Ruach HaYam Workshop at Congregation Eitz Chayim, Cambridge, MA
A close reading of Deborah, Jael, Sisera’s mother, Sisera, and Barak to see what we can learn about stereotypical gender roles, non-normative gender roles, and how power is wielded. We also consider the nature of war.
Nehirim Women’s Retreat – Workshop
Here we are at a Women’s retreat. What does that word mean to us? Did we come because it is a woman’s retreat, or despite the label? Does the tag, name, identity, of woman sit comfortably with us, uncomfortably, indifferently, fluidly, or perhaps not at all? We will jump start a conversation about identity with a study of three interrelated, but quite different, women in the Bible. Deborah the judge and warrior, Jael the dangerous hostess, and Sisera’s mom, who glorifies war and is a tragic figure. Only Deborah is an Israelite. All are found in Judges 4 and 5. Come for a text study and a conversation about gender identity.
Nehirim East National Retreat – Workshop
One of the most poignant stories in the Hebrew Bible is the little known saga of Sisera’s mother in the Song of Deborah (Judges 4-5). Along with Deborah herself, and Jael, the text presents an extraordinary trio of women who run the gamut from magnificent to tragic to disturbing, set against the backdrop of war. The Song of Deborah is as old as the very ancient Song of the Sea (Ex 15:1-19) and Song of Miriam (Ex. 15:20-21), with which it is paired as haftarah. Penina Weinberg, Master of Jewish Studies and teacher of Hebrew Bible, will lead a lively study and discussion of the Song of Deborah. Be prepared for a provocative (and queer) look at motherhood, manhood, and war.
Workshop at Temple Hillel Bnei Torah, W. Roxbury, MA
“When I/you arose, a Mother in Israel.” The story of Deborah – woman of
fire, prophet and judge.