In this course, we will explore broad questions that ask what the Torah has to say about economic systems. We will focus on topics like Yovel, pricing, competition, and other topics that ask how Torah can help us engage with the complexity of the modern market.

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 12/14/2022 as part of Drisha's Fall Zman. 

In this course, we will explore broad questions that ask what the Torah has to say about economic systems. We will focus on topics like Yovel, pricing, competition, and other topics that ask how Torah can help us engage with the complexity of the modern market.

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 12/07/2022 as part of Drisha's Fall Zman. 

In this course, we will explore broad questions that ask what the Torah has to say about economic systems. We will focus on topics like Yovel, pricing, competition, and other topics that ask how Torah can help us engage with the complexity of the modern market.

This audio was originally captured from 11/30/2022 as part of Drisha's Fall Zman. 

In this course, we will explore broad questions that ask what the Torah has to say about economic systems. We will focus on topics like Yovel, pricing, competition, and other topics that ask how Torah can help us engage with the complexity of the modern market.

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 11/23/2022 as part of Drisha's Fall Zman.

In this course, we will explore broad questions that ask what the Torah has to say about economic systems. We will focus on topics like Yovel, pricing, competition, and other topics that ask how Torah can help us engage with the complexity of the modern market.

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 11/16/2022 as part of Drisha's Fall Zman.

In this course, we will explore broad questions that ask what the Torah has to say about economic systems. We will focus on topics like Yovel, pricing, competition, and other topics that ask how Torah can help us engage with the complexity of the modern market.

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 11/09/2022 as part of Drisha's Fall Zman.

In this class we’ll explore how a range of Jewish texts, from rabbinic to modern, understand the significance of household labor, including cooking, cleaning, and childcare. These activities are part of our daily lives, and Jewish texts give us a range of ways of understanding their religious significance. We’ll begin with an analysis of the relationship between Torah learning and household labor. Then, we’ll discuss how engaging in household labor, especially childcare, shapes who we are. Finally, we’ll consider the implications of performing someone else’s household labor or asking someone else to perform your own.

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 04/03/2022 as part of Drisha's Spring Zman. 

In this class we’ll explore how a range of Jewish texts, from rabbinic to modern, understand the significance of household labor, including cooking, cleaning, and childcare. These activities are part of our daily lives, and Jewish texts give us a range of ways of understanding their religious significance. We’ll begin with an analysis of the relationship between Torah learning and household labor. Then, we’ll discuss how engaging in household labor, especially childcare, shapes who we are. Finally, we’ll consider the implications of performing someone else’s household labor or asking someone else to perform your own.

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 03/27/2022 as part of Drisha's Spring Zman. 

In this class we’ll explore how a range of Jewish texts, from rabbinic to modern, understand the significance of household labor, including cooking, cleaning, and childcare. These activities are part of our daily lives, and Jewish texts give us a range of ways of understanding their religious significance. We’ll begin with an analysis of the relationship between Torah learning and household labor. Then, we’ll discuss how engaging in household labor, especially childcare, shapes who we are. Finally, we’ll consider the implications of performing someone else’s household labor or asking someone else to perform your own.

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 03/20/2022 as part of Drisha's Spring Zman. 

Most of life is work of one kind or another, and even our rest is often defined by the work that we’ve left behind. The first half of this series will explore how changing notions of labor have influenced core pieces of the Jewish tradition, including the meaning of Shabbat and what it means to study Torah. The second half of this course will move from Jewish tradition out into the modern economy and consider how Jewish ideas can inform how we think about work and treat workers in the 21st century.

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 03/28/2022 as part of Drisha's Spring Zman. 

Most of life is work of one kind or another, and even our rest is often defined by the work that we’ve left behind. The first half of this series will explore how changing notions of labor have influenced core pieces of the Jewish tradition, including the meaning of Shabbat and what it means to study Torah. The second half of this course will move from Jewish tradition out into the modern economy and consider how Jewish ideas can inform how we think about work and treat workers in the 21st century.

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 03/21/2022 as part of Drisha's Spring Zman. 

Most of life is work of one kind or another, and even our rest is often defined by the work that we’ve left behind. The first half of this series will explore how changing notions of labor have influenced core pieces of the Jewish tradition, including the meaning of Shabbat and what it means to study Torah. The second half of this course will move from Jewish tradition out into the modern economy and consider how Jewish ideas can inform how we think about work and treat workers in the 21st century.

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 03/14/2022 as part of Drisha's Spring Zman. 

Most of life is work of one kind or another, and even our rest is often defined by the work that we’ve left behind. The first half of this series will explore how changing notions of labor have influenced core pieces of the Jewish tradition, including the meaning of Shabbat and what it means to study Torah. The second half of this course will move from Jewish tradition out into the modern economy and consider how Jewish ideas can inform how we think about work and treat workers in the 21st century.

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 03/07/2022 as part of Drisha's Spring Zman. 

This course will analyze three different Talmudic sugyot that have import not only for their Halakhic conclusions but also for our theological understanding of Shabbat’s nature. These Sugyot will relate to one who is never educated about Shabbat, loses track of when Shabbat is, and a gentile who keeps Shabbat.

This audio was captured from Zoom on 03/13/2022 as part of Drisha's Spring Zman. 

This course will analyze three different Talmudic sugyot that have import not only for their Halakhic conclusions but also for our theological understanding of Shabbat’s nature. These Sugyot will relate to one who is never educated about Shabbat, loses track of when Shabbat is, and a gentile who keeps Shabbat.

This audio was captured from Zoom on 03/06/2022 as part of Drisha's Spring Zman. 

This course will analyze three different Talmudic sugyot that have import not only for their Halakhic conclusions but also for our theological understanding of Shabbat’s nature. These Sugyot will relate to one who is never educated about Shabbat, loses track of when Shabbat is, and a gentile who keeps Shabbat.

This audio was originally recorded on 02/27/2022 as part of Drisha's Spring Zman. 

This course covers two main themes based on a forthcoming book by Ezra Zuckerman Sivan: 1) the Torah as heralding the invention of the seven-day week, and secondarily 2) the social scientific question of how and why the seven-day week was invented. Each lecture is focused on a specific puzzle that gains its significance once we shake off our erroneous intuition that the seven-day week is built into the natural world. The key sources used in each session will be biblical, augmented by insights from rabbinic texts.

Click here to view the accompanying source sheet. 

This audio was originally captured from 04/07/2022 as part of Drisha's Spring Zman. 

This course covers two main themes based on a forthcoming book by Ezra Zuckerman Sivan: 1) the Torah as heralding the invention of the seven-day week, and secondarily 2) the social scientific question of how and why the seven-day week was invented. Each lecture is focused on a specific puzzle that gains its significance once we shake off our erroneous intuition that the seven-day week is built into the natural world. The key sources used in each session will be biblical, augmented by insights from rabbinic texts.

Click here to view the accompanying source sheet. 

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 03/31/2022 as part of Drisha's Spring Zman. 

This course covers two main themes based on a forthcoming book by Ezra Zuckerman Sivan: 1) the Torah as heralding the invention of the seven-day week, and secondarily 2) the social scientific question of how and why the seven-day week was invented. Each lecture is focused on a specific puzzle that gains its significance once we shake off our erroneous intuition that the seven-day week is built into the natural world. The key sources used in each session will be biblical, augmented by insights from rabbinic texts.

Click here to view the accompanying source sheet. 

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 03/24/2022 as part of Drisha's Spring Zman. 

This course covers two main themes based on a forthcoming book by Ezra Zuckerman Sivan: 1) the Torah as heralding the invention of the seven-day week, and secondarily 2) the social scientific question of how and why the seven-day week was invented. Each lecture is focused on a specific puzzle that gains its significance once we shake off our erroneous intuition that the seven-day week is built into the natural world. The key sources used in each session will be biblical, augmented by insights from rabbinic texts.

Click here to view the accompanying slides. 

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 03/10/2022 as part of Drisha's Spring Zman. 

This course covers two main themes based on a forthcoming book by Ezra Zuckerman Sivan: 1) the Torah as heralding the invention of the seven-day week, and secondarily 2) the social scientific question of how and why the seven-day week was invented. Each lecture is focused on a specific puzzle that gains its significance once we shake off our erroneous intuition that the seven-day week is built into the natural world. The key sources used in each session will be biblical, augmented by insights from rabbinic texts.

Click here to view the accompanying slides. 

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 03/03/2022 as part of Drisha's Spring Zman. 

As work has moved remote for many, and others are hesitant to return to their jobs for a variety of reasons, the world is rethinking what it means to be an employer or employee. In this series, we will explore a number of topics that address the nature of the employer-employee relationship, highlighting the rights and responsibilities of both sides. Among others, we will address the halakhic perspective on multiple employment, unionization, strikes, quitting, and paying workers on time.

Click here to view the accompanying source sheet. 

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 04/06/2022 as part of Drisha's Spring Zman. 

As work has moved remote for many, and others are hesitant to return to their jobs for a variety of reasons, the world is rethinking what it means to be an employer or employee. In this series, we will explore a number of topics that address the nature of the employer-employee relationship, highlighting the rights and responsibilities of both sides. Among others, we will address the halakhic perspective on multiple employment, unionization, strikes, quitting, and paying workers on time.

Click here to view the accompanying source sheet. 

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 03/30/2022 as part of Drisha's Spring Zman. 

As work has moved remote for many, and others are hesitant to return to their jobs for a variety of reasons, the world is rethinking what it means to be an employer or employee. In this series, we will explore a number of topics that address the nature of the employer-employee relationship, highlighting the rights and responsibilities of both sides. Among others, we will address the halakhic perspective on multiple employment, unionization, strikes, quitting, and paying workers on time.

Click here to view the accompanying source sheet. 

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 03/23/2022 as part of Drisha's Spring Zman. 

As work has moved remote for many, and others are hesitant to return to their jobs for a variety of reasons, the world is rethinking what it means to be an employer or employee. In this series, we will explore a number of topics that address the nature of the employer-employee relationship, highlighting the rights and responsibilities of both sides. Among others, we will address the halakhic perspective on multiple employment, unionization, strikes, quitting, and paying workers on time.

Click here to view the accompanying source sheet. 

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 03/09/2022 as part of Drisha's Spring Zman. 

As work has moved remote for many, and others are hesitant to return to their jobs for a variety of reasons, the world is rethinking what it means to be an employer or employee. In this series, we will explore a number of topics that address the nature of the employer-employee relationship, highlighting the rights and responsibilities of both sides. Among others, we will address the halakhic perspective on multiple employment, unionization, strikes, quitting, and paying workers on time.

Click here to view the accompanying source sheet. 

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 03/02/2022 as part of Drisha's Spring Zman. 

As work has moved remote for many, and others are hesitant to return to their jobs for a variety of reasons, the world is rethinking what it means to be an employer or employee. In this series, we will explore a number of topics that address the nature of the employer-employee relationship, highlighting the rights and responsibilities of both sides. Among others, we will address the halakhic perspective on multiple employment, unionization, strikes, quitting, and paying workers on time.

Click here to view the accompanying source sheet. 

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 02/23/2022 as part of Drisha's Spring Zman. 

This course explores the intersection of work and melakhah (forbidden Shabbat actions) in our non-agrarian, globalized, work-from-anywhere economy. The first three meetings of the course will introduce participants to under-studied areas of Hilchot Shabbat that are highly resonant to work today: what kinds of reading material are allowed on Shabbat? What kinds of list-making or tracking is allowed? In a globalized economy, how do timezones affect the work I can do on Friday or Saturday night? The last class will turn to a more conceptual framework of Melakha and ask: when making salad seems more Halakhically fraught than writing an email, how do we think about the fact that Halakha and communal practice seems to allow for one and not the other?

Click here to view the accompanying source sheet.

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 02/28/2022 as part of Drisha's Spring Zman. 

This course explores the intersection of work and melakhah (forbidden Shabbat actions) in our non-agrarian, globalized, work-from-anywhere economy. The first three meetings of the course will introduce participants to under-studied areas of Hilchot Shabbat that are highly resonant to work today: what kinds of reading material are allowed on Shabbat? What kinds of list-making or tracking is allowed? In a globalized economy, how do timezones affect the work I can do on Friday or Saturday night? The last class will turn to a more conceptual framework of Melakha and ask: when making salad seems more Halakhically fraught than writing an email, how do we think about the fact that Halakha and communal practice seems to allow for one and not the other?

Click here to view the accompanying source sheet. 

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 02/14/2022 as part of Drisha's Spring Zman. 

This course explores the intersection of work and melakhah (forbidden Shabbat actions) in our non-agrarian, globalized, work-from-anywhere economy. The first three meetings of the course will introduce participants to under-studied areas of Hilchot Shabbat that are highly resonant to work today: what kinds of reading material are allowed on Shabbat? What kinds of list-making or tracking is allowed? In a globalized economy, how do timezones affect the work I can do on Friday or Saturday night? The last class will turn to a more conceptual framework of Melakha and ask: when making salad seems more Halakhically fraught than writing an email, how do we think about the fact that Halakha and communal practice seems to allow for one and not the other?

Click here to view the accompanying source sheet. 

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 02/14/2022 as part of Drisha's Spring Zman. 

This course explores the intersection of work and melakhah (forbidden Shabbat actions) in our non-agrarian, globalized, work-from-anywhere economy. The first three meetings of the course will introduce participants to under-studied areas of Hilchot Shabbat that are highly resonant to work today: what kinds of reading material are allowed on Shabbat? What kinds of list-making or tracking is allowed? In a globalized economy, how do timezones affect the work I can do on Friday or Saturday night? The last class will turn to a more conceptual framework of Melakha and ask: when making salad seems more Halakhically fraught than writing an email, how do we think about the fact that Halakha and communal practice seems to allow for one and not the other?

Click here to view the accompanying source sheet. 

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 02/07/2022 as part of Drisha's Spring Zman. 

Work is a hugely important aspect of the human experience, as described by the Torah and its laws. How does one go about making time for Torah study, another important priority? Is work itself ennobling or a curse?

Click here to view the accompanying source sheet.

This audio was originally recorded on 11/29/2012

What is the value of work? Does Judaism have a notion of a “calling?” How can I be a more moral boss, employee, and colleague? Can any job be part of a spiritual path?

This audio was originally recorded on 10/11/2011

As we come to the end of the Shemittah year–but not the end of Shemittah–we would like our community to take time to contemplate what was learned, what was released, what will be left behind, and what we might carry forward into the next seven-year cycle. Join Mr. Michael Fraade for a discussion of what Shemittah might mean for us in the years we don’t observe it.

