Upcoming Classes & Events at Lehrhaus
Severed Heads and Sacred Oil: Hanukkah Tales of Rebellion
Hanukkah is a tale of rebellion. Or more like, rebellions. From Talmud to Maccabees, Judith to Zacharya, the stories of Hanukkah are jarring meditations on miracles, justice, violence, and power. Heads will roll in this text-based conversation!
Jewish Themes in Fantasy and Sci-Fi: Light in the Darkness
Chanukah is a time of wonder and delight; little surprise that it's inspired tales that both amuse and amaze. In this session, we'll find new light together as we explore the cultural impact of Chanukah through the lens of speculative fiction. Give yourself the gift of delight as we unwrap a few luminous stories together!
Oil & Joy: Crafting Perfect Sufganiyot
Learn how to make donuts just in time for the holidays! You’ll discover how to prepare donut dough, master the art of frying at home, and fill and enjoy delicious sufganiyot. Plus, you’ll take home six donuts of your choice, perfect for inspiring your next batch.
Oil & Joy: Crafting Perfect Sufganiyot
Learn how to make donuts just in time for the holidays! You’ll discover how to prepare donut dough, master the art of frying at home, and fill and enjoy delicious sufganiyot. Plus, you’ll take home six donuts of your choice, perfect for inspiring your next batch.
Kraft: A Lesser-Known Yiddish Play
Let’s read and analyze the forgotten Yiddish play “Kraft” (“Power”) by Leah K. Hofman. We will explore it in the English translation, delving into the themes and symbolism.
Sacred Stories, Reimagined: Exploring Poetic Retellings of Torah Myths
Dive into the captivating world of Itzik Manger's great khumeshlider (Torah poems) as we explore two of his greatest works: one retelling the mythic moment of Eve and the Apple Tree, and the other reimagining the harrowing Binding of Isaac.
Jewish Muslims: How Christians Imagined Islam as the Enemy
Why did Christian use ideas about Jews to think about Muslims? For the same reasons they used ideas about Jews to think about all sorts of people and topics unrelated to real Jews... which only begs the question. Discover some answers and how they might help us understand both the past and the present.
Aristocrats and Ascetics: The Talmudic Tale of Marta bat Beitos
Join Lehrhaus Learning Guide Rabbanit Talia Weisberg to learn more about Marta bat Beitos and the curious incident that led to her death. Read Marta's story and relevant ancient and modern commentaries, unpacking provocative questions about class, wealth, gender, and the Jewish obligation to care for one another.
What Did People Talk About in the Warsaw Ghetto? Yiddish Words of the Holocaust
The Holocaust radically altered the way its victims spoke and communicated—especially for Yiddish speakers. Finding prewar language incapable of describing the imprisonment, death, and dehumanization of the Shoah, prisoners added or reinvented thousands of Yiddish words and phrases to describe their new reality.
Exploring the Spiritual Lives of Yiddish-Speaking Women and Gender-Expansive People
This interactive presentation will explore the nearly forgotten folk rituals, holy texts, and religious leadership roles of Yiddish-speaking women and gender-expansive people. We will address Hasidism, secularism, Jewish magic, and more from a queer and feminist lens.
Jewish Romance Book Club: Love You a Latke
Stay in the Hanukkah bubble with a facilitated discussion of Love You a Latke, a Jewish holiday romance by Amanda Elliot. Abby, a grumpy coffee shop owner, agrees to fake-date cheerfully optimistic Seth, the only Jewish guy in her small Vermont tourist town--IF he'll help her plan the Hanukkah festival she's been voluntold to take on…
Rava’s Chat-bot: Communication and Authenticity through the Golem and A.I.
Join us as we explore and discuss the startling Talmudic story of the sage Rava (3rd-4th century C.E. Babylonia) creating a “humanoid” who he sends to visit his colleague, Rabbi Zeira. We’ll utilize this haunting, brilliant, and very relevant story as a canvas for discussing artificial intelligence in relation to communication.
Why Are You Being So Unreasonable?! The Ethics of Misunderstanding
In our polarized society, others' actions often seem irrational, but what if they make sense from their perspective? This session uses Talmudic stories about rabbis navigating such challenges to help us reflect on understanding and responding to others in our own lives.
