Around the Calendar with Drisha

"I left here full and have returned empty": Loss and Recovery in the Book of Ruth, 2 of 3

At the start of the book of Ruth, Naomi suffers a series of profound losses. Her husband dies, and then her sons. Even though her daughter-in-law Ruth swears her eternal loyalty to Naomi. Naomi is unmoved and reports upon her return to Bethlehem (1:21), “I left here full and have returned empty.” Using midrash and rabbinic exegesis, we will do a close reading of the book of Ruth and explore how Naomi's understanding of family and relationships expands. We will consider what the book of Ruth can teach us as our community confronts the terrible losses of this year.

"I left here full and have returned empty": Loss and Recovery in the Book of Ruth, 1 of 3

At the start of the book of Ruth, Naomi suffers a series of profound losses. Her husband dies, and then her sons. Even though her daughter-in-law Ruth swears her eternal loyalty to Naomi. Naomi is unmoved and reports upon her return to Bethlehem (1:21), “I left here full and have returned empty.” Using midrash and rabbinic exegesis, we will do a close reading of the book of Ruth and explore how Naomi's understanding of family and relationships expands. We will consider what the book of Ruth can teach us as our community confronts the terrible losses of this year.

“When Moses Went Up To Heaven”: Aggadot of Matan Torah, 3 of 3

What happened at Sinai and why? Although the Torah has a lot to say, there is also a lot unknown. In this course we will study aggadot (narrative homiletical texts) about Matan Torah, unpacking how the rabbis read this pivotal moment, and what that says about them, and us.

“When Moses Went Up To Heaven”: Aggadot of Matan Torah, 2 of 3

What happened at Sinai and why? Although the Torah has a lot to say, there is also a lot unknown. In this course we will study aggadot (narrative homiletical texts) about Matan Torah, unpacking how the rabbis read this pivotal moment, and what that says about them, and us.

“When Moses Went Up To Heaven”: Aggadot of Matan Torah, 1 of 3

What happened at Sinai and why? Although the Torah has a lot to say, there is also a lot unknown. In this course we will study aggadot (narrative homiletical texts) about Matan Torah, unpacking how the rabbis read this pivotal moment, and what that says about them, and us.

From Revelation to Realization: Matan Torah and Shavuot

Shavuot is a captivating holiday with dual significance. On one hand, it holds a legal aspect, emphasizing the giving of the Torah through the reading of the Ten Commandments. On the other hand, it embraces a human dimension through the Book of Ruth, a narrative centered around the harvest and the acts of kindness within the community. This course will emphasize the complementary nature of both aspects. First, we’ll examine various models of revelation and the different aspects of the Ten Commandments. Then, we will shift our focus to realization, delving into the practical challenges when living a Torah-guided life in society, as seen in the Book of Ruth.Through these texts, the course will address questions such as: What does it look like practically for a society to live accordingly to Torah law? What needs to shift and what accommodations need to be made? What messages do we get from both the law and narrative sections of Torah?

From Revelation to Realization: Matan Torah and Shavuot, 3 of 4

Shavuot is a captivating holiday with dual significance. On one hand, it holds a legal aspect, emphasizing the giving of the Torah through the reading of the Ten Commandments. On the other hand, it embraces a human dimension through the Book of Ruth, a narrative centered around the harvest and the acts of kindness within the community. This course will emphasize the complementary nature of both aspects. First, we’ll examine various models of revelation and the different aspects of the Ten Commandments. Then, we will shift our focus to realization, delving into the practical challenges when living a Torah-guided life in society, as seen in the Book of Ruth.Through these texts, the course will address questions such as: What does it look like practically for a society to live accordingly to Torah law? What needs to shift and what accommodations need to be made? What messages do we get from both the law and narrative sections of Torah?

From Revelation to Realization: Matan Torah and Shavuot, 2 of 4

Shavuot is a captivating holiday with dual significance. On one hand, it holds a legal aspect, emphasizing the giving of the Torah through the reading of the Ten Commandments. On the other hand, it embraces a human dimension through the Book of Ruth, a narrative centered around the harvest and the acts of kindness within the community. This course will emphasize the complementary nature of both aspects. First, we’ll examine various models of revelation and the different aspects of the Ten Commandments. Then, we will shift our focus to realization, delving into the practical challenges when living a Torah-guided life in society, as seen in the Book of Ruth.Through these texts, the course will address questions such as: What does it look like practically for a society to live accordingly to Torah law? What needs to shift and what accommodations need to be made? What messages do we get from both the law and narrative sections of Torah?

From Revelation to Realization: Matan Torah and Shavuot, 1 of 4

Shavuot is a captivating holiday with dual significance. On one hand, it holds a legal aspect, emphasizing the giving of the Torah through the reading of the Ten Commandments. On the other hand, it embraces a human dimension through the Book of Ruth, a narrative centered around the harvest and the acts of kindness within the community. This course will emphasize the complementary nature of both aspects. First, we’ll examine various models of revelation and the different aspects of the Ten Commandments. Then, we will shift our focus to realization, delving into the practical challenges when living a Torah-guided life in society, as seen in the Book of Ruth.Through these texts, the course will address questions such as: What does it look like practically for a society to live accordingly to Torah law? What needs to shift and what accommodations need to be made? What messages do we get from both the law and narrative sections of Torah?

Symbolism and Significance: Examining the Yom Kippur Service Avodah, 2 of 2

In this course, we will explore the Yom Kippur service of the Kohen Gadol, a significant but sometimes enigmatic aspect of the liturgy. By delving into the significance and symbolism behind key elements of the service, we will confront many of the fundamental questions of Yom Kippur, such as whether atonement can happen without repentance, the influence of fate and destiny, and the profound impact an individual’s actions can have on the community.