Talmud Circle — OMJCC – Fall 2019/Spring 2020

Lehrhaus Talmud Circle: Tractate Ta’anit – What Do We Know and How Do We Know It? The Talmud raises questions about “Holy Men” pronouncing the “meaning” of a disaster. This narrative section of the Talmud, in the words of Julia Watts Belser, “overturns expected hierarchies of gender, piety, and social status to challenge the theological significance of hunger, suffering, and abundance.” She writes, “These narratives blunt the moral condemnation inherent in disaster – and suggest that blessing often lies beneath the surface of apparent misfortune.” Ahead of Viktor Frankl, who taught, “When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves,” the Talmud asserts that an interpretation of events exercises a powerful influence over experience. Students must purchase the Koren Talmud Bavli Noé, Vol.12: Ta’anit/Megilla, Hebrew/English, print (several versions) or PDF. While the majority of participants are continuing students, anyone may join. If you are new to the study of Talmud, we recommend that you participate in our A Special Morning with the Talmud and the Zohar introductory session on Sunday August 25, 10:00am at the Jewish Community Library in San Francisco. This event is free, however, please register in advance so that we can plan accordingly. If you have questions, please contact Tamar Zaken at tamar@lehrhaus.org or (510) 845-6420.