The 12th century was a time of great flux in history with the significant influences of Christian and Islamic cultures and their clash of power throughout the ancient world. One intrepid Jewish traveler, Benjmain of Tudela made his way from his native Spain to the Middle east, northern Mesopotamia, Persia, the Arabian Peninsula, North Africa, [...]

Why is seven years such an important span of time in Judaism, and why does it recur as a motif in Jewish literature? During the first session of this class, we will read and discuss the short story “The First Seven Years” by Bernard Malamud. During the second session we will read selected short essays [...]

Why is seven years such an important span of time in Judaism, and why does it recur as a motif in Jewish literature? During the first session of this class, we will read and discuss the short story “The First Seven Years” by Bernard Malamud. During the second session we will read selected short essays [...]

Reform Judaism is sometimes considered “prophetic Judaism,” but what does that really mean? Join us as we read texts from the Book of Prophets, analyzing bold calls for social justice and unpacking some more challenging ideologies. Together we will discuss what the role of prophecy might be in our world today, and what messages we [...]