Ruach HaYam Teaching presented by Penina Weinberg at Congregation Eitz Chayim, 136 Magazine Street, Cambridge, MA – February 21, 2019. 6:45pm. (Scroll to end for logistics)
Join us at Ruach HaYam, an independent queer havurah, for a close study of the saga of Samson and Delilah, including Samson’s “miraculous” birth, the riddle of the lion and much more (Judges 13-16), led by Penina Weinberg with a special presentation by Mimi Yasgur on using theater to understand the text. As with the Song of Deborah, we will study stereotypical gender roles, non-normative gender roles, and how power is wielded. Also we’ll note the drama and comedy inherent in this tale.
Banner image: The angel departing from Manoah and his wife; the couple kneeling before a sacrificial pyre with a burning goat and the angel rising over the flames; after Maarten de Vos. Engraving with contemporary coloring. At British Museum.
Penina Weinberg is an independent Hebrew bible scholar whose study and teaching focus on the intersection of power, politics and gender in the Hebrew Bible. She has run workshops for Nehirim and Keshet and has been teaching Hebrew bible for 10 years. She has written in Tikkun and HBI blog, and is the leader and founder of Ruach HaYam.
Mimi Yasgur is an expressive arts therapist and mental health counselor who enjoys integrating her passions for art, creativity, Judaism, and spirituality to create vibrant community.
** Logistics**
Study starts promptly at 7:15 pm. We open the doors at 6:45 for schmoozing. Feel free to bring your own veggie snack for the early part. A parking consideration is in effect for the three blocks around EC during all regularly scheduled events. It is a good idea to put a note in the windshield that you are attending an event at EC. You will find a note here if you wish to print one out.
Accessibility information: all gender/accessible bathrooms, entry ramp.
Ruach HaYam study sessions provide a queer Jewish look at text, but are welcoming to any learning or faith background, to all bodies, and friendly to beginners.