Ben Zoma said: Who is wise? One who learns from everyone, as is said,
“Because everyone has been my teacher, I have gained understanding.” —(mAvot 4:1)
Rabbi Hanina said: From my teachers I learned much, from my colleagues still more,
but from my students most of all. –(BT Ta’anit 7a)
This is a list of the various classes and workshops I have taught. For more information about my teaching and for student endorsements, please read here
RUTH (June/July 2011)
Classes at Congregation Eitz Chayim The book of Ruth poses hard questions about the relationship between humanity and God, and between one human and another. Like Job, Naomi agonizes over being abandoned by God, even afflicted by God. How can this be? What does it mean that God can afflict human beings? Why should it be so? A consideration of issues of identity (both loss and change), redemption, affliction by YHWH, the role of women in transforming society, love between women, Naomi as a Jobian figure, the significance of the book of Ruth in the biblical narrative, the place of…
JUDGES 4-5 (May 2011)
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.
ESTHER (Purim 2011)
Workshop at Congregation Eitz Chayim. Some say that the name Esther, which is similar to hidden in Hebrew, means that the works of God are hidden in the book. A consideration of the possibility that what is hidden (and therefore difficult to uncover) is the meaning of the text.
L’DOR VADOR: From Generation to Generation (January & June 2011)
Nehirim Gathering and National East Retreats – Workshops co-led with David Bass Learning about intergenerational dialog through the study of Ruth and Naomi.
WE HAVE MET THE ENEMY AND S/HE IS US (Summer 2010)
Classes at Congregation Eitz Chayim Teachings utilizing close intertextual reading of selected Biblical texts, to explore the intersection of gender and politics in the ancient Israelite love/hate relationship with the outsider/other. Three sessions covering: “Canaanites from Curse to Conquest,” “Zipporah and the Bridegroom of Blood (Ex 4:24-26),” and “The Cushite Woman” (Num 11:35-12:9).
SHIR HASHIRIM (Pesach 5770/2010)
Workshop at Temple Hillel Bnei Torah, W. Roxbury, MA Shir haShirim 8:6-7 read against Exodus 3:14 – “Love is Stronger than Death.” Examination of issues of gender equality and the danger and power of love. (flyer)
THE MAKING OF MEANING (Winter 2009-10)
Classes at Congregation Eitz Chayim How Do Jews Make Meaning? Three part series looking at the meaning of biblical texts, rabbinic interpretations, and how we as modern Jews make meaning. Study of Hannah Narrative, Bathsheba/David, and Song of Songs. Penina will guide participants in wrestling with the meaning of a biblical text counterpoised with a complementary rabbinic text. How do the Rabbis subtly or not so subtly interpose their own meanings on the biblical text? What can we learn about how we interpose our meanings and about how we make meaning for ourselves as modern Jews? Date: October 25, 2009…
ELUL STUDIES: Genesis 21 and 1 Samuel 1-2:10 (2008)
Classes at Congregation Eitz Chayim Three part series in preparation for Rosh Hashanah, studying Sarah, Hagar, Abraham, Hannah and Elkanah, whose stories are contained in the Torah and Haftarah portions for the first day of Rosh Hashanah.
ANCESTORS OF RUTH AND BOAZ (2008)
Classes at Congregation Eitz Chayim Ten part series on biblical women, culminating in an in depth study of Ruth in preparation for Shavuot. Focus on the relationship of Tamar, Lot’s daughters, Rachel and Leah to Ruth and Boaz. Six class members went on to teach at Shavuot.
HAFTARAH FOR ROSH HASHANAH (2007)
Classes at Congregation Eitz Chayim Four part series looking at Hannah’s story in the haftarah for the first day of Rosh Hashanah. Hannah was a remarkably independent biblical woman who was among a small and elite group of women who were called prophets in the Jewish tradition. She was barren until her prayers were answered and she gave birth to Samuel. Her story has resounding relevance to Jews of every age. Bible – Close study of I Samuel 1:1 – 2:10 in English with reference to Hebrew Rabbinics – Selected texts (in English) from Talmud and Midrash. Hasidism: R. Nachman…