Click here to view the accompanying source sheet. 

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 10/12/2022

Shemitah’s social laws reflect a deep religious attitude to the “holy land.” Since the rise of Zionism, this term has taken on political implications, which caused Abraham Joshua Heschel to change his mind time and again about its meaning. In this course we will consider the various religious understandings of Shemittah in the Torah alongside the various interpretations of the “holy land” in Heschel’s thought.

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 12/23/2021 as part of Drisha's Fall Zman. 

Shemitah’s social laws reflect a deep religious attitude to the “holy land.” Since the rise of Zionism, this term has taken on political implications, which caused Abraham Joshua Heschel to change his mind time and again about its meaning. In this course we will consider the various religious understandings of Shemittah in the Torah alongside the various interpretations of the “holy land” in Heschel’s thought.

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 12/16/2021 as part of Drisha's Fall Zman.

Shemitah’s social laws reflect a deep religious attitude to the “holy land.” Since the rise of Zionism, this term has taken on political implications, which caused Abraham Joshua Heschel to change his mind time and again about its meaning. In this course we will consider the various religious understandings of Shemittah in the Torah alongside the various interpretations of the “holy land” in Heschel’s thought.

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 12/09/2021 as part of Drisha's Fall Zman.

The Torah sees the commandment of the Shemittah as a central observance with far-reaching social, ethical, and religious implications. We will pay close attention to the biblical text to understand how this observance is framed in the Bible and its contemporary relevance.

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 12/21/2021 as part of Drisha's Fall Zman.

The Torah sees the commandment of the Shemittah as a central observance with far-reaching social, ethical, and religious implications. We will pay close attention to the biblical text to understand how this observance is framed in the Bible and its contemporary relevance.

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 12/14/2021 as part of Drisha's Fall Zman.

The Torah sees the commandment of the Shemittah as a central observance with far-reaching social, ethical, and religious implications. We will pay close attention to the biblical text to understand how this observance is framed in the Bible and its contemporary relevance.

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 12/07/2021 as part of Drisha's Fall Zman.

The Torah sees the commandment of the Shemittah as a central observance with far-reaching social, ethical, and religious implications. We will pay close attention to the biblical text to understand how this observance is framed in the Bible and its contemporary relevance.

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 11/20/2021 as part of Drisha's Fall Zman.

This class will undertake the close study of Mishnayot Sheviit BeIyyun, working through the Masechta with a focus on literary and conceptual issues.

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 12/20/2021 as part of Drisha's fall Zman. 

This class will undertake the close study of Mishnayot Sheviit BeIyyun, working through the Masechta with a focus on literary and conceptual issues.

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 12/13/2021 as part of Drisha's fall Zman. 

This class will undertake the close study of Mishnayot Sheviit BeIyyun, working through the Masechta with a focus on literary and conceptual issues.

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 12/06/2021 as part of Drisha's fall Zman. 

This class will undertake the close study of Mishnayot Sheviit BeIyyun, working through the Masechta with a focus on literary and conceptual issues.

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 11/29/2021 as part of Drisha's Fall Zman

While Shemitah may appear to be a narrow topic linked specifically to agricultural laws in the land of Israel, this class will use Shemitah as a window into contemporary ethical questions about economics, the environment, and freedom. We’ll explore how Jewish philosophical texts, from medieval to modern, understand shemitah’s broader significance for those who might not encounter it in daily practice.

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 12/22/2021 as part of Drisha's Fall Zman. 

While Shemitah may appear to be a narrow topic linked specifically to agricultural laws in the land of Israel, this class will use Shemitah as a window into contemporary ethical questions about economics, the environment, and freedom. We’ll explore how Jewish philosophical texts, from medieval to modern, understand shemitah’s broader significance for those who might not encounter it in daily practice.

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 12/15/2021 as part of Drisha's Fall Zman. 

While Shemitah may appear to be a narrow topic linked specifically to agricultural laws in the land of Israel, this class will use Shemitah as a window into contemporary ethical questions about economics, the environment, and freedom. We’ll explore how Jewish philosophical texts, from medieval to modern, understand shemitah’s broader significance for those who might not encounter it in daily practice.

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 12/08/2021 as part of Drisha's Fall Zman. 

While Shemitah may appear to be a narrow topic linked specifically to agricultural laws in the land of Israel, this class will use Shemitah as a window into contemporary ethical questions about economics, the environment, and freedom. We’ll explore how Jewish philosophical texts, from medieval to modern, understand shemitah’s broader significance for those who might not encounter it in daily practice.

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 12/01/2021 as part of Drisha's Fall Zman. 

While Shemitah may appear to be a narrow topic linked specifically to agricultural laws in the land of Israel, this class will use Shemitah as a window into contemporary ethical questions about economics, the environment, and freedom. We’ll explore how Jewish philosophical texts, from medieval to modern, understand shemitah’s broader significance for those who might not encounter it in daily practice.

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 11/24/2021 as part of Drisha's Fall Zman.

The Biblical descriptions of Shemitah, and other laws regarding Tzedaka, pose a challenge to the normal rules that govern the structures and smooth functioning of our society. Hazal emphasized the critical significance of these ideals and at the same time created practical methods to circumvent the difficulties that they created, amplifying the cognitive dissonance already present. We will look at passages in Talmud and Midrashic texts and analyze together where these divergent patterns of thought lead us.

This audio was originally captured from Zoom 11/17/2021 as part of Drisha's Fall Zman. 

The Biblical descriptions of Shemitah, and other laws regarding Tzedaka, pose a challenge to the normal rules that govern the structures and smooth functioning of our society. Hazal emphasized the critical significance of these ideals and at the same time created practical methods to circumvent the difficulties that they created, amplifying the cognitive dissonance already present. We will look at passages in Talmud and Midrashic texts and analyze together where these divergent patterns of thought lead us.

This audio was originally recorded on 11/10/2021 as part of Drisha's Fall Zman. 

The Biblical descriptions of Shemitah, and other laws regarding Tzedaka, pose a challenge to the normal rules that govern the structures and smooth functioning of our society. Hazal emphasized the critical significance of these ideals and at the same time created practical methods to circumvent the difficulties that they created, amplifying the cognitive dissonance already present. We will look at passages in Talmud and Midrashic texts and analyze together where these divergent patterns of thought lead us.

This audio was originally recorded on 11/03/2021 as part of Drisha's Fall Zman. 

The biblical charge of Shemitah, wherein the land must lie fallow for an entire year on a regular basis, originally applied to a world with radically different economic realities, expectations, and constraints from the world we live in today. To that end, since the return of a large Jewish communal presence in Eretz Yisrael in the late 19th century, the prospect of contemporary Shemitah has posed a unique challenge within the realm of Jewish observance. This class considers different aspects of that challenge as well as proposed resolutions over the centuries, from the legal and ethical debates over Hetter Mekhira to discussions around whether and how it might be possible to restore the thematic relevance and meaning of Shemitah today.

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 11/14/2021 as part of Drisha's Fall Zman

The biblical charge of Shemitah, wherein the land must lie fallow for an entire year on a regular basis, originally applied to a world with radically different economic realities, expectations, and constraints from the world we live in today. To that end, since the return of a large Jewish communal presence in Eretz Yisrael in the late 19th century, the prospect of contemporary Shemitah has posed a unique challenge within the realm of Jewish observance. This class considers different aspects of that challenge as well as proposed resolutions over the centuries, from the legal and ethical debates over Hetter Mekhira to discussions around whether and how it might be possible to restore the thematic relevance and meaning of Shemitah today.

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 11/07/2021 as part of Drisha's Fall Zman

The biblical charge of Shemitah, wherein the land must lie fallow for an entire year on a regular basis, originally applied to a world with radically different economic realities, expectations, and constraints from the world we live in today. To that end, since the return of a large Jewish communal presence in Eretz Yisrael in the late 19th century, the prospect of contemporary Shemitah has posed a unique challenge within the realm of Jewish observance. This class considers different aspects of that challenge as well as proposed resolutions over the centuries, from the legal and ethical debates over Hetter Mekhira to discussions around whether and how it might be possible to restore the thematic relevance and meaning of Shemitah today.

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 10/31/2021 as part of Drisha's Fall Zman. 

The Mishnah in the fourth chapter of Gittin lists a number of Rabbinic decrees created “mi-penei tikkun ha-olam,” for the betterment of the world. One of those listed is the Pruzbol, instituted by Hillel to encourage Jews to make loans to one another. This course will study the Talmudic discussion of Pruzbol in Gittin 36a-37b, which touches on a series of burning questions like “how was Pruzbol allowed in the first place?” and “should we get rid of it?” In each session we will use a section of the Talmud in Gittin as a jumping off point into parallel texts and medieval commentators. This course is oriented towards students with some experience studying medieval Talmud commentators, but most texts will be presented with translation.

This audio was originally captured on 11/22/2021 as part of Drisha's Fall Zman. 

The Mishnah in the fourth chapter of Gittin lists a number of Rabbinic decrees created “mi-penei tikkun ha-olam,” for the betterment of the world. One of those listed is the Pruzbol, instituted by Hillel to encourage Jews to make loans to one another. This course will study the Talmudic discussion of Pruzbol in Gittin 36a-37b, which touches on a series of burning questions like “how was Pruzbol allowed in the first place?” and “should we get rid of it?” In each session we will use a section of the Talmud in Gittin as a jumping off point into parallel texts and medieval commentators. This course is oriented towards students with some experience studying medieval Talmud commentators, but most texts will be presented with translation.

This audio was originally captured on 11/15/2021 as part of Drisha's Fall Zman. 

The Mishnah in the fourth chapter of Gittin lists a number of Rabbinic decrees created “mi-penei tikkun ha-olam,” for the betterment of the world. One of those listed is the Pruzbol, instituted by Hillel to encourage Jews to make loans to one another. This course will study the Talmudic discussion of Pruzbol in Gittin 36a-37b, which touches on a series of burning questions like “how was Pruzbol allowed in the first place?” and “should we get rid of it?” In each session we will use a section of the Talmud in Gittin as a jumping off point into parallel texts and medieval commentators. This course is oriented towards students with some experience studying medieval Talmud commentators, but most texts will be presented with translation.

This audio was originally captured on 11/08/2021 as part of Drisha's Fall Zman. 

The Mishnah in the fourth chapter of Gittin lists a number of Rabbinic decrees created “mi-penei tikkun ha-olam,” for the betterment of the world. One of those listed is the Pruzbol, instituted by Hillel to encourage Jews to make loans to one another. This course will study the Talmudic discussion of Pruzbol in Gittin 36a-37b, which touches on a series of burning questions like “how was Pruzbol allowed in the first place?” and “should we get rid of it?” In each session we will use a section of the Talmud in Gittin as a jumping off point into parallel texts and medieval commentators. This course is oriented towards students with some experience studying medieval Talmud commentators, but most texts will be presented with translation.

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 11/01/2021 as part of Drisha's Fall Zman.

The Mishnah in the fourth chapter of Gittin lists a number of Rabbinic decrees created “mi-penei tikkun ha-olam,” for the betterment of the world. One of those listed is the Pruzbol, instituted by Hillel to encourage Jews to make loans to one another. This course will study the Talmudic discussion of Pruzbol in Gittin 36a-37b, which touches on a series of burning questions like “how was Pruzbol allowed in the first place?” and “should we get rid of it?” In each session we will use a section of the Talmud in Gittin as a jumping off point into parallel texts and medieval commentators. This course is oriented towards students with some experience studying medieval Talmud commentators, but most texts will be presented with translation.

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 10/25/2021 as part of Drisha's Fall Zman. 

The Mishnah in the fourth chapter of Gittin lists a number of Rabbinic decrees created “mi-penei tikkun ha-olam,” for the betterment of the world. One of those listed is the Pruzbol, instituted by Hillel to encourage Jews to make loans to one another. This course will study the Talmudic discussion of Pruzbol in Gittin 36a-37b, which touches on a series of burning questions like “how was Pruzbol allowed in the first place?” and “should we get rid of it?” In each session we will use a section of the Talmud in Gittin as a jumping off point into parallel texts and medieval commentators. This course is oriented towards students with some experience studying medieval Talmud commentators, but most texts will be presented with translation.

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 10/18/2021 as part of Drisha's Fall Zman. 

The Jewish legal tradition has much to say about how we are to act. But what about how we are to feel? Do emotional states, in and of themselves, have significance in halakha? In this course, we will explore this question, examining some common human emotions such as (e.g. joy and shame) in light of halakhic sources drawn from the Talmud through the responsa literature. We will also consider somewhat more elusive emotional states that have implications in Jewish law, such as oneg (pleasure), tza'ar (pain) and yishuv da'at (peace of mind).

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 05/14/2023

The Jewish legal tradition has much to say about how we are to act. But what about how we are to feel? Do emotional states, in and of themselves, have significance in halakha? In this course, we will explore this question, examining some common human emotions such as (e.g. joy and shame) in light of halakhic sources drawn from the Talmud through the responsa literature. We will also consider somewhat more elusive emotional states that have implications in Jewish law, such as oneg (pleasure), tza'ar (pain) and yishuv da'at (peace of mind).

Click here to view the accompanying source sheet. 

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 05/07/2023

The Jewish legal tradition has much to say about how we are to act. But what about how we are to feel? Do emotional states, in and of themselves, have significance in halakha? In this course, we will explore this question, examining some common human emotions such as (e.g. joy and shame) in light of halakhic sources drawn from the Talmud through the responsa literature. We will also consider somewhat more elusive emotional states that have implications in Jewish law, such as oneg (pleasure), tza'ar (pain) and yishuv da'at (peace of mind).

Click here to view the accompanying source sheet.

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 04/30/2023

The Jewish legal tradition has much to say about how we are to act. But what about how we are to feel? Do emotional states, in and of themselves, have significance in halakha? In this course, we will explore this question, examining some common human emotions such as (e.g. joy and shame) in light of halakhic sources drawn from the Talmud through the responsa literature. We will also consider somewhat more elusive emotional states that have implications in Jewish law, such as oneg (pleasure), tza'ar (pain) and yishuv da'at (peace of mind).

Click here to view the accompanying source sheet. 

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 04/23/2023

The Jewish legal tradition has much to say about how we are to act. But what about how we are to feel? Do emotional states, in and of themselves, have significance in halakha? In this course, we will explore this question, examining some common human emotions such as (e.g. joy and shame) in light of halakhic sources drawn from the Talmud through the responsa literature. We will also consider somewhat more elusive emotional states that have implications in Jewish law, such as oneg (pleasure), tza'ar (pain) and yishuv da'at (peace of mind).

