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Dates: Sundays — October 12, November 9, December 7, January 11, February 8, March 8, April 12, May 10
Time: 11:00 am – 12:30 pm
Mode: In-Person Only
Faculty: Rafi Licht
Fee: $18 for Society Hill Synagogue Members • $72 for General Public
The Talmud, comprising the Mishnah and the Gemara, is the foundation of Rabbinic Judaism — and therefore of Judaism as we know it today. Compiled between 200 CE and 500 CE, it reflects the shifting centers of Jewish life from Israel to Babylonia. While often called “oral law,” the Talmud is far more: it interprets every aspect of the Tanakh and weaves together law, stories, and traditions in one of history’s most unique works. Philosophical, radical, and sometimes fantastical, it has shaped Jewish thought for millennia.
Our class will puzzle through selected passages of Mishnah and Gemara (in English translation), exploring themes such as diaspora, worship without the Temple, and the meaning of Jewish nationhood. Each session stands on its own, so you won’t fall behind if you miss one. Bagels and coffee will be served!