Yiddish Trash: Popular Fiction of the 19th and 20th Century
In this class we’ll take a look at some examples of popular Yiddish fiction—the romance novels, detective fiction, and adventure tales that made up the daily reading of Yiddish speakers in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.
From Me to We: Collective Responsibility and the Torah of Improv
Improvisation is more than a performance skill; it’s a practice of observing, connecting, and responding to the world around us. In fact, we all improvise every day as we navigate life’s unexpected twists and turns. In this safe, welcoming, and experiential workshop, we’ll delve into the Jewish value of Kol Yisrael arevim zeh ba’zeh (all Jews are responsible for one another), using the playful and powerful tools of Applied Improv.
No experience is necessary—just bring your presence, curiosity, and an openness to connect with others in a spirit of collaboration and mutual care.
Two Jews, Two Rooms: Relearning the Art of Difficult Conversations
We live in a moment where the old comedic truism: when there are 2 Jews in a room, there are 3 opinions; could arguably be replaced with a more tragic one: when there are two Jews in a room, there are 2 rooms. In this interactive learning experience we are going to practice Machloket (argument for the sake of heaven) as a way to rebuild our muscles so that we can grow our capacity for making Teshuvah (repair) within ourselves, our close relationships, and the communities we find ourselves in.
Nahman of Bratslav: The Language of the Zaddik as Creation in Likkutei Moharan (Part 1)
This series of classes will be an in-depth text-study of Likkutei by Nahman of Bratslav, one of the most audacious and innovative Hasidic masters. We will study a variety of his homilies paying attention to structure, interpretive method, and theory of the self. We will spend the first two sessions unpacking Likkutei Moharan homily 1:19.
L'El Eilim: Music for the Grand Synagogue in Amsterdam
The Esnoga, Amsterdam's Portuguese synagogue inaugurated in 1675, inspired art and music, including works by its composer-in-residence Abraham Caceres in the early 18th century. This class explores the context of synagogue performances, analyzes Caceres' cantata L'El Eilim, and examines its role in Jewish music and the Dutch Baroque tradition.
Engaging with Endangered Jewish Languages Today
This class explores the evolving linguistic landscape of Jewish communities, focusing on the decline of endangered Jewish languages like Ladino, Judeo-Arabic, and Jewish Malayalam, while highlighting the rise of new Jewish language varieties. Participants will discuss the importance of preserving and reclaiming these languages, sharing their own ancestral language experiences and the “heritage words” passed down through generations.
Jewish Romance: Nobody Wants This
Did you love, hate, or love to hate this Jewish rom-com? An agnostic sex-and-relationships podcaster and a charismatic rabbi meet cute at an L.A. dinner party and embark on an ill-advised relationship; will it survive their disparate lifestyles and meddling friends and families? We’ll discuss themes of cultural divides, faith, identity, feminism, love, privacy, and millennial malaise drive the plot; stereotypes and tropes abound.
From Silence to Strength: Finding Meaning in Unanswered Prayers
If you have ever felt like you have sincerely prayed but your Tefillot have gotten you nowhere, this class is for you. This inspirational and text based class will explore several fundamental approaches to the phenomenon of unanswered prayers, and how we can derive guidance and encouragement as we continue to make requests of G-d.
Artificial Intimacy: Sex and Love in the Golem Canon
Join us as we delve into Sarah Mathews’ poem Golem, using it as a gateway to explore bawdy and thought-provoking Medieval, Modern, and Post-Modern golem tales that grapple with themes of consent, agency, and the complexities of mediated sexual experiences.
Nahman of Bratslav: The Language of the Zaddik as Creation in Likkutei Moharan (Part 2)
This series of classes will be an in-depth text-study of Likkutei by Nahman of Bratslav, one of the most audacious and innovative Hasidic masters. We will study a variety of his homilies paying attention to structure, interpretive method, and theory of the self. We will spend the first two sessions unpacking Likkutei Moharan homily I:19.
Jewish Romance Book Club: Rules for Ghosting
While back home working in his family's Jewish funeral home, clairvoyant birth doula Ezra falls for widowed death doula Ben… The novel's themes span transitioning, body dysmorphia, being Jewishly observant, navigating complicated family dynamics, consistent and respectful use of pronouns, and navigating conversations about pleasure and consent.