Click here to view the accompanying sources.

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 04/16/2023

Alongside Talmudic rulings and discussions, there are hundreds of traditions that describe the personal behavior and habits of rabbis. These are descriptions, often at a very high resolution of rabbis' religious practices and bodily movements and gestures. Sometimes the behavior is presented as an example or proof of a certain halakha, while other times, it is scrutinized and challenged, as it goes against other known teachings. These many traditions reveal a culture in which the careful examination of the personal actions and habits of teachers, peers, and students, and the subsequent transmission and discussion of these recorded moments, was a central component of rabbinic training and study. What is more, the traditions disclose another dimension to rabbinic halakha. A concept that is often translated as Jewish law, that emerges through these traditions as rabbinic habit and way of life. In this series, we will analyze a selection of rabbinic traditions of personal behavior, and discuss their meaning and significance, what they contribute to our understanding of rabbinic culture, and how they reshape our notions of halakha. We will also use these materials to reflect on contemporary forms of examination of personal behavior and habit and how they impact our culture

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 05/02/2022 as part of Drisha's Spring Zman

Alongside Talmudic rulings and discussions, there are hundreds of traditions that describe the personal behavior and habits of rabbis. These are descriptions, often at a very high resolution of rabbis' religious practices and bodily movements and gestures. Sometimes the behavior is presented as an example or proof of a certain halakha, while other times, it is scrutinized and challenged, as it goes against other known teachings. These many traditions reveal a culture in which the careful examination of the personal actions and habits of teachers, peers, and students, and the subsequent transmission and discussion of these recorded moments, was a central component of rabbinic training and study. What is more, the traditions disclose another dimension to rabbinic halakha. A concept that is often translated as Jewish law, that emerges through these traditions as rabbinic habit and way of life. In this series, we will analyze a selection of rabbinic traditions of personal behavior, and discuss their meaning and significance, what they contribute to our understanding of rabbinic culture, and how they reshape our notions of halakha. We will also use these materials to reflect on contemporary forms of examination of personal behavior and habit and how they impact our culture

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 04/25/2022 as part of Drisha's Spring Zman

This class studies the many meanings of the term Halakhah as they develop over time and considers what they say about the practice of Halakhah overall. Should we translate Halakhah as “law,” and if so is it the theoretical law or the practical law? What does it mean for something to be “Halakhah but we do not rule like it” (הלכה ואין מורין כן) or to be “Halakhah but not for enaction” (הלכה ולא למעשה)? How should we understand other uses of the term Halakhah, such as where it is used to introduce Midrashic teachings or to refer to a paragraph of a legal text? What significance is there to the more recent shift in which certain observant groups refer to themselves as “Halakhic Judaism”?

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 03/18/2021 as part of Drisha's Spring Zman

This class studies the many meanings of the term Halakhah as they develop over time and considers what they say about the practice of Halakhah overall. Should we translate Halakhah as “law,” and if so is it the theoretical law or the practical law? What does it mean for something to be “Halakhah but we do not rule like it” (הלכה ואין מורין כן) or to be “Halakhah but not for enaction” (הלכה ולא למעשה)? How should we understand other uses of the term Halakhah, such as where it is used to introduce Midrashic teachings or to refer to a paragraph of a legal text? What significance is there to the more recent shift in which certain observant groups refer to themselves as “Halakhic Judaism”?

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 03/11/2021 as part of Drisha's Spring Zman. 

This class studies the many meanings of the term Halakhah as they develop over time and considers what they say about the practice of Halakhah overall. Should we translate Halakhah as “law,” and if so is it the theoretical law or the practical law? What does it mean for something to be “Halakhah but we do not rule like it” (הלכה ואין מורין כן) or to be “Halakhah but not for enaction” (הלכה ולא למעשה)? How should we understand other uses of the term Halakhah, such as where it is used to introduce Midrashic teachings or to refer to a paragraph of a legal text? What significance is there to the more recent shift in which certain observant groups refer to themselves as “Halakhic Judaism”?

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 03/04/2021 as part of Drisha's Spring Zman. 

In this short course we’ll explore three questions about the halakhic system as a whole. The first question concerns the amount of room that the system has for creativity and diversity. The second question concerns the relationship between halakhic categories and ethical categories. The final question concerns the relationship between truth and justice – when the evidence is insufficient, is the role of the judge to uncover the facts, or to heal the discord?

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 03/18/2021 as part of Drisha's Spring Zman

In this short course we’ll explore three questions about the halakhic system as a whole. The first question concerns the amount of room that the system has for creativity and diversity. The second question concerns the relationship between halakhic categories and ethical categories. The final question concerns the relationship between truth and justice – when the evidence is insufficient, is the role of the judge to uncover the facts, or to heal the discord?

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 03/11/2021 as part of Drisha's Spring Zman. 

In this short course we’ll explore three questions about the halakhic system as a whole. The first question concerns the amount of room that the system has for creativity and diversity. The second question concerns the relationship between halakhic categories and ethical categories. The final question concerns the relationship between truth and justice – when the evidence is insufficient, is the role of the judge to uncover the facts, or to heal the discord?

This audio was originally capture from Zoom on 03/04/2021 as part of Drisha's Spring Zman

Confrontation with doubt is a central topic throughout the world of Talmudic literature. In our religious world of serving God, both for interpersonal issues and our spiritual experience, we constantly deal with doubt, both explicit and implicit. How should we live our lives as we are surrounded by doubt? This will analyze various Halakhic topics that will enrich our spiritual and intellectual discourse regarding the world of doubt. We will touch upon two main topics: 1. When are we stringent out of doubt? Is stringency born of doubt a biblical or rabbinic principle? 2. What situations create doubt? Is our only resort to certainty through the testimony of two witnesses?

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 03/09/2021 as part of Drisha's Spring Zman. 

Confrontation with doubt is a central topic throughout the world of Talmudic literature. In our religious world of serving God, both for interpersonal issues and our spiritual experience, we constantly deal with doubt, both explicit and implicit. How should we live our lives as we are surrounded by doubt? This will analyze various Halakhic topics that will enrich our spiritual and intellectual discourse regarding the world of doubt. We will touch upon two main topics: 1. When are we stringent out of doubt? Is stringency born of doubt a biblical or rabbinic principle? 2. What situations create doubt? Is our only resort to certainty through the testimony of two witnesses?

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 03/02/2021 as part of Drisha's Spring Zman. 

Confrontation with doubt is a central topic throughout the world of Talmudic literature. In our religious world of serving God, both for interpersonal issues and our spiritual experience, we constantly deal with doubt, both explicit and implicit. How should we live our lives as we are surrounded by doubt? This will analyze various Halakhic topics that will enrich our spiritual and intellectual discourse regarding the world of doubt. We will touch upon two main topics: 1. When are we stringent out of doubt? Is stringency born of doubt a biblical or rabbinic principle? 2. What situations create doubt? Is our only resort to certainty through the testimony of two witnesses?

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 02/23/2021 as part of Drisha's Spring Zman. 

Confrontation with doubt is a central topic throughout the world of Talmudic literature. In our religious world of serving God, both for interpersonal issues and our spiritual experience, we constantly deal with doubt, both explicit and implicit. How should we live our lives as we are surrounded by doubt? This will analyze various Halakhic topics that will enrich our spiritual and intellectual discourse regarding the world of doubt. We will touch upon two main topics: 1. When are we stringent out of doubt? Is stringency born of doubt a biblical or rabbinic principle? 2. What situations create doubt? Is our only resort to certainty through the testimony of two witnesses?

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 02/16/2021 as part of Drisha's Spring Zman. 

This course examines how an individual’s knowledge of their body and psyche impacts halakhah, a fact that demonstrates the tension between that knowledge and rabbinic expertise and authority. The various topics to be considered include a sick person eating on Yom Kippur, the law of Niddah and the application of the mais alai claim within divorce law.

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 02/18/2021 from Drisha's Spring Zman. 

This course examines how an individual’s knowledge of their body and psyche impacts halakhah, a fact that demonstrates the tension between that knowledge and rabbinic expertise and authority. The various topics to be considered include a sick person eating on Yom Kippur, the law of Niddah and the application of the mais alai claim within divorce law.

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 02/11/2021 as part of Drisha's Spring Zman. 

This course examines how an individual’s knowledge of their body and psyche impacts halakhah, a fact that demonstrates the tension between that knowledge and rabbinic expertise and authority. The various topics to be considered include a sick person eating on Yom Kippur, the law of Niddah and the application of the mais alai claim within divorce law.

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 02/04/2021 as part of Drisha's Spring Zman. 

Rabbinic decisors have shaped the contours of Halakhah over the generations with their determinations across Jewish law, including in complex and controversial cases. This series will analyze the process and methods of three such Poskim who published responsa over the past two centuries – The Hatam Sofer, Hazon Ish, and Rav Ovadia Yosef.

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 02/17/2021 as part of Drisha's Spring Zman. 

Rabbinic decisors have shaped the contours of Halakhah over the generations with their determinations across Jewish law, including in complex and controversial cases. This series will analyze the process and methods of three such Poskim who published responsa over the past two centuries – The Hatam Sofer, Hazon Ish, and Rav Ovadia Yosef.

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 02/10/2021 as part of Drisha's Spring Zman. 

Rabbinic decisors have shaped the contours of Halakhah over the generations with their determinations across Jewish law, including in complex and controversial cases. This series will analyze the process and methods of three such Poskim who published responsa over the past two centuries – The Hatam Sofer, Hazon Ish, and Rav Ovadia Yosef.

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 02/03/2021 as part of Drisha's Spring Zman. 

This class sketches the historical trajectory of the primary halakhic texts and the methods and processes they followed. What texts shaped how the law developed? Why did those texts become binding or at least central? As we move into new eras, how much of an active role do the earlier texts still play? Can the text of the Bible still be brought to bear directly on halakhic decisions, or can it only be accessed through the lens of the later canons of interpretation? As so much of halakhah was developed in particular communities and geographic regions, how has globalization affected the models of authority? What does this shift mean for both law and custom in the modern world? We will approach these questions in attempting to understand both how we reached the modern moment and what this means going forward.

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 03/08/2021 as part of Drisha's Spring Zman. 

This class sketches the historical trajectory of the primary halakhic texts and the methods and processes they followed. What texts shaped how the law developed? Why did those texts become binding or at least central? As we move into new eras, how much of an active role do the earlier texts still play? Can the text of the Bible still be brought to bear directly on halakhic decisions, or can it only be accessed through the lens of the later canons of interpretation? As so much of halakhah was developed in particular communities and geographic regions, how has globalization affected the models of authority? What does this shift mean for both law and custom in the modern world? We will approach these questions in attempting to understand both how we reached the modern moment and what this means going forward.

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 03/01/2021 as part of Drisha's Spring Zman. 

This class sketches the historical trajectory of the primary halakhic texts and the methods and processes they followed. What texts shaped how the law developed? Why did those texts become binding or at least central? As we move into new eras, how much of an active role do the earlier texts still play? Can the text of the Bible still be brought to bear directly on halakhic decisions, or can it only be accessed through the lens of the later canons of interpretation? As so much of halakhah was developed in particular communities and geographic regions, how has globalization affected the models of authority? What does this shift mean for both law and custom in the modern world? We will approach these questions in attempting to understand both how we reached the modern moment and what this means going forward.

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 02/22/2021 as part of Drisha's Srping Zman. 

This class sketches the historical trajectory of the primary halakhic texts and the methods and processes they followed. What texts shaped how the law developed? Why did those texts become binding or at least central? As we move into new eras, how much of an active role do the earlier texts still play? Can the text of the Bible still be brought to bear directly on halakhic decisions, or can it only be accessed through the lens of the later canons of interpretation? As so much of halakhah was developed in particular communities and geographic regions, how has globalization affected the models of authority? What does this shift mean for both law and custom in the modern world? We will approach these questions in attempting to understand both how we reached the modern moment and what this means going forward.

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 02/15/2021 as part of Drisha's Spring Zman. 

This class sketches the historical trajectory of the primary halakhic texts and the methods and processes they followed. What texts shaped how the law developed? Why did those texts become binding or at least central? As we move into new eras, how much of an active role do the earlier texts still play? Can the text of the Bible still be brought to bear directly on halakhic decisions, or can it only be accessed through the lens of the later canons of interpretation? As so much of halakhah was developed in particular communities and geographic regions, how has globalization affected the models of authority? What does this shift mean for both law and custom in the modern world? We will approach these questions in attempting to understand both how we reached the modern moment and what this means going forward. This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 02/08/2021 as part of Drisha's Spring Zman. 

This class sketches the historical trajectory of the primary halakhic texts and the methods and processes they followed. What texts shaped how the law developed? Why did those texts become binding or at least central? As we move into new eras, how much of an active role do the earlier texts still play? Can the text of the Bible still be brought to bear directly on halakhic decisions, or can it only be accessed through the lens of the later canons of interpretation? As so much of halakhah was developed in particular communities and geographic regions, how has globalization affected the models of authority? What does this shift mean for both law and custom in the modern world? We will approach these questions in attempting to understand both how we reached the modern moment and what this means going forward.

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 02/02/2021 as part of Drisha's Spring Zman. 

Click here to view the accompanying source sheet.

This audio was originally recorded on 06/26/2013.

Click here to view the accompanying source sheet.

This audio was originally recorded on 06/19/2013 

Click here to view the accompanying source sheet. 

This audio was originally recorded on 06/12/2013 as part of Drisha's Open Beit Midrash and Guest Series Lecture on the topic of “Halakha and Meta-Halakha: Rethinking the Path”

Throughout the medieval and the early modern periods, autonomous Jewish communities around the world used the legal mechanism known as takkanat ha kahal to shape the culture and character of their societies by enacting new legislation on a wide array of civil, criminal, and public matters.  What gives a community the authority to create law?  Who is bound by these communal directives?  What is the relationship between local  takkanot and universally recognized  halakhah?  After examining this legal phenomenon in historical context, we will also consider its utility and  value to Jewish communities today.

Click here to view the accompanying source sheet. 

This audio was originally recorded on 06/05/2013 as part of Drisha's Wednesday Night Open Beit Midrash and Guest Series Lecture on the topic of “Halakha and Meta-Halakha: Rethinking the Path”

Alexander the Great's conquest of the Eastern Mediterranean brought to the foreground an inherent cognitive dissonance in views of Divine Law as envisioned by the Greco-Romans and the Hebrew Bible - which we've grappled with for the past 2,500 years. How does this context impact our understanding of the legal framework the Rabbis then cultivated?

