This four-part course will be taught by alumni of PRS
Upload a brief (~250 words) reflection on each session to receive an elective half credit.
The four sessions will be held on Tuesdays at 8 pm Eastern from November 5 – November 26.
Session Topics
Skin Deep
November 5, 2024
Instructor: Rabbi Heather Miller
An exploration of colorism in our text and tradition. We will look at a group of familiar Jewish texts and unpack the influences that may have led to the interpretations we commonly hold. What happens when we look at our tradition through a slightly different lens?
Werewolves, Jews, and Jewish Werewolves
November 12, 2024
Instructor: Rabbi Margot Valles
Werewolves play a surprisingly adept role at pointing out the challenges of Jewish identity in a non-Jewish world. In this minimester session, we will look at places where lycanthropy and Jewish identity intersect and discover ways to make meaning from this intersection. Participants are invited to share their own interpretations of each example. Some of the examples we will consider include the way that the Hasidei Ashkenaz read the character of Benjamin, the Talmud’s account of Miriam Bat Bilgah, Teen Wolf (1985), the song from 30 Rock, “Werewolf Bar Mitzvah” (2010), and the character of Josh Levison in the North American Being Human (2011-2014). There will be a Sefaria source sheet with additional references and examples.
Addiction and Recovery through Jewish Text
November 19, 2024
Instructor: Rabbi Shara Siegfeld
A quick Google search of ‘What does the Torah say about addiction’ offers this reply: “The Jewish faith protects its followers against addiction. Observant Jews do not drink or abuse illicit drugs. Jews who do abuse drugs or alcohol do so because they have been alienated from their religious heritage or because they have lost their faith.” We could play the game of how many things can you find wrong in this reply, but instead, let’s spend some time together exploring and discussing addiction and recovery through the lens of Jewish Text.
Bonus Session 4
November 26, 2024
Instructor: Rabbi Patrick Beaulier
Ratings and Reviews
Brian KresgeI learned so many things in this series of classes. Jewish Werewolves, being a lot more intentional in a pastoral care role when it comes to race and when it comes to addiction, and how to ponder more deeply the status of our free will.
Martin Rawlings-FeinIt was great getting to know the teaching styles of other folks in the program! I really enjoyed the last one with Rabbi Patrick Beaulier.
The mini-mester is always a great way to end the secular year!! Life-long Torah study at its finest!!