Nahman of Bratslav: Faith and Heresy in Likkutei Moharan (Part 1)
This series of classes will be an in-depth text-study of Likkutei by Nahman of Bratslav, one of the most audacious and innovative Hasidic masters. We will study a variety of his homilies paying attention to structure, interpretive method, and theory of the self. We will spend these two sessions unpacking Likkutei Moharan homily 1:64.
The Better Place: A Show From Izzy Abrahmson's Village Life
When Rabbi Kibbitz gives advice, no one listens. He hates being called, with a smirk and a snicker, "a wise man." Just once, hed like to be taken seriously, but all they do is laugh… Will it ever change?
You'll laugh and smile, perhaps sing along, and maybe (just maybe) learn a bit.
Nahman of Bratslav: Faith and Heresy in Likkutei Moharan (Part 2)
This series of classes will be an in-depth text-study of Likkutei by Nahman of Bratslav, one of the most audacious and innovative Hasidic masters. We will study a variety of his homilies paying attention to structure, interpretive method, and theory of the self. We will spend these two sessions unpacking Likkutei Moharan homily 1:64.
Kissing Girls on Shabbat: Judaism and the Art of Writing
This class will draw upon Dr. Glass's experience of writing her personal memoir about leaving Hasidic Judaism to set herself and her children free. As a trauma-focused psychotherapist, Glass learned to use writing as a tool for healing and reconstructing her relationship with herself, her queer identity, and her Judaism.
Solarpunk Golems: Technology, Consciousness, and Healing of our Earth
Join us as we explore Becky Chambers’ utopian novel Psalm for the Wild-Built, using its portrayal of earth-based golems and Tellurian powers to examine themes of feminism, environmental consciousness, and restitution. How can these narratives inspire us to imagine a better future?
Thank You for Being Such a Pain: Jewish Guidance for Dealing with Difficult People
If the Torah can be viewed as an instruction manual for life and for developing a relationship with the Divine, then why is it filled with filled with stories of intrigue, betrayal and conflict? Can holiness be found in struggle and heartbreak? This class will present both practical and spiritual strategies for dealing with and learning from difficult people and situations.
The Weekend: The Surprising History of the Two-Day Holiday Nobody Really Sought
This class will present the modern, American two-day weekend in a completely new light, one that is quite different from the myths about 'who invented the weekend?' that circulate in popular culture.
Sacred Sound: Jewish Music As Holiness Beyond Space and Time
Immerse yourself in the transcendent power of Jewish sacred music, a tradition that connects us to holiness beyond the boundaries of space and time. This session will offer a dynamic blend of learning and practice, guiding participants through three profound dimensions of this sacred art.
It's Kosher to Talk Politics: the Art of Connection in 2024
In the wake of October 7th and amidst intense fear following the election, deep divides have fractured the Jewish community, straining even the closest relationships. This class, led by a seasoned social worker and Jewish educator, offers tools for fostering meaningful connection across these differences.
Dybbuks and Dreidels: A New Table-Top Role Playing Game
Come join a fun session of Dybbuks and Dreidels, a Table Top Role Playing Game (TTRPG) with Jewish themes. A TTRPG is a collective story telling experience, a blend of Board Game and Improv Theater, make-believe for adults.
Scandalous Heroism: Judith's Story and the Cheesy Hanukkah Tradition
So many of us are familiar with the connection between fried foods and Hannukah, but did you know there’s also a tradition to eat cheese? Tracing this tradition back to the story of Judith, participants will gain a deeper understanding of her scandalous story and how her bravery and heroism led to this delicious tradition!
Why Your Grandfather Fled the Tsar's Army: A Jewish Soldier’s Journey Through War and Forgiveness
This class, inspired by the novel The Tinker’s Son, will dive into the intellectual, spiritual, and emotional journey of Yakov Leibovich, a rabbinical student drafted into the army during the Russo-Turkish War of the 1870s. We’ll explore the broader historical context of Jewish life in Imperial Russia, the oppressive military conscription policies, and the moral and ethical dilemmas these young men faced.
Benjamin Franklin's Influence on Jewish Thought and Practice
This class explores a historical development that Judaic scholars have often been confused about or uncomfortable acknowledging, and about which Franklin specialists have been largely oblivious. We will examine Ben Franklin’s lasting impact on musar and contemporary Judaism.