This audio was originally recorded on 05/18/2013 

Considering the sweep of diverse halachik opinions in Jewish tradition, the necessity of reaching absolute conclusions often required creative negotiation among competing views. With this tension in mind - how would Tosafot have approached a particular sugya in the Talmud, and how does this dichotomy play out between different segments of contemporary Israeli society?

Click here to view the accompanying source sheet. 

This audio was originally recorded on 11/13/2013 as part of Drisha's participation in the Global Day of Jewish Learning. 

With the advent of printing, the Rambam organized Halakhah into easily navigable categories through compiling the Mishnah Torah, rendering himself supreme arbiter by default. What opposition did he encounter and what do subsequent print publications reveal about the struggle for Halakhic authority?

Click here to view the accompanying source sheet. 

This audio was originally recorded on 12/26/2012 as part of Drisha’s Winter Week of Learning

When some halakhot seem to contradict modern sensibilities, traditionalists often try to defend them by providing innovative reasons to make them relevant and appealing to contemporary society. Are these new reasons simply a way of upholding and continuing tradition, or are they paving the way for changes in the laws they seek to preserve?

This audio was originally recorded on 12/27/2006 as part of Drisha's Winter Week of Learning. 

Click here to view the accompanying source sheet. 

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 01/07/2021 as part of Drisha's Winter Zman. 

Click here to view the accompanying source sheet. 

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 01/05/2021 as part of Drisha's Winter Zman. 

Click here to view the accompanying source sheet. 

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 01/06/2021 as part of Drisha's Winter Zman. 

Click here to view the accompanying source sheet. 

This audio was originally captured 01/04/2021 as part of Drisha's Winter Zman. 

Rabbanit Leah Sarna wrapping up our Winter Zman evening series with "These Are Old and Solvable Problems: Scarcity and Plenty in Joseph's Egypt and Nehemia's Israel"

Click here to view the accompanying source sheet. 

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 01/07/2021 as part of Drisha's Winter Zman. 

Rabbanit Leah Sarna on Jewish Food Scarcity and Distribution with Dr. Victoria Hass from the Ark in Chicago, Jessica Chait from Met Council, and Rabbi Alexander Rappoport from Masbia.

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 01/06/2021 as part of Drisha's Winter Zman. 

Mazon representatives Liz Braun-Lilenfeld (Deputy Director of Community Relations), Kyle Fradkin (Deputy Director of Public Policy), and Paul Sherman (Outreach Manager) speak about The Face of Hunger and Food Policy in America. Learn more about MAZON at www.mazon.org

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 01/05/2021 as part of Drisha's Winter Zman. 

Rabbanit Leah Sarna on Scarcity in Halakha.

Click here to view the accompanying source sheet. 

This audio was originally recorded on 01/04/2021 as part of Drisha's Winter Zman. 

In a section of the Mishneh Torah dealing mostly with ethical and philosophical matters, the Rambam devotes a whole chapter to culinary advice. In this class, we’ll explore the potential significance of the Rambam’s perplexing advice on eating, and consider how this apparently antiquated advice might still influence how eating and health are understood in contemporary halakhah.

Click here to view the accompanying source sheet.

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 12/31/2020 

In a section of the Mishneh Torah dealing mostly with ethical and philosophical matters, the Rambam devotes a whole chapter to culinary advice. In this class, we’ll explore the potential significance of the Rambam’s perplexing advice on eating, and consider how this apparently antiquated advice might still influence how eating and health are understood in contemporary halakhah.

Click here to view the accompanying source sheet. 

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 12/29/2020

This class will consider different aspects of Birkat ha-Mazon, from the perspectives of Halakhah and Jewish thought. One class will consider quantitative considerations of what qualifies one for bentsching and the ramifications of that, and the other will consider the nature of Birkat ha-Mazon in light of other Berakhot.

Click here to view the accompanying source sheet.

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 12/30/2020

This class will consider different aspects of Birkat ha-Mazon, from the perspectives of Halakhah and Jewish thought. One class will consider quantitative considerations of what qualifies one for bentsching and the ramifications of that, and the other will consider the nature of Birkat ha-Mazon in light of other Berakhot.

Click here to view the accompanying source sheet.

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 12/28/2020

This session — Produce Farming 

Click here to view the accompanying source sheet. 

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 12/31/2020

This session —Tzar Ba'alei Chayim. Click here to view the accompanying source sheet. 

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 12/30/2020

This session — Beekeeping.

Click here to view the accompanying source sheet. 

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 12/29/2020

This session — Shechita and kosher meat production. 

Click here to view the accompanying source sheet. 

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 12/28/2020

In this 6 part course, we will look at the laws of Kashrut pertaining to the preparation of food by non-Jews. Although modern kashrut supervision makes many of these laws invisible to us, they have profoundly shaped the Jewish cultural experience. We will examine the sources and practical halakhah on the issues pertaining to baked goods, cooked foods, wine, and dairy products produced or prepared by non-Jews and how changing contexts have affected the applications of these laws.

Click here to view the accompanying source sheet. 

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 11/19/2020

In this 6 part course, we will look at the laws of Kashrut pertaining to the preparation of food by non-Jews. Although modern kashrut supervision makes many of these laws invisible to us, they have profoundly shaped the Jewish cultural experience. We will examine the sources and practical halakhah on the issues pertaining to baked goods, cooked foods, wine, and dairy products produced or prepared by non-Jews and how changing contexts have affected the applications of these laws.

Click here to view the accompanying source sheet. 

In this 6 part course, we will look at the laws of Kashrut pertaining to the preparation of food by non-Jews. Although modern kashrut supervision makes many of these laws invisible to us, they have profoundly shaped the Jewish cultural experience. We will examine the sources and practical halakhah on the issues pertaining to baked goods, cooked foods, wine, and dairy products produced or prepared by non-Jews and how changing contexts have affected the applications of these laws.

Click here to view the accompanying source sheet. 

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 11/04/2020.

In this 6 part course, we will look at the laws of Kashrut pertaining to the preparation of food by non-Jews. Although modern kashrut supervision makes many of these laws invisible to us, they have profoundly shaped the Jewish cultural experience. We will examine the sources and practical halakhah on the issues pertaining to baked goods, cooked foods, wine, and dairy products produced or prepared by non-Jews and how changing contexts have affected the applications of these laws.

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 10/27/2020

In this 6 part course, we will look at the laws of Kashrut pertaining to the preparation of food by non-Jews. Although modern kashrut supervision makes many of these laws invisible to us, they have profoundly shaped the Jewish cultural experience. We will examine the sources and practical halakhah on the issues pertaining to baked goods, cooked foods, wine, and dairy products produced or prepared by non-Jews and how changing contexts have affected the applications of these laws.

Click here to view the accompanying source sheet. 

This audio was originally recorded on 10/19/2020

In this 6 part course, we will look at the laws of Kashrut pertaining to the preparation of food by non-Jews. Although modern kashrut supervision makes many of these laws invisible to us, they have profoundly shaped the Jewish cultural experience. We will examine the sources and practical halakhah on the issues pertaining to baked goods, cooked foods, wine, and dairy products produced or prepared by non-Jews and how changing contexts have affected the applications of these laws.

Click here to view the accompanying source sheet. 

This audio was originally recorded on 10/12/2020

Israel was commanded to set aside a portion of Manna as a reminder for future generations. We will reflect upon the episode of the Manna and the lessons it has to teach us about our relationship to food and its implications for our connection to the Divine and to humanity.

This audio was originally captured from Zoom as part of Drisha's Yom Iyyun on Food Ethics. 

We’ll take a broad and deep look at core halakhic and aggadic sources that shed light on what we have to consider if/when we eat meat. Starting from the book of Devarim, hitting highlights in the Talmud and medieval interpretations and landing in the contemporary moment, which questions must we raise and what answers should we have before taking a bite? This will also serve as a case study to investigate the relationship between “ritual” and “ethics” in halakhah. 

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 01/03/2020 as part of Drisha's Yom Iyyun on Food Ethics

The intersection of food and waste occurs at three interlocking levels: at the plot, the plate and the principle. Dynamics at the edges of fields where food is grown, one’s relation with food on one’s plate, and learning derived from the principle of bal tashchit– all challenge us to think carefully about food, production and consumption

This audio was captured from Zoom on 01/03/2020 as part of Yom Iyyun on Food Ethics.

An invitation to members of the community to learn more about hunger and food insecurity in the United States, to consider our responsibilities toward those in need, and to find out what we can do to help.

This session — Re-Imagining the Work of Ending Hunger

If we are to engage effectively in the work of ending hunger in our communities, then we must do more than collect cans for our local emergency food center. There are many organizations and programs that are paving the way with a new vision for how to end hunger in the United States. Lisanne and Pam will share the story of what one organization, Elijah’s Promise, is doing in central New Jersey, and offer suggestions for ways to become engaged in the work of building a healthy, just, sustainable food system, where all have access to good food.

Click here to view the accompanying source sheet. 

This audio was originally recorded on 11/25/2015 as part of Drisha's series Dirshu: Confronting Challenges with Mind and Heart

An invitation to members of the community to learn more about hunger and food insecurity in the United States, to consider our responsibilities toward those in need, and to find out what we can do to help.

This session— Good Food for All: A Dream Deferred

Since the discovery of domestic hunger in the 1960s, the Unites States has spent trillions of dollars in an attempt to end it. However, with 15 percent of the population food insecure, 47 million people receiving SNAP benefits, and demand at food banks growing steadily, the results are not encouraging. Mark Winne will review the history, programs, policies, and assumptions behind the long battle to end hunger, and explore why that war has reached a stalemate.

Click here to view the accompanying source sheet.

This audio was originally recorded on 02/11/2015  as part of Drisha's series Dirshu: Confronting Challenges with Mind and Heart

An invitation to members of the community to learn more about hunger and food insecurity in the United States, to consider our responsibilities toward those in need, and to find out what we can do to help.

This session: Why Rain Comes from Above: Biblical and Rabbinic Reflections on Sharing Our Blessings

Biblical and rabbinic texts about rain invite us to join in an exercise of religious imagination and to consider how this mundane—yet critically life-giving—event offers a model for reflecting on our responsibilities toward those who have less that we do. We will study several of these texts as a foundation for the work of learning about hunger and considering how we might respond.

Click here to view the accompanying source sheet.

This audio was originally recorded on 02/11/2015  as part of Drisha's series Dirshu: Confronting Challenges with Mind and Heart

Through an in-depth study of both legal and philosophical texts, we will address the fundamental question: How much does Jewish law need to "make sense" in order to be meaningful? This is a recording of the fifth session of a five session class.

This audio was originally recorded on 08/06/2014 as part of Drisha's July Week of Summer Learning

This audio was originally recorded as part of the Global Day of Jewish Learning 2012.

We will explore the Rabbis attitudes towards food and eating. Among the topics we will discuss are the ethics of meat, the role of asceticism, the meaning of the grotesque and how what we ingest affects how we experience God.

This audio was originally recorded as part of Drisha's July Week of Learning. 

We will explore the Rabbis attitudes towards food and eating. Among the topics we will discuss are the ethics of meat, the role of asceticism, the meaning of the grotesque and how what we ingest affects how we experience God.

This audio was originally recorded on 08/02/2011

We will explore the Rabbis attitudes towards food and eating. Among the topics we will discuss are the ethics of meat, the role of asceticism, the meaning of the grotesque and how what we ingest affects how we experience God.

This audio was originally recorded on 07/26/2011 as part of Drisha's July Week of Learning. 

We will explore the Rabbis attitudes towards food and eating. Among the topics we will discuss are the ethics of meat, the role of asceticism, the meaning of the grotesque and how what we ingest affects how we experience God.

This audio was originally recorded on 07/19/2023 as part of Drisha's July Week of Learning. 

We will explore the Rabbis attitudes towards food and eating. Among the topics we will discuss are the ethics of meat, the role of asceticism, the meaning of the grotesque and how what we ingest affects how we experience God.

This audio was originally recorded on 07/12/2011 as part of Drisha's July Week of Summer Learning. 

We will explore the Rabbis attitudes towards food and eating. Among the topics we will discuss are the ethics of meat, the role of asceticism, the meaning of the grotesque and how what we ingest affects how we experience God.

This audio was originally recorded on 07/05/2011 as part of Drisha's July Week of Summer Learning. 

Within Jewish tradition there are a range of views concerning the nazir. The sessions will focus on the biblical view(s) of the Nazarite as it emerges from the description of the nazir of in the sixth chapter of Bamidbar, as well as biblical narratives and prophetic allusions. This will be followed by an examination of rabbinic texts on the same subject.

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 03/23/2023 as part of Drisha's Spring Zman. 

Within Jewish tradition there are a range of views concerning the nazir. The sessions will focus on the biblical view(s) of the Nazarite as it emerges from the description of the nazir of in the sixth chapter of Bamidbar, as well as biblical narratives and prophetic allusions. This will be followed by an examination of rabbinic texts on the same subject.

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 03/16/2023 as part of Drisha's Spring Zman. 

Within Jewish tradition there are a range of views concerning the nazir. The sessions will focus on the biblical view(s) of the Nazarite as it emerges from the description of the nazir of in the sixth chapter of Bamidbar, as well as biblical narratives and prophetic allusions. This will be followed by an examination of rabbinic texts on the same subject.

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 03/09/2023 as part of Drisha's Spring Zman. 

Within Jewish tradition there are a range of views concerning the nazir. The sessions will focus on the biblical view(s) of the Nazarite as it emerges from the description of the nazir of in the sixth chapter of Bamidbar, as well as biblical narratives and prophetic allusions. This will be followed by an examination of rabbinic texts on the same subject.

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 03/02/2023 as part of Drisha's Spring Zman. 

Within Jewish tradition there are a range of views concerning the nazir. The sessions will focus on the biblical view(s) of the Nazarite as it emerges from the description of the nazir of in the sixth chapter of Bamidbar, as well as biblical narratives and prophetic allusions. This will be followed by an examination of rabbinic texts on the same subject.

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 02/23/2023 as part of Drisha's Spring Zman. 

Within Jewish tradition there are a range of views concerning the nazir. The sessions will focus on the biblical view(s) of the Nazarite as it emerges from the description of the nazir of in the sixth chapter of Bamidbar, as well as biblical narratives and prophetic allusions. This will be followed by an examination of rabbinic texts on the same subject. 

