Logistics

This class will meet weekly in Elul, from 7pm-8pm Eastern, on Wednesday nights: August 27th, September 3rd, September 10th, and September 17th. We will meet on Zoom.

The course is priced on a sliding scale from $90-$360, with a suggested rate of $180. (This is my parnassah! But if cost is an obstacle, I WANT YOU THERE - please reach out.) All registrants will receive access to a Google Drive of source sheets, as well as recordings of the classes upon request.

See below class descriptions for FAQ.

Classes

Class 1: Identifying that we’ve sinned

What tools can we use to determine when we have done wrong? How do we assess our actions with an eye both toward internal work and an awareness of broader systems, and how do we identify what is wrong in alignment with our own values, as opposed to what we receive social censure for?

Class 2: Ceasing to sin

What is our responsibility – and what are the possibilities – when it comes to attempting to extricate ourselves from oppressive systems? How do we reduce our complicity? Is this even possible? 

Class 3: Confession and apology

How do we know when we have reached clarity on what we wish to change? What is the role of community in helping us get to that clarity? How do we repair responsibly? 

Class 4: Commitment for the future

What does repair look like when it is future-oriented? How can our repair work build a solid foundation for future relationality and world-changing?

FAQ

I’m newer to Jewish learning but I’m interested! Is this class for me?

Yes! All the sources I offer will be available in their original language and, if that language isn’t English, in English translation. Everyone in the class will be bringing different kinds of wisdom – that includes embodied life experiences, other things you’ve read, and previous Jewish text learning or experience. We need your wisdom in the room! 

I’ve spent a lot of time with traditional Jewish texts before – is this class for me? 

Yes! I will use framing and structures that encourage students who have more experience with the direct content or genres of the class to bring your previous wisdom – and, if there is chavruta time, I will pair with an eye to level and interest in learning in the original text versus translation. My hope is that you will also experience new kinds of texts and learning (eg, queer theory!).

How will the class be structured? 

This class will be chabura-style – in other words, we will read and discuss all the texts together in the full group! Each week, we’ll start with a check-in question and then read a variety of texts aloud and discuss them.