The Heebie-Jeebies at CBGB's: A Secret History of Jewish Punk
Join Steven Lee Beeber, author of The Heebie-Jeebies at CBGBs, as he explores the Jewish artists who forged the New York's punk scene on the Lower East Side of the 1970s.
From Generation to Generation: Following the Thread of Queer Jewish Connection
This class explores the Jewish significance of cultural memory, the queer necessity for intergenerational connection, and the power that we all hold to become elders in our community, no matter what our age.
Guided by Signs: What Coincidence Can Teach Us About Connection and Purpose
What is coincidence and what is “beschert,” meant to be? What does “beschert” really mean? If we open our eyes and hearts to our experiences, what can we learn?
Building Resilience Through Shamati: A Jewish Framework for Climate Education
Join Adamah for an evening of community building and resource sharing, and gain tangible tools for climate action to bring back to your students and classrooms.
Creating Worlds: Speculative Fiction as a Jewish Tradition
Jews are inveterate storytellers. Jewish storytelling--the work of midrash--is not merely descriptive; it is also generative. We tell stories not only to document the world as it goes by, but also to create new worlds, to open portals into novel ways of seeing and imagining. In this session we'll explore storytelling, especially speculative fiction, as Jewish endeavor, paying special attention to how Jewish writers have used imaginary worlds to illuminate Jewish experience.
The Other Sacred Beverage: Beer in Jewish Texts and Traditions
Wine certainly gets the primary focus in Judaism when it comes to beverages, yet what about beer? Beer has been around in human existence longer than wine, so where does it fit in in Judaism? Join Rabbi Drew Kaplan for an introductory overview of beer in the Bible, Talmud, and Jewish practice🍺
Language City: The Fight To Preserve Endangered (Jewish) Mother Tongues
Join Ross Perlin, author of Language City, as he uncovers the endangered Jewish languages of diaspora communities and the efforts to preserve them in today’s diverse urban landscapes.
Turning the Pages: A Century of Sermons and Modern Reflections on Jewish Life
Rabbi Isador Signer (1900-1953) delivered weekly sermons throughout his 20's prior to the Great Depression and the Holocaust. A century later, his granddaughter, Aliza Arzt, has selected and annotated over two dozen of Rabbi Signer's sermons. Taken together, the sermons and responses in this volume provide an illuminating window on American Judaism in both the early 20th and early 21st centuries.
Kosher Jail: Keeping Kosher in Restaurants from Torah to Table
Why can't you have a hamburger at Lehrhaus? Whats so special about Lehrhaus produce? Who's lighting all the fires? Join us for a broad look into some of the Kashrus policies we follow at Lehrhaus, and how they are sorced from the Torah, Talmud and more!
There’s No Such Thing as the Ten Commandments in Jewish Tradition
We’re used to backing up data from our tablets to the cloud, but in this session, we’ll explore tablets that actually came from the clouds. The Ten Commandments have an unparalleled history: not only in the Bible, but in the courtrooms and classrooms as well. In this class, we’ll investigate the origins of the term “Ten Commandments,” and examine how various religions and religious denominations have divided up the verses into ten distinct commandments.
From Ancient Mountain Tops to Modern Times: The Story of Sigd and Ethiopian Jewish Heritage
Join us for an illuminating exploration of Sigd, an Ethiopian Jewish holiday that weaves together spiritual elevation, communal bonds, and ancient wisdom. This session will delve into the unique aspects of Sigd, where physical and spiritual journeys merge as communities gather on mountaintops. Together, we'll explore the concept of "community resilience" and discover how this ancient practice of communal celebration continues to resonate in our modern world.
Learning From Leadership Mistakes
Join us to pour over ancient and contemporary Jewish texts to mine them for meaning about our own leadership and the leaders we see around us, or the models we are searching for. As people we are bound to make mistakes - as leaders how do we come back from them? What feedback do we need, and as followers what is the best way to give feedback? Where does apologizing and atoning come into play and how does having faith in each other impact the dynamics of leadership mistakes?
Jewish Themes in Fantasy and Sci-Fi: Magic Meals
Just in time to whet your appetite for your Thanksgiving feasting, we'll explore some stories on the wondrous intersection of food and speculative fiction. Our menu will include a lighthearted (though very adult) story of a haunted kugel as well as a sci-fi-inspired Thanksgiving menu. Join us at the table and sink your teeth into these delicious tales!
