Dr. Rhona Burns – From Herzl to Ben-Yehuda: Fantasies of Power and Class in Early Jewish Nationalism – May 25 After Services

This talk will explore what Jewish nationalism meant for many of the early thinkers and activists of modern Jewish nationalism. Based on some historical textual sources that we will read together, the talk will emphasize the important role of ideas of class and status in the formative years of Jewish nationalism and the implications of […]

Dr. Rhona Burns – From Herzl to Ben-Yehuda: Fantasies of Power and Class in Early Jewish Nationalism – May 25 After Services Read More »

Lunch and Learn – Benjamin Franklin’s influence on Judaism with Shai Afsai

March 23 Potluck Lunch following Services Bring a non-meat dish to share https://hebrewseniorlife.zoom.us/my/rabbijim In his 20s, Benjamin Franklin set out to perfect his character, devising a self-improvement method to aid him in the challenging task of becoming virtuous. The method, which he later outlined in his famous posthumously published autobiography, was eventually incorporated into the practical

Lunch and Learn – Benjamin Franklin’s influence on Judaism with Shai Afsai Read More »

Jews and Arabs choosing a shared future – A conversation with Standing Together

In the midst of war, turmoil in Israeli society, and an increasingly polarized global discourse, must we take the side of #freepalestine exclusively or #standwithIsrael exclusively, or can we instead stand united with people on both sides who want to live in peace and security? On January 14, we welcomed Sally Abed and Alon-Lee Green

Jews and Arabs choosing a shared future – A conversation with Standing Together Read More »

Deborah Lipstadt — Countering  Antisemitism: A Structural Approach

Deborah E. Lipstadt was confirmed by the U.S. Senate on March 30, 2022 as the Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism, with the rank of Ambassador. As Special Envoy, she leads efforts to advance U.S. foreign policy to counter antisemitism throughout the world. Deborah has a storied career as a historian, academic, and author.

Deborah Lipstadt — Countering  Antisemitism: A Structural Approach Read More »

Lunch and Learn with Richard Fein – September 7

Richard Fein will read from his latest book of poems, Dear Yiddish, as well as some of his latest translations of Yiddish poems.  In person and on Zoom – After Services – Bring a dairy/pareve dish to share https://hebrewseniorlife.zoom.us/my/rabbijim Richard Fein, is a long time member of the Minyan. This is Richard’s thirteenth book of poems. He

Lunch and Learn with Richard Fein – September 7 Read More »

Kevin Lubin: The Songs of Salamone Rossi

Dive into the first known collection of Jewish choral music, Salamone Rossi’s “HaShirim Asher L’Shlomo,” published in 1622 Venice. Let’s discuss this unique gem of late Renaissance vocal music that includes recordings of this repertoire by historically informed musicians.  Kevin Lubin (he/they) is a composer, instrumentalist, and silly goose from New York and now living

Kevin Lubin: The Songs of Salamone Rossi Read More »

Bernie Avishai Publishes “Israel’s War Within”

Our friend and member Bernard Avishai recently published an article in Harper’s about the current situation in Israel. The piece, “ISRAEL’S WAR WITHIN: On the ruinous history of Religious Zionism,” draws on sermons that Bernie has delivered at High Holiday services at Worship and Study over the years. You can find the piece here.

Bernie Avishai Publishes “Israel’s War Within” Read More »

“A Cosmic Paradox” with Evgenya Shkolnik – 3:00 pm February 11 at Harvard Hillel

Evgenya Shkolnik – “A Cosmic Paradox: What the Universe and Maimonides Teach Us About our Dual Existence as Insignificant and Monumental” – Harvard Hillel – February 11 – 3:00 pm and Zoom We will delve into the fascinating intersection and evolution of cosmic exploration and Jewish thought, focused on the duality of being both insignificant

“A Cosmic Paradox” with Evgenya Shkolnik – 3:00 pm February 11 at Harvard Hillel Read More »