Course Descriptions

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Tuesdays | 1:30-3:00 pm ET

Talmudic Magic and Miracles 

Director of Academic Affairs Rabbanit Dr. Liz Shayne ‘21

The Talmud is filled with extraordinary stories, and sometimes we mean that quite literally. There are stories of rabbis working miracles, conversations about magical incantations, the first appearance of a Golem, and much more. In this class, we will look at different stories in the Talmud dealing with themes of magic and miracles and, in studying these magical narratives, understand a little more about the power of fantastical stories that shape our tradition.

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Wednesdays | 9:30-11:00 am ET

From Antiquity to Today: Are We Our Mothers' Daughters?

Yehudit Mazur-Shlomi ‘27 

This course will explore the role of women in Jewish history from the heroines of the Tanakh to modern Jewish women born in Russian and Soviet empires. Each session will focus on a different pair of women throughout history, highlight the parallels between ancient and modern Jewish history, and between these women and ourselves. Come learn about the connections between women like the biblical Deborah and Golda Meir, Talmudic heroine Bruriah and Nechama Leibowitz, and more.

Wednesdays | 12:30-1:30 pm ET

Weekly Insights from the Me’or Eynayim (The Light of the Eyes)

Director of Spiritual Development Rabbi Dr. Erin Leib Smokler ‘18 

Learn the weekly parsha through the eyes of the Me’or Eynayim (the Light of the Eyes), the work of Menachem Nachum Twersky of Chernobyl (1730-1797), a student of the Baal Shem Tov and the Maggid of Mezritch. Gain spiritual and emotional strength from its profound insights. New and continuing students are welcome to join.

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Thursdays | 1:30-3:00 pm ET

Rabbinic Insults: Exploring Talmudic Tales of Snubs and Slights 

President and Co-Founder Rabba Sara Hurwitz 

Throwing insults at your chevruta, friend, or guest is as ancient as the Gemara itself. But are these insults harmless, and meant in jest, or do they have irreparable consequences?  Together we will study five stories that will explore this question. And who knows, maybe you will learn some useful Talmudic slurs to toss around today!

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