Roaring to Life: Ran Bechor on Adapting Library Lion for the Stage
Join us for an engaging conversation with acclaimed playwright and director Ran Bechor as he reveals the creative journey behind Library Lion, his vibrant new children’s theater production premiering at Boston’s Calderwood Pavilion, featuring a life-sized lion puppet by Jim Henson’s Creature Shop and music by renowned Israeli composer Yoni Rechter.
Ancestral Allyship: A Book Talk
Join Rabbi Mike Moskowitz for a thought-provoking class on allyship as a spiritual practice, based on his new book, Ancestral Allyship. This session will explore how we can be transformative allies, drawing inspiration from the weekly Torah portion and the wisdom of our ancestors. Don’t miss this opportunity to deepen your understanding of allyship within the Jewish tradition.
A Philosopher's Afterlife: Maimonides, The World-to-Come, and the Problem of Righteous Ignoramuses
Join us as we explore how Maimonides’ 13 Articles of Belief reconcile the promise of The World to Come for all righteous individuals with his view that immortality is achieved through intellectual and spiritual attachment to God.
L'dor v'dor: Passing On My Italian Jewish Heritage to Future Generations
During this class, George will explore three books written to preserve his family's Italian Jewish heritage for future generations. The presentation will cover both the content of these works and the research process that informed their core narratives.
I Don’t Belong: A Rebbe Nachman Dream Dive
What can our dreams reveal to us us? How about the dreams of our sages? Join in a journey of unabashed voyeurism into a 200-yr old dream from one of the greatest spiritual masters of Jewish tradition, Rebbe Nachman of Breslov. We’ll explore what this intricate dream—with its themes of knowing and belonging—might say about his own psychology and, using tools of self-inquiry, reflect on what it might say to and about us.
There are no wrong (or right) answers, just opportunities for learning and growth!
The League of Kitchens Cookbook: Book Tour
The League of Kitchens — the widely acclaimed cooking school that empowers immigrant women to share family recipes, culinary expertise, culture, and stories through intimate, hands-on cooking workshops, both in their homes and online — releases its highly anticipated debut cookbook, The League of Kitchens Cookbook: Brilliant Tips, Secret Methods & Favorite Family Recipes from Around the World. Lisa will participate in an author talk to discuss the making and importance of the book!
Jewish Representation in the Marvel Cinematic Universe
Explore how Jewish identity and themes emerge in the Marvel Cinematic Universe! This class dives into characters, storylines, and symbolism that reflect Jewish values and culture. From resilience to community, we’ll examine how Jewish representation shapes the world of superheroes in subtle yet powerful ways.
Lights, Camera, Shalom: Storytelling and Jewish Representation in Film
Join us for an exciting and insightful discussion on the art of storytelling, from crafting a compelling narrative to getting it onto the big screen. We’ll dive into the creative process behind bringing stories to life, with a special focus on how filmmakers can shine a light on the Jewish community and its rich cultural legacy. This conversation will explore the power of representation in film, highlighting the importance of Jewish voices and perspectives in the entertainment industry. And, of course, we’ll delve into two fascinating projects—Bad Shabbos and Nobody Wants This—examining how these films reflect and amplify Jewish identity, while resonating with audiences worldwide. Whether you're a budding filmmaker, a seasoned storyteller, or simply a lover of cinema, this event promises to inspire and spark new ideas for how we can use film to connect, empower, and create lasting impact.
The Radical Traditionalist Thought of Rabbi Sacks
Rabbi Jonathan Sacks was a trailblazing British Orthodox rabbi and thought leader, who served as Chief Rabbi for over two decades. Renowned for his passionate advocacy of interfaith dialogue and social justice, he inspired countless individuals with his engaging writings on faith and ethics. We will explore his legacy that continues to resonate, making him a vibrant voice in contemporary Jewish thought.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Our tickets utilize a Pay-What-You-Can model so attendees can pay a range of prices based on what they are able to pay to allow for greater accessibility. Please select the price point that feels right for you.
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If a class is sold out, please email us at [email protected] and let us know which class you are looking to attend, and we will add your name to the waitlist.
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While we do not serve food in the study, you are welcome to order and enjoy drinks during class and join us for a meal before or after class. We highly recommend making a reservation if you know you'll be dining with us. Visit www.lehr.haus/reservation to check availability and book a table.
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