Winter Classes
Theme: Torah of the 20th Century
One of the fundamental premises of learning Torah is that the old texts can feel surprisingly new and Torah from generations ago can read as though it is written in our time. In this series of classes we'll encounter the opposite effect and see how Torah generated in fairly recent times can feel not only fresh, relevant, and new, but also timeless and foundational. Join us as we study ancient Torah from modern times!
Building Worlds of Hesed and Emet
R. Avi Strausberg
When? Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 12:15-12:45 PM Eastern | January 23 - March 17
Where? Online
Fee: Free
Rabbi Natan Zvi Finkel, Rosh Yeshiva of the Slobodka, valued the development of students' moral selves alongside their intellectual education and had a deep belief in the incredible potential of human beings and the greatness of each person. In these bite-sized sessions, we'll explore passages from R. Finkel's Ohr HaTzafun, a collection of his Musar teachings, which is organized by the books of the Torah. We will mine R. Finkel's ethical teachings for Torah on how to build worlds of Hesed, the importance of speaking the truth, and how to live as if every one of our thoughts and actions could change the world.
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Shem Mishmuel: A Gateway to Polish Hasidut
R. Micha’el Rosenberg
When? Tuesdays and Thursdays, 12:15-12:45 PM Eastern | January 24 - March 16
Where? Online
Fee: Free
The Shem Mishmuel is a collection of homilies on the weekly parashah on holidays by the second Sochotchover Rebbe, Rabbi Shmuel Bornsztain. Closely related to the thought of other Polish Hasidic authors such as R. Simcha Bunim of Peshischa and the Kotzker Rebbe, the Shem Mishmuel is a relatively accessible entryway to this particular strand of Hasidic thinking. In this class, we'll learn relevant sections on each week's parashah.
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The Many Modes of Rav Kook
Dena Weiss
When? Tuesdays, 5:30-6:30 PM Eastern | January 24 - March 14
Where? Online
Fee: Free
Rabbi Avraham Yitzchak Kook served many roles - community rabbi, Chief Rabbi, Rosh Yeshiva - and he also communicated in different ways - letters, commentaries, systematic philosophical writing. In this class, we'll touch on Rav Kook in his many modes of expression and attempt to peer into the great soul of a great teacher whose output was so vast because his inner life was so deep.
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(Un)Believing: Faith and Doubt in the Thought of the Pahad Yitzhak
R. Aviva Richman
When? Wednesdays, 8:30-9:30 PM Eastern | January 25 - March 15
Where? Online
Fee: Free
What happens when we bring our full faith and doubt to the surface of religious exploration? Rabbi Yitzhak Hutner, a 20th century American Rabbi and Rosh Yeshiva, probes the experience of faith and doubt with sophisticated intellectual integration and profound sensitivity. Bring your questions, apprehensions, and skepticisms as we study his seminal work, the Pahad Yitzhak, with an eye towards deepening our own theologies and commitments. We will work through his essays in the original, with abridged translation provided.
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Netivot Shalom: Gems of a Modern Hasidic Rebbe
R. Elie Lehmann
When? Wednesdays, 10:00-10:45 AM Eastern | January 25 - March 15
Where? Online
Fee: Free
Dive together into the popular writings of the Slonimer Rebbe, Rabbi Shalom Noach Berezovsky, known as the “Netivot Shalom.” Notable for its clear Hebrew and lack of difficult Kabbalistic terminology, the Netivot Shalom has become one of the most popular and influential hasidic works of our generation, studied by hasidim and non-hasidim alike.
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Nusah Survey Course: Shabbat Morning Tefillah
R. Deborah Sacks Mintz
When? Tuesdays, 12:45-1:45 PM Eastern | 6 Sessions: January 24 - February 28
Where? Online
Fee: Free
Are you looking to learn to lead Shabbat morning tefillah? Do you have a basic grasp of the nusah, but seek to explore in more depth? In this six-week class, R. Deborah Sacks Mintz will unpack the nusah of Shabbat morning pseukei d'zimra, Shaharit, and Musaf, with opportunities for leadership skill-building, text study, and enhanced facility with the siddur.
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