6 – Mishnah Sukkot
December 22 – Mishnah Taanit
March 9 – Mishnah Megillah
March 30 – Mishnah Pesachin
June 10 – Shavuot in the Mishnah
Tuesdays, 6:30-8:00pm
In Person and Online

We continue our exploration of this foundational text of Jewish law and ethics, compiled by the earliest rabbis in the 2nd century. A work of clear, concise Hebrew, the Mishnah translates the general laws of the Torah into specific rules for Jewish practice (we will study in English). In five classes spread over the year, we will look at Mishnah Sukkot, Mishnah Ta’anit, Mishnah Megillah, Mishnah Pesachin, and Shavuot in the Mishnah. No previous Hebrew, Mishnah, or Talmud experience required!

Examining American Jewish History via Biography

in

Taught by Andrew Stein
Sundays, October 4, 11, 18, 25; November 8, 15; December 6, 13; January 10, 17 24, 31; February 7, 21, 28; March 7, 14; April 4, 11, 18, 25; May 2, 16, 23
10:45-12:00
In Person & Online

Over the last few years, we have explored American Jewish history topically and chronologically, and with a systematic comparison of the US experience with that of several other large Jewish Diaspora communities (especially English-speaking ones) across a range of topics. In this course to mark the USA’s 250th birthday, we will approach American Jewish history from a different angle—via biographical profiles of about 20-25 key figures since the origins of American Jewry in 1654. We will look at the lives and legacies of religious leaders, statesmen and jurists, philosophers, poets, writers and linguists, journalists, scientists, military leaders, and philanthropists to tease out some broad themes in the study of Jewish history in the United States.

Examining American Jewish History via Biography

in

Taught by Andrew Stein
Sundays, October 4, 11, 18, 25; November 8, 15; December 6, 13; January 10, 17 24, 31; February 7, 21, 28; March 7, 14; April 4, 11, 18, 25; May 2, 16, 23
10:45-12:00
In Person & Online

Over the last few years, we have explored American Jewish history topically and chronologically, and with a systematic comparison of the US experience with that of several other large Jewish Diaspora communities (especially English-speaking ones) across a range of topics. In this course to mark the USA’s 250th birthday, we will approach American Jewish history from a different angle—via biographical profiles of about 20-25 key figures since the origins of American Jewry in 1654. We will look at the lives and legacies of religious leaders, statesmen and jurists, philosophers, poets, writers and linguists, journalists, scientists, military leaders, and philanthropists to tease out some broad themes in the study of Jewish history in the United States.