Abraham Before Sinai: What Makes Judaism Meaningful?

Did Abraham begin to practice Judaism as a toddler or as an adult? How could he have done so before the Torah was given at Mount Sinai? This midrash (interpretive story) raises a profound question: how is it possible to observe a tradition that hadn’t yet been formally revealed? Using midrash as our anchor, we’ll explore what this suggests about what makes Judaism meaningful—and how we might find God in our own lives. We’ll ask whether religious practice is intuitive, or if it requires slow, deliberate reasoning to shape how we live and believe.

Samson Goldberg has taught Jewish texts in a wide variety of settings, including the Prozdor High School at JTS, the Genesis Precollege Program at Brandeis University, and Reform and Orthodox synagogues in his hometown of Albany, New York. He has studied at the yeshiva at the Hadar Institute in New York City and Yeshivat Ma'ale Gilboa in northern Israel. Samson has a bachelor's degree in Philosophy, Politics, and Law, with minors in History and Religious Studies, from Binghamton University.

Who are these classes for?

Our classes are for everyone—whether you’re brand new to the topic or have been engaging with it for years, we encourage participation from people of all backgrounds, identities, and experience levels. Unless otherwise noted, no prior knowledge or experience is needed. Not sure if a class is for you? Email us at [email protected]!

Why are there tickets at different prices?

Our tickets utilize a Pay-What-You-Can model so attendees can pay a range of prices based on what they are able to pay to allow for greater accessibility. Please select the price point that feels right for you.

Can I eat during class?

While we do not serve food in the study, you are welcome to order and enjoy drinks during class and join us for a meal before or after class. We highly recommend making a reservation if you know you'll be dining with us. Visit www.lehr.haus/reservation to check availability and book a table.