Around the Calendar with Drisha

In this class we will examine the key themes in the published Teshuva lectures, both in English and Hebrew, of the late Rabbi Aharon Lichtenstein, one of the intellectual thought leaders of the Modern-Orthodox world in the last half century. We will look for recurring patterns and concepts, how these themes integrate with R. Lichtenstein's broader world view and some comparisons and contrasts to o...

In this class we will examine the key themes in the published Teshuva lectures, both in English and Hebrew, of the late Rabbi Aharon Lichtenstein, one of the intellectual thought leaders of the Modern-Orthodox world in the last half century. We will look for recurring patterns and concepts, how these themes integrate with R. Lichtenstein's broader world view and some comparisons and contrasts to o...

In this class we will examine the key themes in the published Teshuva lectures, both in English and Hebrew, of the late Rabbi Aharon Lichtenstein, one of the intellectual thought leaders of the Modern-Orthodox world in the last half century. We will look for recurring patterns and concepts, how these themes integrate with R. Lichtenstein's broader world view and some comparisons and contrasts to o...

In this class we will examine the key themes in the published Teshuva lectures, both in English and Hebrew, of the late Rabbi Aharon Lichtenstein, one of the intellectual thought leaders of the Modern-Orthodox world in the last half century. We will look for recurring patterns and concepts, how these themes integrate with R. Lichtenstein's broader world view and some comparisons and contrasts to o...

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 Na...

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 Na...

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 Na...

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.

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.

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.

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 as...

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 as...

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 as...

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 as...

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...

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...

In his book The Prophets (1962), Abraham Joshua Heschel sought to resurrect before us the prophetic experience. In this lesson we will read his commentary on the book of Jeremiah in order to meet the prophet who cries at the destruction of Jerusalem. For him, it was not just a national or religious destruction; he cried out for God's pain.

More than any other holiday, Hanukkah is all about the home. The Jewish people, with our long history of exile and displacement, has a complicated relationship with the space and rootedness we associate with "home." Our study of the laws of Hanukkah candle lighting will shed some light on a uniquely Jewish vision of homemaking.

More than any other holiday, Hanukkah is all about the home. The Jewish people, with our long history of exile and displacement, has a complicated relationship with the space and rootedness we associate with "home." Our study of the laws of Hanukkah candle lighting will shed some light on a uniquely Jewish vision of homemaking.

More than any other holiday, Hanukkah is all about the home. The Jewish people, with our long history of exile and displacement, has a complicated relationship with the space and rootedness we associate with "home." Our study of the laws of Hanukkah candle lighting will shed some light on a uniquely Jewish vision of homemaking.

Often in Elul, Sukkot is forgotten. We focus on the High Holidays but forget that Sukkot comes immediately after. There are several unique rules that characterize the laws of Sukkot, such as mere discomfort exempting one from living in the Sukkah and the heightened requirements for beauty in the Arba Minim. We will explore whether these laws are unique to Sukkot or act as paradigms of broader Tora...

Often in Elul, Sukkot is forgotten. We focus on the High Holidays but forget that Sukkot comes immediately after. There are several unique rules that characterize the laws of Sukkot, such as mere discomfort exempting one from living in the Sukkah and the heightened requirements for beauty in the Arba Minim. We will explore whether these laws are unique to Sukkot or act as paradigms of broader Tora...

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...

Session 2: Open the Gates Rosh HaShanah, through Yom Kippur, are viewed as a time when the Gates of Rahamim, Mercy, are particularly receptive - an Et shaareh ratson. We will look at several central piyytim that develop this theme, and that introduce the Shofar and prayers of the day.

How can we know what God wants of us? In Genesis 16, Sarai, Avram, and Hagar all struggle to understand their roles in God's covenant. Their interactions and their mistakes lay the groundwork for Genesis 21, the powerful Torah reading of the first day of Rosh haShannah. We will do a close reading of both of these biblical texts and utilize rabbinic midrashim to explore each character's motivation...