Description
When do we welcome Shabbat in orbit? Or on Mars? Jewish astronauts have already started wrestling with these questions – and so have the rabbis they've consulted.
We'll begin by screening the award-winning half-hour documentary Fiddler on the Moon (yes, your instructor is one of the featured rabbis). From there, we'll explore how established halacha can help us keep sacred time in exotic locales – from the Arctic Circle to the International Space Station to worlds we haven't yet reached. Along the way, we'll read selections from modern Jewish authors that help us chase Shabbat past the edge of the atmosphere.
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Rabbi Josh Breindel ("The Sci-Fi Rabbi") believes that Jewish speculative fiction is a modern form of midrash — wrestling with important questions through stories. He explores that idea at Lehrhaus with a regular series on Jewish fantasy and sci-fi. Featured in JewishBoston and the Jewish Journal, Josh was ordained at Hebrew College and serves as rabbi of Congregation Beth El (Sudbury), where he and his wife host a monthly Jewish F&SF book group. He can be found singing Simon & Garfunkel, cuddling with his cats, or wandering the trails of MetroWest with his family.
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
Tickets for good, not greed Humanitix dedicates 100% of profits from booking fees to charity