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 02/16/2023 as part of Drisha's Spring Zman. 

Within Jewish tradition there are a range of views concerning the nazir. The sessions will focus on the biblical view(s) of the Nazarite as it emerges from the description of the nazir of in the sixth chapter of Bamidbar, as well as biblical narratives and prophetic allusions. This will be followed by an examination of rabbinic texts on the same subject.

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 02/09/2023 as part of Drisha's Spring Zman. 

Within Jewish tradition there are a range of views concerning the nazir. The sessions will focus on the biblical view(s) of the Nazarite as it emerges from the description of the nazir of in the sixth chapter of Bamidbar, as well as biblical narratives and prophetic allusions. This will be followed by an examination of rabbinic texts on the same subject.

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 02/02/2023 as part of Drisha's Spring Zman. 

The doctrine that humans were created in God’s image is supposed to tell us that there’s something unique and something special, even sacred, about humanity. It is a principle about humans, and therefore, you could call it anthropological. But the principle also tells us something about God. In other words, it’s also a theological principle. What is it that God shares with humans? Does God have an emotional life? Is God a person? Are these questions not heretical? Come along to find out!

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 12/20/2020 as part of Drisha's Fall Zman. 

The doctrine that humans were created in God’s image is supposed to tell us that there’s something unique and something special, even sacred, about humanity. It is a principle about humans, and therefore, you could call it anthropological. But the principle also tells us something about God. In other words, it’s also a theological principle. What is it that God shares with humans? Does God have an emotional life? Is God a person? Are these questions not heretical? Come along to find out!

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 12/13/2020 as part of Drisha's Fall Zman. 

The doctrine that humans were created in God’s image is supposed to tell us that there’s something unique and something special, even sacred, about humanity. It is a principle about humans, and therefore, you could call it anthropological. But the principle also tells us something about God. In other words, it’s also a theological principle. What is it that God shares with humans? Does God have an emotional life? Is God a person? Are these questions not heretical? Come along to find out!

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 12/06/2020 as part of Drisha's Fall Zman. 

The Torah teaches us that humanity is created in the divine image. Chazal develop and apply this theme in a number of places, and their discussions lay bare important questions about the nature of the divine image. In particular, several Talmudic passages explicitly address how the divine image maps onto categories of religion, race, and gender, as they apply this definition of humanity in a variety of halakhic areas. This class offers a close reading of those sugyot and their interpreters, aiming to better understand this timely and timeless definition of humanity. 

Click here to view the accompanying source sheet. 

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 11/08/2020 as part of Drisha's Fall Zman. 

The Torah teaches us that humanity is created in the divine image. Chazal develop and apply this theme in a number of places, and their discussions lay bare important questions about the nature of the divine image. In particular, several Talmudic passages explicitly address how the divine image maps onto categories of religion, race, and gender, as they apply this definition of humanity in a variety of halakhic areas. This class offers a close reading of those sugyot and their interpreters, aiming to better understand this timely and timeless definition of humanity.

Click here to view the accompanying source sheet.

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 11/01/2020 as part of Drisha's Fall Zman 

The Torah teaches us that humanity is created in the divine image. Chazal develop and apply this theme in a number of places, and their discussions lay bare important questions about the nature of the divine image. In particular, several Talmudic passages explicitly address how the divine image maps onto categories of religion, race, and gender, as they apply this definition of humanity in a variety of halakhic areas. This class offers a close reading of those sugyot and their interpreters, aiming to better understand this timely and timeless definition of humanity.

Click here to view the accompanying source sheet.

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 10/25/2020 as part of Drisha's Fall Zman. 

The Torah teaches us that humanity is created in the divine image. Chazal develop and apply this theme in a number of places, and their discussions lay bare important questions about the nature of the divine image. In particular, several Talmudic passages explicitly address how the divine image maps onto categories of religion, race, and gender, as they apply this definition of humanity in a variety of halakhic areas. This class offers a close reading of those sugyot and their interpreters, aiming to better understand this timely and timeless definition of humanity.

Click here to view the accompanying source sheet.

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 10/19/2020 as part of Drisha's Fall Zman. 

As Western humans we believe in humanism, but can Jewish tradition contribute something to our understanding of human dignity? There are many Jewish sources on this issue, but can a Jewish perspective on this issue be said to exist? Abraham Joshua Heschel (1907-1972) believed that we can develop such an approach. In his view, Jewish philosophy is best deployed not to help the modern Jew to live in the West but to inspire Western civilization with the Jewish perspective on human dignity. This course introduces the philosophy of A. J. Heschel about human dignity as a divine concern. It will include his interpretation of tzelem Elokim as well as his views on racism, religious pluralism, and other issues which reflect his approach to human dignity.

Click here to view the accompanying source sheet. 

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 11/24/2020.

As Western humans we believe in humanism, but can Jewish tradition contribute something to our understanding of human dignity? There are many Jewish sources on this issue, but can a Jewish perspective on this issue be said to exist? Abraham Joshua Heschel (1907-1972) believed that we can develop such an approach. In his view, Jewish philosophy is best deployed not to help the modern Jew to live in the West but to inspire Western civilization with the Jewish perspective on human dignity. This course introduces the philosophy of A. J. Heschel about human dignity as a divine concern. It will include his interpretation of tzelem Elokim as well as his views on racism, religious pluralism, and other issues which reflect his approach to human dignity.

Click here to view the accompanying source sheet. 

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 11/16/2020 as part of Drisha's Fall Zman.

As Western humans we believe in humanism, but can Jewish tradition contribute something to our understanding of human dignity? There are many Jewish sources on this issue, but can a Jewish perspective on this issue be said to exist? Abraham Joshua Heschel (1907-1972) believed that we can develop such an approach. In his view, Jewish philosophy is best deployed not to help the modern Jew to live in the West but to inspire Western civilization with the Jewish perspective on human dignity. This course introduces the philosophy of A. J. Heschel about human dignity as a divine concern. It will include his interpretation of tzelem Elokim as well as his views on racism, religious pluralism, and other issues which reflect his approach to human dignity.

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 11/09/2020 as part of Drisha's Fall Zman. 

As Western humans we believe in humanism, but can Jewish tradition contribute something to our understanding of human dignity? There are many Jewish sources on this issue, but can a Jewish perspective on this issue be said to exist? Abraham Joshua Heschel (1907-1972) believed that we can develop such an approach. In his view, Jewish philosophy is best deployed not to help the modern Jew to live in the West but to inspire Western civilization with the Jewish perspective on human dignity. This course introduces the philosophy of A. J. Heschel about human dignity as a divine concern. It will include his interpretation of tzelem Elokim as well as his views on racism, religious pluralism, and other issues which reflect his approach to human dignity.

This audio was originally captured from Zoom as part of Drisha's Fall Zman. 

As Western humans we believe in humanism, but can Jewish tradition contribute something to our understanding of human dignity? There are many Jewish sources on this issue, but can a Jewish perspective on this issue be said to exist? Abraham Joshua Heschel (1907-1972) believed that we can develop such an approach. In his view, Jewish philosophy is best deployed not to help the modern Jew to live in the West but to inspire Western civilization with the Jewish perspective on human dignity. This course introduces the philosophy of A. J. Heschel about human dignity as a divine concern. It will include his interpretation of tzelem Elokim as well as his views on racism, religious pluralism, and other issues which reflect his approach to human dignity.

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 10/25/2020 as part of Drisha's Fall Zman. 

As Western humans we believe in humanism, but can Jewish tradition contribute something to our understanding of human dignity? There are many Jewish sources on this issue, but can a Jewish perspective on this issue be said to exist? Abraham Joshua Heschel (1907-1972) believed that we can develop such an approach. In his view, Jewish philosophy is best deployed not to help the modern Jew to live in the West but to inspire Western civilization with the Jewish perspective on human dignity. This course introduces the philosophy of A. J. Heschel about human dignity as a divine concern. It will include his interpretation of tzelem Elokim as well as his views on racism, religious pluralism, and other issues which reflect his approach to human dignity.

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 10/15/2020 as part of Drisha's Fall Zman. 

This audio was originally recorded on 07/18/2018 as part of a three-part lecture series on "In the Image of God: Divine and Human Self-Restraint."

This audio was originally recorded on 07/11/2018 as part of a three-part lecture series on "In the Image of God: Divine and Human Self-Restraint."

This audio was originally recorded on 12/25/2017 as part of Drisha's Winter Week of Learning. 

This lecture compares Martin Buber's emphasis on mutuality in dialogue with Franz Rosenzweig, and Emmanuel Levinas’ philosophies of dialogue.  While Rosenzweig and Levinas share much in common with Buber, they stress the fundamentally asymmetrical nature of our relation to others (we owe others something but they don’t owe us anything) and to God (God commands us; we don’t command God). We will explore the implications of these three philosophers’ ideas for  interreligious dialogue as well as their use of gendered language to make their claims. Texts: I and Thou, Star of Redemption, Nine Talmudic Readings, Exodus, Song of Songs

This audio was originally recorded on 12/24/2013 as part of Drisha's Winter Week of Learning. 

We will explore the ways in which Jewish thinkers and texts have defined the “body,” the “soul,” and the nexus between them. Studying such topics as tzelem elokim (image of God) and inui (self-affliction), we will also examine our own relationship to the body-soul split in our Jewish practice.

This audio was originally recorded on 07/21/2011 

Click here to view the accompanying source sheet. 

This audio was originally captured on 07/05/2022 as part of Drisha's summer kollel night seder. 

This series features an intensive study of several responsa relating to plagues throughout Jewish history on topics of practical Halakhah, safety, and theology. We will study responsa authored by the Rashbash, Rabbi Akiva Eger, the Hazon Ish, and contemporary decisors, and others.

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 05/05/2021 as part of Drisha's Spring Zman. 

This series features an intensive study of several responsa relating to plagues throughout Jewish history on topics of practical Halakhah, safety, and theology. We will study responsa authored by the Rashbash, Rabbi Akiva Eger, the Hazon Ish, and contemporary decisors, and others.

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 05/05/2021 as part of Drisha's Spring Zman. 

This series features an intensive study of several responsa relating to plagues throughout Jewish history on topics of practical Halakhah, safety, and theology. We will study responsa authored by the Rashbash, Rabbi Akiva Eger, the Hazon Ish, and contemporary decisors, and others.

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 04/28/2021 as part of Drisha's Spring Zman. 

Plague is one of God’s preferred forms of collective punishment in the Bible. Just as plagues often start in reaction to human misdeeds, they can often be stopped by human action as well. What stops a plague? How can individual actions, even extreme ones, change the balance of the public’s guilt in God’s eyes? To answer these questions, we will examine depictions of plague and how it can end through the lens of rabbinic texts, including the story of Rabbi Akiva’s students and the abrupt cessation of their plague-related deaths.

Click here to view the accompanying source sheet. 

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 05/20/2021 as part of Drisha's Spring Zman

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 05/03/2021 as part of Drisha's Spring Zman. 

Plague is one of God’s preferred forms of collective punishment in the Bible. Just as plagues often start in reaction to human misdeeds, they can often be stopped by human action as well. What stops a plague? How can individual actions, even extreme ones, change the balance of the public’s guilt in God’s eyes? To answer these questions, we will examine depictions of plague and how it can end through the lens of rabbinic texts, including the story of Rabbi Akiva’s students and the abrupt cessation of their plague-related deaths.

Click here to view the accompanying source sheet. 

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 05/03/2021 as part of Drisha's Spring Zman

Plague is one of God’s preferred forms of collective punishment in the Bible. Just as plagues often start in reaction to human misdeeds, they can often be stopped by human action as well. What stops a plague? How can individual actions, even extreme ones, change the balance of the public’s guilt in God’s eyes? To answer these questions, we will examine depictions of plague and how it can end through the lens of rabbinic texts, including the story of Rabbi Akiva’s students and the abrupt cessation of their plague-related deaths.

Click here to view the accompanying source sheet. 

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 04/26/2021 as part of Drisha's Spring Zman

Solitude comes in many forms in Jewish tradition: Miriam was sent out of the camp for her leprosy. The High Priest quarantines in advance of Yom Kippur. Rav Anan sat in a box to study with Elijah the prophet and Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai and his son learned deep Torah in their cave. Rebbe Nachman of Breslov wrote a How-To Guide for Hitbodedut, the practice of solitude, which he called “greater than everything.” So, what is it: punishment and torture or privilege and treasure, or, confusingly, all of the above? We will look at these sources together to help give articulation to the jumbled experience of our past year and enrich what might hopefully be our last months of isolation.

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 04/29/2021 as part of Drisha's Spring Zman.

Solitude comes in many forms in Jewish tradition: Miriam was sent out of the camp for her leprosy. The High Priest quarantines in advance of Yom Kippur. Rav Anan sat in a box to study with Elijah the prophet and Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai and his son learned deep Torah in their cave. Rebbe Nachman of Breslov wrote a How-To Guide for Hitbodedut, the practice of solitude, which he called “greater than everything.” So, what is it: punishment and torture or privilege and treasure, or, confusingly, all of the above? We will look at these sources together to help give articulation to the jumbled experience of our past year and enrich what might hopefully be our last months of isolation.

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 04/22/2021 as part of Drisha's Spring Zman.

Solitude comes in many forms in Jewish tradition: Miriam was sent out of the camp for her leprosy. The High Priest quarantines in advance of Yom Kippur. Rav Anan sat in a box to study with Elijah the prophet and Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai and his son learned deep Torah in their cave. Rebbe Nachman of Breslov wrote a How-To Guide for Hitbodedut, the practice of solitude, which he called “greater than everything.” So, what is it: punishment and torture or privilege and treasure, or, confusingly, all of the above? We will look at these sources together to help give articulation to the jumbled experience of our past year and enrich what might hopefully be our last months of isolation.

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 04/15/2021 as part of Drisha's Spring Zman.

Solitude comes in many forms in Jewish tradition: Miriam was sent out of the camp for her leprosy. The High Priest quarantines in advance of Yom Kippur. Rav Anan sat in a box to study with Elijah the prophet and Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai and his son learned deep Torah in their cave. Rebbe Nachman of Breslov wrote a How-To Guide for Hitbodedut, the practice of solitude, which he called “greater than everything.” So, what is it: punishment and torture or privilege and treasure, or, confusingly, all of the above? We will look at these sources together to help give articulation to the jumbled experience of our past year and enrich what might hopefully be our last months of isolation.

