Summer Classes
Dirshuni: Unravelling Modern Midrash
R. Tali Adler
When? Mondays 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM Eastern | June 26 - July 31
Where? Online
Fee: Free
In this class, we will study excerpts from Dirshuni, a modern collection of Torah thoughts by Israeli women written in the style of midrash. We will study each piece as we would a classical rabbinic midrash, tracing its Torah sources and rabbinic influences, and attempting to understand the unique voice each piece introduces to the tradition. This book offers a profound insight into traditional texts and into the question of what it means to do the work of renewing and remaking that tradition informed by the perspective of our own lived experiences.
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Conversion and Mitzvot: All or Nothing?
R. Miriam-Simma Walfish
When? Tuesdays, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM | June 27 - August 1
Where? Online
Fee: Free
In this class, we will explore the question of the role of kabbalat hamitzvot (accepting the mitzvot) in the process of conversion to Judaism. Does a convert to Judaism need to go through a separate stage of accepting the mitzvot, in addition to the embodied requirements of circumcision and immersion? If so, what is the nature of this acceptance? We will trace the development of these questions from the Talmud through modern responsa. Sources will be provided in the original and in translation. This course is open to all levels.
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Judaism and Democracy: Encounters, Obstacles, Possibilities
R. Shai Held
When? Tuesdays, 8:00 - 9:15 PM Eastern | June 27 - August 1
Where? Online
Fee: Free
What is the relationship between Jewish tradition, on the one hand, and modern conceptions of democracy, on the other? Our approach will be to consider this question from multiple directions, avoiding oversimplifications while probing the varied ways an ancient tradition engages with a modern moral and political ideal. We will consider issues including the Bible's relationship with monarchy, whether Rabbinic tradition offers models for democratic thinking, how medieval Jewish philosophers thought about the ideal relationship between religion and state, and how religious Zionist leaders struggled with modern democratic ideals.
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Devotion and Distraction: How Do We Think About Thinking?
Dena Weiss
When? Wednesdays, 8:00 - 9:00 PM Eastern | June 28 - August 2
Where? Online
Fee: Free
In this class, we'll explore different approaches to the question of how focus and attention relate to our religious and spiritual lives. Does it matter if our mind wanders in prayer? Does it matter if we don't remember the Torah that we have learned? How do we think about the way that the life of the mind relates to the mitzvot that we do with our bodies? Is it enough to have good intentions or do we also have to have clear and focused intent?
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Parashat HaShavua: Midrashic Insights into the Parashah
R. Elie Lehmann
When? Fridays 11:00 - 11:45 AM Eastern | June 30 - August 4
Where? Online
Fee: Free
Join this class on the weekly Torah reading as we journey with the Israelites through the desert, gaining inspiring insights through the lens of midrash - both ancient and modern.
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Vayikra Siyyum Celebration
When? 5:00-5:45 PM Eastern
Thursday, May 11, 2023
Join Hadar for the last siyyum of this school year, for Sefer Vayikra! We will celebrate our learning with interactive games and will be joined by special guests, Ravi and Mara Braunfeld, hosts of Torah Time podcast. This event is for all Devash lovers, especially kids ages 7-12! School classes are encouraged to participate as well. Don’t forget to BYOT (Bring Your Own Treat)!
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Devash Parashah Club for Grades 2-4
When? Mondays and Thursdays, 5:00-5:30 PM Eastern
March 20 - May 8, 2023
Come learn the parashah with us using Devash, Hadar's parashah magazine! We will explore highlights from the weekly Torah portion, including midrash and commentary, and the one-minute debate. The class will make use of interactive and engaging polls, Kahoot quizzes, and lively discussions. Kids are welcome to join on Mondays, Thursdays, or both days, as each class session stands on its own!
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Mishnah Club for Grades 5-8
When? Mondays and Thursdays 5:30-6:00 PM Eastern
March 13 - May 22, 2023
Fee: This class will be offered on a sliding scale of $36-180
What holiday do you think used to include parades, musical instruments and fruit baskets? Are you surprised to know that it is Shavuot?!? Come learn how Shavuot, the holiday we consider connected to giving of Torah, was initially celebrated. Join Miriam Lichtenberg of Hadar’s Advanced Kollel as we dive into Massekhet Bikkurim, learning about the origins of the holiday and engaging with questions about the ways in which it carries meaning for our lives today.
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