Thursdays, October 26, November 2, 9, and 16
(4 sessions)
3pm Eastern | Noon Pacific
One hour and 15 minutes per session
Join Rabbi Leah Berkowitz as we explore the perennial Jewish art form known as midrash. Midrash is a literary art that takes existing Jewish texts and expands upon them, filling in the gaps, answering burning questions, and making meaning for ourselves from the ancient texts. We will look at both ancient and modern examples of midrash, then try our hand at creating our own interpretations of our people's sacred story. No previous knowledge of the Bible, Hebrew language, or experience with making art is necessary. Please have writing materials (or the art supplies of your choice) at the ready.
--------------------------------------------------------
Taught By:
Rabbi Leah Rachel Berkowitz is the spiritual leader of Congregation Kol Ami in Elkins Park, PA. She is a Past President of the Women's Rabbinic Network and serves on the faculty of the URJ 6 Points Creative Arts Academy. Rabbi Berkowitz holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Near Eastern and Judaic Studies and Journalism from Brandeis University (2003). She was ordained at HUC-JIR, where she also earned dual masters degrees in Hebrew Literature and Religious Education (2008).
She is a contributor to The Sacred Calling: Four Decades of Women in the Rabbinate (Winner of the 2016 National Jewish Book Award), and is the author of four children's books: The World Needs Beautiful Things, Queen Vashti's Comfy Pants, and The Moving Box Sukkah, and Maybe It Happened This Way: Bible Stories Reimagined (with co-author Erica Wovsaniker). You can find her on social media @rabbilrb or online at leahrachelberkowitz.com