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 04/08/2021 as part of Drisha's Spring Zman. 

As the challenging year 2020 comes to a close and we enter 2021, the blessing of a COVID vaccine is being rolled out. How should we respond to this positive development, and particularly what Bracha or other prayer is appropriate to be recited upon receiving the vaccine?

Click here to view the accompanying source sheet. 

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 01/01/2021

The COVID-19 pandemic, resulting shutdown, and prospect of return to a "new normal" has raised not only questions of Jewish law, discussed in a prior series, but also important questions of Jewish theology. Part 3 of this 3-part series analyzing discussions the prospect of messianism, as expressed over recent months.

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 06/15/2020

The COVID-19 pandemic, resulting shutdown, and prospect of return to a "new normal" has raised not only questions of Jewish law, discussed in a prior series, but also important questions of Jewish theology. Part 2 of a 3-part series analyzing discussions over the value of human life, issues of theodicy, and the prospect of messianism, as expressed over recent months.

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 06/09/2020

The COVID-19 pandemic, resulting shutdown, and prospect of return to a "new normal" has raised not only questions of Jewish law, discussed in a prior series, but also important questions of Jewish theology. Part 1 of a 3-part series analyzing discussions over the value of human life, issues of theodicy, and the prospect of messianism, as expressed over recent months.

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 06/03/2020

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 05/11/2020

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 05/05/2020

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 04/27/2020

With quarantine and shelter-in-place guidelines enforced, our daily routines have been wildly affected and questions on how to still maintain our religious observances abound. 

Rabbi Shlomo Zuckier explores some of the pressing and timely halakhic questions that have arisen during the Coronavirus pandemic.

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 04/22/2020

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 04/05/2020

In this 3-part series we’ll explore how the experience of caring for others in need—including young children, the sick, and the elderly— shapes our religious lives. Using sources ranging from the Talmud to contemporary philosophy, we’ll consider how experiences of care enrich our understanding of halakhah and religious obligation, and how these experiences can help us express our hopes for the future.

Care ethics often highlights the experiences of parents (especially mothers) caring for newborn babies and young children. In this session, we’ll use a series of aggadot to consider other places where care might appear, including infertility, pregnancy loss, and mourning. We’ll use these sources to explore how analyzing these experiences can expand our sense of what care and religious obligation look like.

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 12/20/2020 as part of Drisha's Fall Zman. 

In this 3-part series we’ll explore how the experience of caring for others in need—including young children, the sick, and the elderly— shapes our religious lives. Using sources ranging from the Talmud to contemporary philosophy, we’ll consider how experiences of care enrich our understanding of halakhah and religious obligation, and how these experiences can help us express our hopes for the future.

In this session we’ll compare two accounts of ethical and halakhic hiyuv or “obligation” from Emmanuel Levinas and Mara Benjamin. We’ll explore how the ethics of care can help us enrich our sense of what obligation means in both our own daily lives, as well as in Jewish texts.

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 12/13/2020 as part of Drisha's Fall Zman. 

In this 3-part series we’ll explore how the experience of caring for others in need—including young children, the sick, and the elderly— shapes our religious lives. Using sources ranging from the Talmud to contemporary philosophy, we’ll consider how experiences of care enrich our understanding of halakhah and religious obligation, and how these experiences can help us express our hopes for the future.

This first session will serve as an introduction to care ethics. We’ll explore some of the key philosophical ideas that care ethicists have presented, and then use them to analyze a few sugyout about how caring for children can make us better halakhic decision-makers

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 12/06/2020 as part of Drisha's Fall Zman.

Perek Egla Arufa: The Mishnah and Gemara at the end of our Perek discuss the devolution and end of various qualities and experiences. This shiur focuses on material at the end of the perek and delves into the connections between ritual, ethics, and cultivating a sense of humility. 

Click here to view the accompanying source sheet. 

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 08/12/2020 as Shiur Klali for Drisha's Summer Kollel. 

In this session, Sarah Zager explores how recent shifts in moral philosophy can help us understand why the rabbis require that a judge on a Sanhedrin be a parent. What do the rabbis think that the experience of parenting teaches a potential judge? How does this help us understand what it means to be a halakhic thinker and leader?

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 07/16/2020. 

Join Ilana Blumberg and Devora Steinmetz as they discuss the ethical challenges and moral potential of education. Dr. Blumberg will share insights from her experience teaching in settings as varied as an early childhood classroom in a New York City day school, an inner-city public school in Detroit, and universities in the United States and Israel. Dr. Blumberg will also read excerpts from her new book, Open Your Hand: Teaching as Jew, Teaching as an American (Rutgers University Press, 2018).

Dedicated in memory of Terry Satinover Fagen.

This audio was originally recorded on 01/24/2020. 

This audio was originally recorded 12/25/2019 as part of the Winter Day of Learning presented by Drisha and Lincoln Square Synagogue. 

It’s clear on the one hand that Judaism requires ethical behavior of us. But does it require such behavior because it is ethical? Or is it required for legal reasons that have little to do with ethics? Might it even be religiously wrong for us to behave ethically on the basis of ethical reasoning? In this session we will explore the nexus between Judaism and ethics and some of the very different attitudes towards the relationship between them.

Introduction by Rabbi David Silber.

This audio was originally recorded 12/25/2019 as part of the Winter Day of Learning Presented by Drisha and Lincoln Square Synagogue

This audio was originally recorded on 12/25/2019 for Winter Day of Learning Presented by Drisha and Lincoln Square Synagogue

Rav Kook was on the way of creating a new take on how to live a good life, welcoming personal transformation. We will focus on some moral and personal traits he promoted and explore how they might guide our contemporary lived experiences.

Click here to view the accompanying source sheet. 

This audio was originally recorded on 06/24/2015

Shedding new light on classical themes as well as modern themes related to the existential challenges of contemporary Judaism, Emmanuel Levinas offers us the unique occasion to reconsider fundamental philosophical questions related to Judaism. In this class we delve into the philosophy of one of Judaism's leading 20th century thinkers through a close study of some of his Babylonian Talmudic readings.

This audio was originally recorded on 12/16/2014 as part of Drisha's Daytime Learning classes. 

Shedding new light on classical themes as well as modern themes related to the existential challenges of contemporary Judaism, Emmanuel Levinas offers us the unique occasion to reconsider fundamental philosophical questions related to Judaism. In this class we delve into the philosophy of one of Judaism's leading 20th century thinkers through a close study of some of his Babylonian Talmudic readings.

This audio was originally recorded on 12/09/2014 as part of Drisha's Daytime Learning classes. 

Shedding new light on classical themes as well as modern themes related to the existential challenges of contemporary Judaism, Emmanuel Levinas offers us the unique occasion to reconsider fundamental philosophical questions related to Judaism. In this class we delve into the philosophy of one of Judaism's leading 20th century thinkers through a close study of some of his Babylonian Talmudic readings.

This audio was originally recorded on 12/02/2014 as part of Drisha's Daytime Learning classes. 

Shedding new light on classical themes as well as modern themes related to the existential challenges of contemporary Judaism, Emmanuel Levinas offers us the unique occasion to reconsider fundamental philosophical questions related to Judaism. In this class we delve into the philosophy of one of Judaism's leading 20th century thinkers through a close study of some of his Babylonian Talmudic readings.

This audio was originally recorded on 11/25/2014 as part of Drisha's Daytime Learning classes. 

Shedding new light on classical themes as well as modern themes related to the existential challenges of contemporary Judaism, Emmanuel Levinas offers us the unique occasion to reconsider fundamental philosophical questions related to Judaism. In this class we delve into the philosophy of one of Judaism's leading 20th century thinkers through a close study of some of his Babylonian Talmudic readings.

This audio was originally recorded on 11/18/2014 as part of Drisha's Daytime Learning classes. 

Shedding new light on classical themes as well as modern themes related to the existential challenges of contemporary Judaism, Emmanuel Levinas offers us the unique occasion to reconsider fundamental philosophical questions related to Judaism. In this class we delve into the philosophy of one of Judaism's leading 20th century thinkers through a close study of some of his Babylonian Talmudic readings.

This audio was originally recorded on 11/11/2014 as part of Drisha's Daytime Learning classes. 

Shedding new light on classical themes as well as modern themes related to the existential challenges of contemporary Judaism, Emmanuel Levinas offers us the unique occasion to reconsider fundamental philosophical questions related to Judaism. In this class we delve into the philosophy of one of Judaism's leading 20th century thinkers through a close study of some of his Babylonian Talmudic readings.

This audio was originally recorded on 11/04/2014 as part of Drisha's Daytime Learning classes. 

Shedding new light on classical themes as well as modern themes related to the existential challenges of contemporary Judaism, Emmanuel Levinas offers us the unique occasion to reconsider fundamental philosophical questions related to Judaism. In this class we delve into the philosophy of one of Judaism's leading 20th century thinkers through a close study of some of his Babylonian Talmudic readings.

This audio was originally recorded on 10/28/2014 as part of Drisha's Fall Daytime classes. 

Shedding new light on classical themes as well as modern themes related to the existential challenges of contemporary Judaism, Emmanuel Levinas offers us the unique occasion to reconsider fundamental philosophical questions related to Judaism. In this class we delve into the philosophy of one of Judaism's leading 20th century thinkers through a close study of some of his Babylonian Talmudic readings.

This audio was originally recorded on 10/21/2014 as part of Drisha's Fall Daytime classes. 

Ezra’s era saw a judicial revolution that created a very different second Temple Judaism, a legacy which we benefit from today. What historical circumstances led to this occurrence? What did Ezra and the Men of the Great Assembly achieve? Which is more important: a loud moral voice, or Jewish living? Come and see what Ezra can teach us, with the help of Rav Kook.

This audio was originally recorded on 02/20/2014 as part of Drisha's Spring Lectures. 

Pirkei Avot is probably the most well-known tractate of Mishnah. Its style and content are unique. Unlike other Mishnayot which focus on detailed halachot (Jewish laws), Pirkei Avot is a collection of rabbinic teachings and sayings on how to lead a proper life. We will give an overview of the chapters focusing on personality traits associated with the good, the bad and the in-between. The third and fifth chapters especially include some surprising characteristics with unexpected consequences. We will pay close attention to the authors of these sayings and to understanding a broader context for the various opinions.

This audio was originally recorded on 12/26/2005 as part of Drisha's Winter Week of Learning sponsored in memory of Rifka Rosenwein, z”l

No sooner had the Bible as we know it been canonized than its interpretation became the subject of fierce debate between Jews and the nascent Christian church. Centuries later, with arrival on the scene of Islam, the battles still raged, and now all three major monotheistic religions took part in the polemics. In this course we will discuss these diverse conceptions of Biblical meaning. In addition, we will explore the pivotal role that these early disputes played in the evolution of modern interpretive approaches to the biblical text.

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 05/22/2023

No sooner had the Bible as we know it been canonized than its interpretation became the subject of fierce debate between Jews and the nascent Christian church. Centuries later, with arrival on the scene of Islam, the battles still raged, and now all three major monotheistic religions took part in the polemics. In this course we will discuss these diverse conceptions of Biblical meaning. In addition, we will explore the pivotal role that these early disputes played in the evolution of modern interpretive approaches to the biblical text.

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 05/15/2023

No sooner had the Bible as we know it been canonized than its interpretation became the subject of fierce debate between Jews and the nascent Christian church. Centuries later, with arrival on the scene of Islam, the battles still raged, and now all three major monotheistic religions took part in the polemics. In this course we will discuss these diverse conceptions of Biblical meaning. In addition, we will explore the pivotal role that these early disputes played in the evolution of modern interpretive approaches to the biblical text.

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 05/08/2023

No sooner had the Bible as we know it been canonized than its interpretation became the subject of fierce debate between Jews and the nascent Christian church. Centuries later, with arrival on the scene of Islam, the battles still raged, and now all three major monotheistic religions took part in the polemics. In this course we will discuss these diverse conceptions of Biblical meaning. In addition, we will explore the pivotal role that these early disputes played in the evolution of modern interpretive approaches to the biblical text.

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 05/01/2023

No sooner had the Bible as we know it been canonized than its interpretation became the subject of fierce debate between Jews and the nascent Christian church. Centuries later, with arrival on the scene of Islam, the battles still raged, and now all three major monotheistic religions took part in the polemics. In this course we will discuss these diverse conceptions of Biblical meaning. In addition, we will explore the pivotal role that these early disputes played in the evolution of modern interpretive approaches to the biblical text.

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 04/24/2023

No sooner had the Bible as we know it been canonized than its interpretation became the subject of fierce debate between Jews and the nascent Christian church. Centuries later, with arrival on the scene of Islam, the battles still raged, and now all three major monotheistic religions took part in the polemics. In this course we will discuss these diverse conceptions of Biblical meaning. In addition, we will explore the pivotal role that these early disputes played in the evolution of modern interpretive approaches to the biblical text.

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 04/17/2023

This course will survey the complex and evolving relationship between Jews and Catholics in modern times, beginning with the statement issued by the Second Vatican Council in 1965 which retracted the Church’s long-standing claim that Jews are guilty of deicide, or God murder.

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 11/17/2022 as part of Drisha's fall Zman.

This course will survey the complex and evolving relationship between Jews and Catholics in modern times, beginning with the statement issued by the Second Vatican Council in 1965 which retracted the Church’s long-standing claim that Jews are guilty of deicide, or God murder.

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 11/10/2022 as part of Drisha's Fall Zman.

This course will survey the complex and evolving relationship between Jews and Catholics in modern times, beginning with the statement issued by the Second Vatican Council in 1965 which retracted the Church’s long-standing claim that Jews are guilty of deicide, or God murder.

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 11/03/2022 as part of Drisha's Fall Zman. 

Stories portraying heretics ('minim') in rabbinic literature are a central site of rabbinic engagement with the 'other'. These stories typically involve a conflict over the interpretation of a biblical verse in which the rabbinic figure emerges victorious in the face of a challenge presented by the heretic. In this course, we will focus on heretic narratives of the Babylonian Talmud that share a common literary structure, strong polemical language and the formula, 'Fool, look to the end of the verse'. We will use previously untapped Christian materials to arrive at new interpretations of familiar texts and illuminate the complex relationship between Jews and Christians in Late Antiquity.These Talmudic literary creations must be seen as part of a boundary-creating discourse that clearly distinguishes the rabbinic position from that of contemporaneous Christians and adds to a growing understanding of the rabbinic authors' familiarity with Christian traditions.

