Adam's First Sunset: A Midrash on Darkness, Dawn, and the Secret to Jewish Survival
Description
On his first night of life, Adam watched the sun set and came to the reasonable conclusion that the world was ending. We’ll study the midrash of that first sunset next to Simon Rawidowicz’s classic essay “Israel: The Ever-Dying People,” which observed that nearly every Jewish generation has felt the same way as Adam once did: We had a good run, but it's that run that is about to end. Drawing on recent research and personal experience, we'll explore why Jews continue to brace for the worst, and why the sun keeps coming up, generation after generation. Worriers and optimists alike will be welcomed and challenged, and no Hebrew or background knowledge is required.
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Rabbi Elan Babchuck serves as the Executive Vice President at Clal, the National Jewish Center for Learning and Leadership, and the Founding Director of Glean Network. He was ordained and earned his MBA in 2012, and will complete a PhD in Jewish Studies in 2027.
A sought-after thought leader, he is the author of the forthcoming The Rest of Your Life (Penguin Random House, 2027), and previously co-authored Picking Up the Pieces: Leadership After Empire (2024, Fortress Press), and Meaning Making – 8 Values That Drive America’s Newest Generations (2020, St. Mary’s Press). He has delivered keynotes at stages ranging from TED to the Pentagon, he has been published in The Atlantic, The New York Times, The Boston Globe, Washington Post, Psychology Today, and Religion News Service, and he has a column for The Wisdom Daily.
He is a Faith & Media Initiative Fellow, a Founding Partner of Builders, a movement to counteract polarization, and a founding Board Member of Springtide Research Institute, which focuses on faith, mental health and Gen Z. He lives in Providence, Rhode Island with his wife and their three children, and in his spare time he enjoys rock climbing and gardening.
FAQs
- 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 Learning@Lehr.haus!
- 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.
- Getting to Lehrhaus?
Street parking is readily available on Washington Street or Beacon Street (Map). The meters all take quarters or can be paid through the ParkBoston or ParkMobile apps. The closest T stops are Union Square (Green Line D & E, 0.8 mile walk, or #109 bus) and Harvard Square (Red Line, 0.8 mile walk, or the #109 bus). There is a bus stop just out front, on Washington (#83 and #109).
Learn More with Lehrhaus
We've now introduced a new way to learn at Lehrhaus, our Learning+ membership. It's designed to make learning a regular part of your routine.
Lehrhaus Learning+ members join a community built around big ideas, great conversations, and delicious meals. For $36/month, you get:
Two free class tickets every month
Unlimited 1:1 learning sessions with our educators
Member-only social events
Pre-sale access to special events
$25 Tavern gift card
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