Between Fire and Faith: The Radical Theology of Rabbi Meir’s 9th of Av Lament

In 1242, thousands of copies of the Talmud were burned in Paris—an act of religious violence that Rabbi Meir of Rothenburg, one of the greatest medieval Ashkenazi scholars, immortalized in a haunting lament. Recited each year on the 9th of Av, a day of mourning for Jewish destruction and exile, Rabbi Meir’s poem offers not just grief but a radical theological response to Christian power, messianic hope, and the meaning of Jewish suffering. In this class, we’ll study his lament as both poetry and protest, exploring how it grapples with the tensions between Judaism and Christianity in the medieval period and beyond.

Rabbi Dr. Yaakov Jaffe serves as the rabbi of the Maimonides Kehillah, founded by Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik in 1963, and as the Dean of Judaic Studies at Maimonides School, both in Brookline, Mass. He is the author of Isaiah and His Contemporaries, on the book and times of the prophet Yeshayahu. Rabbi Jaffe received his ordination and doctorate from Yeshiva University, where he holds graduate degrees in Bible, Jewish History, and Jewish Education and where he also studied in YU’s Kollel Elyon for three years. Rabbi Jaffe's unique approach to Tanach and Hebrew poetry is informed by his degree in English and Comparative Literature from Columbia University and the historicist approach to the study of ancient texts. He has published more than three dozen scholarly articles on a wide array of topics, including Jewish Law, Tanach, Prayer, and Jewish Philosophy.

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.