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 11/16/2022 as part of Drisha's Fall Zman. 

Stories portraying heretics ('minim') in rabbinic literature are a central site of rabbinic engagement with the 'other'. These stories typically involve a conflict over the interpretation of a biblical verse in which the rabbinic figure emerges victorious in the face of a challenge presented by the heretic. In this course, we will focus on heretic narratives of the Babylonian Talmud that share a common literary structure, strong polemical language and the formula, 'Fool, look to the end of the verse'. We will use previously untapped Christian materials to arrive at new interpretations of familiar texts and illuminate the complex relationship between Jews and Christians in Late Antiquity.These Talmudic literary creations must be seen as part of a boundary-creating discourse that clearly distinguishes the rabbinic position from that of contemporaneous Christians and adds to a growing understanding of the rabbinic authors' familiarity with Christian traditions.

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 11/09/2022 as part of Drisha's Fall Zman. 

Stories portraying heretics ('minim') in rabbinic literature are a central site of rabbinic engagement with the 'other'. These stories typically involve a conflict over the interpretation of a biblical verse in which the rabbinic figure emerges victorious in the face of a challenge presented by the heretic. In this course, we will focus on heretic narratives of the Babylonian Talmud that share a common literary structure, strong polemical language and the formula, 'Fool, look to the end of the verse'. We will use previously untapped Christian materials to arrive at new interpretations of familiar texts and illuminate the complex relationship between Jews and Christians in Late Antiquity. These Talmudic literary creations must be seen as part of a boundary-creating discourse that clearly distinguishes the rabbinic position from that of contemporaneous Christians and adds to a growing understanding of the rabbinic authors' familiarity with Christian traditions.

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 11/02/2022 as part of Drisha's Fall Zman. 

This lecture will explore the origins and development of universalist thinking in biblical texts and in documents produced by Greek speaking Jews in the late Second Temple period. Understood as the invitation to all people to worship the same god without converting or assimilating, Jewish universalism solidified into an idea which became predominant in Jewish thinking during the Hellenistic era.

This audio was originally recorded on 06/30/2021.

Through the prism of Talmudic tales, this lecture will address questions relating to community, obligation, and the relationship between the Torah and humanity.

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 06/23/2021 as part of an evening series open to the public in association with Drisha’s Summer Kollel.

The vividly dramatic account of the ten plagues in Exodus 7-12 has long captured the Jewish imagination and given rise to various interpretations and retellings which consider the meaning of this story. This series will open by exploring how Jews in the Second Temple period viewed the story as an origin tale rich with meaning regarding the beginnings of the Jewish people and their chosenness. It then considers the ways in which the legend also intrigued Greeks, Romans, and early Christians, who modified and circulated the story as a way of making a claim about the Jewish people’s origins. The series closes with an examination of how the story of the plagues stirred profound feelings of pride and ambivalence among rabbinic writers who struggled to comprehend the reason for human suffering and the nature of the covenantal God.

This audio was originally recorded on 04/21/2021 as part of Drisha's Spring Zman. 

The vividly dramatic account of the ten plagues in Exodus 7-12 has long captured the Jewish imagination and given rise to various interpretations and retellings which consider the meaning of this story. This series will open by exploring how Jews in the Second Temple period viewed the story as an origin tale rich with meaning regarding the beginnings of the Jewish people and their chosenness. It then considers the ways in which the legend also intrigued Greeks, Romans, and early Christians, who modified and circulated the story as a way of making a claim about the Jewish people’s origins. The series closes with an examination of how the story of the plagues stirred profound feelings of pride and ambivalence among rabbinic writers who struggled to comprehend the reason for human suffering and the nature of the covenantal God.

This audio was originally recorded on 04/14/2021 as part of Drisha's Spring Zman. 

The vividly dramatic account of the ten plagues in Exodus 7-12 has long captured the Jewish imagination and given rise to various interpretations and retellings which consider the meaning of this story. This series will open by exploring how Jews in the Second Temple period viewed the story as an origin tale rich with meaning regarding the beginnings of the Jewish people and their chosenness. It then considers the ways in which the legend also intrigued Greeks, Romans, and early Christians, who modified and circulated the story as a way of making a claim about the Jewish people’s origins. The series closes with an examination of how the story of the plagues stirred profound feelings of pride and ambivalence among rabbinic writers who struggled to comprehend the reason for human suffering and the nature of the covenantal God.

This audio was originally recorded on 04/07/2021 as part of Drisha's Spring Zman. 

Jews and Christians have lived together for 2000 years, through theological tension, cooperation, polemics, and violence. What are the theological issues that have defined each group’s identity over the course of time? How did each community read the Bible? Are there commonalities to be found between the kabbalistic and Hasidic traditions and Christianity?

Click here to view the accompanying source sheet. 

This audio was originally recorded on 12/27/2017 as part of Drisha's Winter Week. 

Jews and Christians have lived together for 2000 years, through theological tension, cooperation, polemics, and violence. What are the theological issues that have defined each group’s identity over the course of time? How did each community read the Bible? Are there commonalities to be found between the kabbalistic and Hasidic traditions and Christianity?

Click here to view the accompanying source sheet. 

This audio was originally recorded on 12/27/2017 as part of Drisha's Winter Week. 

Jews and Christians have lived together for 2000 years, through theological tension, cooperation, polemics, and violence. What are the theological issues that have defined each group’s identity over the course of time? How did each community read the Bible? Are there commonalities to be found between the kabbalistic and Hasidic traditions and Christianity?

Click here to view the accompanying source sheets. 

This audio was originally recorded on 12/26/2017 as part of Drisha's Winter Week. 

Jews and Christians have lived together for 2000 years, through theological tension, cooperation, polemics, and violence. What are the theological issues that have defined each group’s identity over the course of time? How did each community read the Bible? Are there commonalities to be found between the kabbalistic and Hasidic traditions and Christianity?

Click here to view the accompanying source sheet. 

This audio was originally recorded on 12/25/2017 as part of Drisha's Winter Week. 

This audio was originally recorded on 12/23/2015 as part of Drisha's Winter Week. 

An exploration of the ways in which Jewish practices have affected, and have been affected by, Judaism's surrounding cultures. 

This audio was originally recorded on 02/24/2014 as part of Drisha's lecture series on the topic of Judaism and Other Cultures: Influence, Intersection, and Impact. 

An exploration of the ways in which Jewish practices have affected, and have been affected by, Judaism's surrounding cultures.

Click here for the accompanying source sheet. 

This audio was originally recorded on 02/03/2014 as part of Drisha's  lecture series on the topic of Judaism and Other Cultures: Influence, Intersection, and Impact.

An exploration of the ways in which Jewish practices have affected, and have been affected by, Judaism's surrounding cultures.

Click here to view the accompanying source sheet. 

This audio was originally recorded on 01/14/2014 as part of Drisha's lecture series on the topic of Judaism and Other Cultures: Influence, Intersection, and Impact.

What are the implications of Maimonides’ privileging our rational capacities over our imaginative ones, for his views on God, prayer, women, Christianity, and Islam? Similarly, what are the implications of Buber's privileging human relations over rationality for his views on God, prayer, women, Christianity and Islam?

Click here to view the accompanying source sheet. 

This audio was originally recorded on 12/23/2013 as part of Drisha's Winter Week. 

Abraham Joshua Heschel (1907-1972) is well known as one of the greatest Jewish-American thinkers and social activists. It is much less widely known that he had been destined to become a Hasidic rebbe, a fate eliminated by circumstance, but revisited in his final work, A Passion for Truth, which explored the relevance of Hasidism in modernity. In this online class we will read passages from this work in order to understand Heschel's interpretation of Hasidism as the source of his own philosophy and activism.

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 09/20/2022

Abraham Joshua Heschel (1907-1972) is well known as one of the greatest Jewish-American thinkers and social activists. It is much less widely known that he had been destined to become a Hasidic rebbe, a fate eliminated by circumstance, but revisited in his final work, A Passion for Truth, which explored the relevance of Hasidism in modernity. In this online class we will read passages from this work in order to understand Heschel's interpretation of Hasidism as the source of his own philosophy and activism.

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 09/13/2022

Abraham Joshua Heschel (1907-1972) is well known as one of the greatest Jewish-American thinkers and social activists. It is much less widely known that he had been destined to become a Hasidic rebbe, a fate eliminated by circumstance, but revisited in his final work, A Passion for Truth, which explored the relevance of Hasidism in modernity. In this online class we will read passages from this work in order to understand Heschel's interpretation of Hasidism as the source of his own philosophy and activism.

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 09/01/2022

Together we will explore key teachings from Menahem Nahum of Chernobyl, Ukraine, a teacher of Torah and author of the Me'or Einayim. We will approach these texts with an eye to the theme of spiritual growth and collective change amid brokenness and fracture.

Click here to view the accompanying source sheet. 

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 03/07/2021 as part of Drisha's Spring Zman. 

In the final session of this series we'll explore the spiritual quest as a journey undertaken as both individuals and in community, recognizing that each person has a unique path in this world but that in this quest we are supported, shaped and transformed by our friends and fellow-travelers.

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 09/10/2020

In this session we'll explore a glowing Hasidic interpretation of the Selihot liturgy as a petition that God to be revealed in the process of prayer, and a reinterpretation of Psalm 27, the Psalm of Elul, that addresses the ever-higher vistas of religious seeking. We'll then read a sermon about  the infinite journey to grasp new interpretations of Torah, and, finally, we'll close by thinking together about  the importance of accepting the natural ups and downs -- or ebb and flow -- of spiritual energy while still continuing along the path.

This audio was originally captured from Zoom 09/03/2020

These three sessions explore the endless search for God as a key theme in medieval and early-modern Judaism, with a particular emphasis on Hasidism and Jewish mysticism. The sources with which we engage portray religious life as an unceasing quest toward the Divine, an endless journey in which exegesis, self-discovery and sacred community are braided and richly intertwined. They present a thrilling religious sensibility in which the intellectual, spiritual and existential journey toward God is far more than a means to an end.

Hasidic sources put stock in the quest itself as both personally transformative and cosmically significant. Rather than religious uprush being born only in the successful devekut, or communion with the Divine, for the Hasidic masters God may be revealed with potency and majesty along the path itself.

Session 1 explores the idea of the spiritual quest in the Zohar and the writings of Maimonides, finishing up with a brief but powerful teachings preserved in the name of the Baal Shem Tov. We will consider how each of these works describe the journey to know God as infinite and unattainable, and yet, worth undertaking because the spiritual richness is found in the process rather than in some imagined goal.

Click here to view the accompanying source sheet. 

This audio was originally captured from Zoom on 08/27/2020 

Rabbi Yehuda Aryeh Leib Alter of Ger, better known by the title of his classic work Sfat Emet, was one of the greatest and most creative chassidic masters of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. At once highly traditional and strikingly modern, the Sfat Emet articulated a powerful mystical theology that speaks to the spiritual needs of the individual seeker situated within the community as a whole. His teachings reflect a careful synthesis between the mystical beckonings of the Infinite, on one hand, and the mandate that humankind perform their primary spiritual work here, in the realm of the mundane and corporeal. In addition to exploring these core ideas, we will touch upon some of the salient processes involved in the creation of chassidic books, such as the relationship between Hebrew and Yiddish and between oral and textual traditions as well as the transmission of ideas from teachers to students. We will see how the recent discovery of new manuscripts of Rabbi Alter’s teachings has changed the way we study chassidic texts.

Click here to view the accompanying source sheet. 

This audio was originally recorded on 06/22/2016.

Rav Elimelech of Lizhensk, a founder of Polish chassidut, is also one of the most original and complex of the early chassidic thinkers. Among the tensions explored in his thought – and embodied in his life – is that between love and criticism. He was, in a sense, a “specialist in rebuke,” and yet his prescription of this form of spiritual guidance coexists in his thought alongside an expansive notion of love. In this session, we will explore this interplay between love and rebuke as well as Rav Elimelech’s conception of the “tzadik,” which he describes in his work Noam Elimelech, and for which he is perhaps best known. Finally, we will touch upon the deep influence of Rav Elimelech on his successors in Polish chassidut, in particular the Kotzker Rebbi.

Click here to view the accompanying source sheet. 

This audio was originally recorded on 06/15/2016

Throughout the literature of the Chabad movement, from its first written expression in the Likutei Amarim of Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi to the writings of the most recent rebbe, a singular vision remains constant: the essential unity of God within the chaotic multiplicity that characterize our limited perception of reality. The teaching of Chabad emphasizes that even what appear to us as fragmentation and darkness is, in its essence, unity and light. Ein od milvado—“there is nothing but God.” We are called upon to transmute our experiences to reflect this reality. In this session, we will explore this calling, focusing on texts from the first Rebbe of Chabad, the Baal haTanya, with commentary from the subsequent six generations.

Click here to view the accompanying source sheet.

This audio was originally recorded on 06/08/2016. 

Through study of selected Chassidic texts, we will explore the contemporary relevance of several models of sacred living found in the writings of Chassidic masters, with an eye to conceptions of holy time and space and the ways in which the sacred is expressed through human deeds.

This audio was originally recorded on 10/28/2015 as part of Drish'a Dirshu: Holiness series

What does it mean to be a good person and a good Jew in 2015? How can we educate ourselves and our community in an attempt to enact that vision? We will explore answers to these questions from Rabbi Kalonymus Kalman Shapira, Rebbe of Piaseczno and the Warsaw Ghetto and author of several works including Derech Hamelech, Chovat Hatalmidim, and Aish Kodesh.

Click here to view the accompanying source sheet. 

This audio was originally recorded on 06/10/2015. 

We will explore the theological and political debates surrounding the emergence of Chassidut in the eighteenth and nineteenth century. Specifically, we will address the history behind the movement and the type of social friction it generated in kitchens and study halls throughout eastern Europe.

This audio was originally recorded on 12/25/2014 as part of Winter Week of Learning. 

Please note this series in in Hebrew. 

The notion of din - a central motif in Kabbalistic literature - is reformulated and reframed throughout the works of the founder of Breslover Chasidut. What can a sensitive understanding of Rabbi Nahman's symbolic and cryptic teachings reveal to us regarding the existential and spiritual questions many of us engage with today?

This audio was originally recorded on 06/11/2013 as part of Drisha's Summer Learning. 

Please note this series in in Hebrew. 

The notion of din - a central motif in Kabbalistic literature - is reformulated and reframed throughout the works of the founder of Breslover Chasidut. What can a sensitive understanding of Rabbi Nahman's symbolic and cryptic teachings reveal to us regarding the existential and spiritual questions many of us engage with today?

