The biblical Elijah does not match the sweet figure of childhood stories. Like many biblical characters, he challenges our presumptions, forcing us to grapple with deep questions. Together we will ask ourselves who is in charge: God or the prophet? Can a prophet fail God’s test? But also, be in awe of his demand for justice when others failed to act. Let’s explore some of the biblical Elijah stories.

The Book of the Zohar seeks to wake us up to the presence of God. One of its most powerful tools of awakening is its interpretive methodology. The Zohar’s hermeneutics construct and deconstruct Jewish tradition until every sacred text is a signpost pointing the way. In this class, we will set out to explore the path illuminated by this canonical work of Kabbalistic tradition.

The Tehillim (Psalms) were written in a book, and for as long as they remain in that book they are just poetry. The moment we raise our voices, our breath, the moment our neshama gets involved, the Tehillim come alive with our kavvana and transform into Tehillot (exaltations). 

Join us to experience this metamorphosis and to learn about the process through which human intention shapes the spiritual reality, based on the approach of Rav Samson Rafael Hirsch. Let’s praise life. Let’s raise our voices.

In this class we will explore the relationship among language, thought and God. A central paradox in Jewish tradition is the simultaneous aversion to describing God with human characteristics and a penchant for it. Grounded in the principles of Metaphor Theory, this course explores that paradox through selections from the siddur, modern poetry and Jewish philosophical texts. We will glimpse into the web of metaphors that shape our understanding of God. Together, we will embark on a journey to deepen our connection with prayer, language, and spirituality.