This audio was originally recorded on 06/04/2013 as part of Drisha's Summer Learning. 

This audio was originally recorded on 11/29/2012 as part of Drisha's open night of learning for Hurricane Sandy Relief. 

In praying to God, we express our personal theology and theodicy, alongside our simple faith and trust, with every utterance. For the chassidic masters the worlds of prayer expand beyond the boundaries of the siddur and fixed times of the day. The focus of this class is the Slonimer Rebbe.

This audio was originally recorded on 06/24/2009 as part of Drisha's June Seminar. 

In praying to God, we express our personal theology and theodicy, alongside our simple faith and trust, with every utterance. For the Chassidic masters, following the Amora’im (the sages of the Talmud), the worlds of prayer expand beyond the boundaries of the siddur and fixed times during the day. We will encounter the teachings of the Chassidic masters focusing on questions including: What did their prayer look like? What are the dangers and promises that standing in the presence of God evokes? How can we enter into the realm of words in a way that offers us comfort and challenge simultaneously? Is prayer a refuge? A battlefield? Home?

This audio was originally recorded on 06/23/2009 as part of Drisha's June Seminar. 

In praying to God, we express our personal theology and theodicy, alongside our simple faith and trust, with every utterance. For the chassidic masters the worlds of prayer expand beyond the boundaries of the siddur and fixed times of the day. The focus of this class is the early chassidic masters.

This audio was originally recorded on 06/22/2009 as part of Drisha's June Seminar. 

Through a variety of texts - Biblical, Rabbinic, Hasidic and Homiletic - we will explore an alternative and innovative theological framework for understanding Jewish history. How has Exile had a determinative impact on the development of Judaism while constituting a distinctively Jewish conceptual contribution to civilization?

Click here to view the accompanying source sheet. 

This audio was originally recorded on 05/06/2012.

The philosopher Theodor Adorno famously, or infamously, said that “poetry after Auschwitz is barbaric.” But for a generation of Jewish writers, poetry after and about Auschwitz was an essential way of grappling with, and grieving for, the Holocaust. Together we’ll look at Yiddish poets who turned to verse to craft theological responses to the Shoah. We’ll consider the ways that poetry can be a medium for theology, in addition to the specifics of these poets’ work, asking questions like: how does the Shoah change their relationships to God and to Torah, and how can poetry express the inexpressible?

This audio was originally captured live on Zoom on 10/31/2022 as part of Drisha's Fall Zman. 

The covenant takes four generations to fulfill- the first three generations suffer without ever experiencing the relief of that suffering, which allows the fourth generation to enter the Land of Israel.

This audio was originally recorded on 11/29/2012 as part of an evening of learning dedicated to Hurricane Sandy relief.

Just as Rabbinic Judaism represented renewal after the destruction of the Second Temple, upon analysis we can expect to observe no less a transformation in the Jewish people and our religious experience after the Shoah.

Click here to view the accompanying source sheet. 

This audio was originally recorded on 12/25/2012 as part of Drisha's Winter Week. 

Judaism contains age-old formulations of how to respond to tragedy and radical change that continue to help us today. Turning to our texts helped us to preserve as well as to build.

This audio was originally recorded on 12/24/2012 as part of Drisha's Winter Week.

The slaughter of strong Jewish communities throughout Europe during the Crusades catalyzed the development of the theology of Kiddush Hashem - the choice to martyr one's self rather than undergo forced conversion or murder at the hands of religious persecutors. How did the Halakhic authorities of medieval Ashkenaz react?

Click here to view the accompanying source sheet. 

This audio was originally recorded on 12/24/2012 as part of Drisha's Winter Week of Learning.

An exploration of midrashic tales of dismay and righteous responses to tragic fates.

This audio was originally recorded on 11/01/2012

When did the Holocaust come into the consciousness of Jews, in America and in Israel?  How did Yom HaShoah come to be, and, for that matter, where did the word “Shoah” itself come from?  How were the emerging theologies of the Holocaust (“God is Dead,” “A New Covenant”) crafted?  Was there an Orthodox “position” on the Holocaust?  What were the halakhic implications of these issues?  These and other questions are explored in a comprehensive analysis of the impact of the Destruction of European Jewry on Jewish religious thought and on the Jewish community.

This audio was originally recorded on 11/07/2011 as part of Drisha's commemoration of Kristallnacht.

Are you always busy, juggling a million different commitments? Do you wonder how to set priorities within all the different opportunities and tasks that come your way? We will explore the Talmudic principle of "oseik b'mitzvah" the exemption from certain mitzvot for one who has a prior commitment to a different mitzvah. Through close readings of the relevant Talmudic passages and their medieval and modern commentaries, we will use this concept to examine how we can set priorities in our own busy lives.

This audio was originally recorded on 07/22/2014 as part of Drisha's Summer Daytime Learning.

Are you always busy, juggling a million different commitments? Do you wonder how to set priorities within all the different opportunities and tasks that come your way? We will explore the Talmudic principle of "oseik b'mitzvah" the exemption from certain mitzvot for one who has a prior commitment to a different mitzvah. Through close readings of the relevant Talmudic passages and their medieval and modern commentaries, we will use this concept to examine how we can set priorities in our own busy lives.

This audio was originally recorded on 07/15/2014 as part of Drisha's Summer Daytime Learning.

Are you always busy, juggling a million different commitments? Do you wonder how to set priorities within all the different opportunities and tasks that come your way? We will explore the Talmudic principle of "oseik b'mitzvah" the exemption from certain mitzvot for one who has a prior commitment to a different mitzvah. Through close readings of the relevant Talmudic passages and their medieval and modern commentaries, we will use this concept to examine how we can set priorities in our own busy lives.

This audio was originally recorded on 07/08/2014 as part of Drisha's Summer Daytime Learning.

We will examine the claim of many Jewish philosophers and Bible commentators who argue that mitzvot primarily serve the purpose of differentiating Jews from views and practices of the outside world.  Is being different a value in and of itself?

This audio was originally recorded on 12/27/2006 as part of Drisha's Winter Week. 

If mitzvot have reasons, are those reasons rational? Is the purpose of mitzvot to help us live more rational lives or are they meant to get us to rise to some plane above the rational? We will examine the great divide between the rational and mystical schools of Jewish thinking and see how the issue plays out in Bible commentaries on the laws of the Torah.

Click here to view the accompanying source sheet. 

This audio was recorded on 12/26/2006 as part of Drisha's Winter Week. 

An exploration of the Zohar`s understanding of the mitzvot, how they impact us, and our expectations in performing them.

This audio was originally recorded on 12/25/2006 as part of Drisha's Winter Week. 

Jewish thinkers through the ages have often disagreed about whether mitzvot have reasons at all, and, even if they do, whether it is meritorious, worthwhile, pretentious or dangerous for us human beings to attempt to figure out those reasons. We will examine texts from Jewish philosophers and Bible commentators which address this issue.

Click here to view the accompanying source sheet. 

This audio was originally recorded on 12/25/2006 as part of Drisha's Winter Week. 

Utilizing classic rabbinic sources as well as relevant psychological material and research, this podcast explores several interpretations of the purpose, meaning and experience of mitzvot from psychological, spiritual, and religious perspectives.

Click here to view the accompanying source sheet. 

This audio was originally recorded on 12/25/2006 as part of Drisha's Winter Week.

Tractate Berachot’s concluding discussions of everyday liturgical performances emphasize the need to find God in all realms of experience, by reciting blessings over food and diverse phenomena. This contrasts starkly with parallel discussions in other Talmudic texts, such as Tosefta Berachot, which focus on seeking God through the daily performance of mitzvot. This class was dedicated in memory of Rifka Rosenwein, z”l.

This audio was originally recorded on 12/26/2005 as part of Drisha's Winter Week of Learning.

While positions regarding a multitude of scenarios in the realm of physical health have been crafted over centuries of Halakhic literature, questions of mental illness have unfortunately received very little attention. This is part three of a series that  will consider how Halakhah responds to mental illness, considering topics from their earliest sources to contemporary application. We will consider various scenarios (people who experience psychotic episodes, anorexia, and borderline personality disorder), examine the challenges that come with them, and the various solutions that might be offered to mitigate these challenges. 

This audio was originally recorded on 02/14/2021 as part of Drisha's Spring Zman. 

While positions regarding a multitude of scenarios in the realm of physical health have been crafted over centuries of Halakhic literature, questions of mental illness have unfortunately received very little attention. This is part two of a series that  will consider how Halakhah responds to mental illness, considering topics from their earliest sources to contemporary application. We will consider various scenarios (people who experience psychotic episodes, anorexia, and borderline personality disorder), examine the challenges that come with them, and the various solutions that might be offered to mitigate these challenges. 

Click here to view the accompanying source sheet. 

This audio was originally recorded on 02/07/2021 as part of Drisha's Spring Zman. 

While positions regarding a multitude of scenarios in the realm of physical health have been crafted over centuries of Halakhic literature, questions of mental illness have unfortunately received very little attention. This is part one of a series that  will consider how Halakhah responds to mental illness, considering topics from their earliest sources to contemporary application. We will consider various scenarios (people who experience psychotic episodes, anorexia, and borderline personality disorder), examine the challenges that come with them, and the various solutions that might be offered to mitigate these challenges. 

Click here to view the accompanying source sheet. 

This audio was originally recorded on 01/31/2021 as part of Drisha's Spring Zman. 

Human dignity is a concept often invoked in contemporary medical ethics, especially in favor of patients’ right to choose the course of their treatment — or whether to continue treatment at all. This emphasis on patient autonomy has frequently put Jewish medical ethicists at odds with their secular counterparts, since halakhah significantly restricts an individual’s control over her body. Through a comparative analysis of secular and Jewish sources, we will consider how the concept of human dignity has developed over the past few decades, and whether there is a way to find common ground on issues like truth-telling to patients and end-of-life care.

Click here to view the accompanying source sheet. 

This audio was originally recorded on 12/20/2020 as part of Drisha's Fall Zman. 

Human dignity is a concept often invoked in contemporary medical ethics, especially in favor of patients’ right to choose the course of their treatment — or whether to continue treatment at all. This emphasis on patient autonomy has frequently put Jewish medical ethicists at odds with their secular counterparts, since halakhah significantly restricts an individual’s control over her body. Through a comparative analysis of secular and Jewish sources, we will consider how the concept of human dignity has developed over the past few decades, and whether there is a way to find common ground on issues like truth-telling to patients and end-of-life care.

Click here to view the accompanying source sheet. 

This audio was originally recorded on 12/15/2020 as part of Drisha's Fal Zman. 

Human dignity is a concept often invoked in contemporary medical ethics, especially in favor of patients’ right to choose the course of their treatment — or whether to continue treatment at all. This emphasis on patient autonomy has frequently put Jewish medical ethicists at odds with their secular counterparts, since halakhah significantly restricts an individual’s control over her body. Through a comparative analysis of secular and Jewish sources, we will consider how the concept of human dignity has developed over the past few decades, and whether there is a way to find common ground on issues like truth-telling to patients and end-of-life care.

Click here to view the accompanying source sheet. 

This audio was originally recorded on 23/08/2020 as part of Drisha's Fal Zman. 

Human dignity is a concept often invoked in contemporary medical ethics, especially in favor of patients’ right to choose the course of their treatment — or whether to continue treatment at all. This emphasis on patient autonomy has frequently put Jewish medical ethicists at odds with their secular counterparts, since halakhah significantly restricts an individual’s control over her body. Through a comparative analysis of secular and Jewish sources, we will consider how the concept of human dignity has developed over the past few decades, and whether there is a way to find common ground on issues like truth-telling to patients and end-of-life care.

Click here to view the accompanying source sheet. 

This audio was originally recorded on 12/01/2020 as part of Drisha's Fall Zman. 

The decisions we make in caring for a dying patient are fraught with emotion. They are also the subject of intense debate among medical professionals and bioethicists, no less within the Jewish community than within society at large, and the tension between traditional Jewish and modern secular positions often complicates these decisions even further. The difference between modern and traditional perspectives on end-of-life care is often framed as the choice between honoring the patient’s autonomy vs. insisting on preserving every moment of life. Yet closer analysis reveals a more complex picture, as halakhists and bioethicists struggle to balance the needs of patients, caregivers and family members. Join us we take a fresh look at some of the key legal and moral issues in this important contemporary discussion.

Click here to view the accompanying source sheet. 

This audio was originally recorded on 07/12/2017 as part of Drisha's Summer programming. 

The manner in which we encounter death today has changed radically compared to past centuries, which has shifted the way in which death is discussed from the realm of the spiritual, concerned with the soul, to that of the technical, concerned with the functioning of the body. This recording is the second session of a five session course.

The audio was originally recorded on 07/14/2015 as part of Drisha's Summer Daytime Learning. 

We will explore the halakhic debate over organ transplantation including desecration of the dead, definition of death, donor/recipient perspectives, and which organs are permissible.  These topics will also be examined in relation to current issues in bioethics.

This audio was originally recorded on 12/29/2004 as part of Drisha's Winter Week. 

We will examine the ways in which new developments in reproductive medicine have been subject to halakhic analysis. Textual references will be used to highlight the underpinnings of different pesakei halakhah.

This audio was originally recorded on 12/29/2004 as part of Drisha's Winter Week. 

The worldwide dialogue about the ethics of cloning, stimulated by the report in 1997 of the successful cloning of a sheep, has led to both rational and serious discussion as well as panic and alarmist warnings of imminent disaster. Why does cloning engender such emotional reaction - and what does Judaism have to say about it?

Click here to view the accompanying source sheet. 

The audio was originally recorded on 12/28/2004 as part of Drisha's Winter Week. 

From pre-implantation genetic diagnosis to prenatal testing to disease markers for cancer, what are the halakhic ramifications of genetic and stem cell research? Topics include designer babies, the status of the human embryo in halakhah, and the rabbinic response to the latest technological advances in this exciting field.

Click here to view the accompanying source sheet. 

This audio was originally recorded on 12/27/2004 as part of Drisha's Winter Week. 

Historical medical halakhah included fascinating foci, including smallpox, the medicinal use of mummies, the earliest anatomical dissections, and early theories in embryology. How does rabbinic literature conflict with our modern understanding of medicine, including the 8-month baby, spontaneous generation, and the tree-goos.

Click here to view the accompanying source sheet. 

This audio was originally recorded on 12/27/2004 as part of Drisha's Winter Week.