Description
This class will study a sermon for Hanukkah delivered in the Warsaw Ghetto in 1941 by Rabbi Kalonymus Kalman Shapira, the Piaseczner Rebbe. The sermon asks how we maintain faith when going through difficult times, whether individually or as a nation. Rabbi Shapira weaves together the Hanukkah story, the oppression he and his followers are enduring, and a wide variety of rabbinic texts to give a framework for holding onto faith and purpose in the midst of darkness. The class will focus both on analysis of R. Shapira's sermon and a discussion of how his ideas about faith and suffering are similar or different from our own. All texts will be provided in translation.
Artwork: Child’s Drawing of Hanukkah in Terezin - Helga Weissova (b. 1929), Hannukkah in the Attic L410, 1943
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Rabbi Michael Fraade is a home hospice chaplain at Beth Israel Lahey Health at Home. Born in Connecticut, he was raised in a family that fostered his love of Judaism from an early age. In the past he has worked as a farmer and Jewish outdoor educator in the south; learned Torah at a variety of progressive yeshivas including Hadar, Yashrut, and Pardes; and volunteered with nonprofits focused on food justice, reproductive rights, and Jewish communal life. He was ordained by Hebrew College in 2024, and previously worked as a chaplain at Massachusetts General Hospital. Michael’s interests include being outside, Talmud, cooking, sports, dogs, and ancient Israelite agriculture. He lives in Cambridge, MA with his wife, Rabbi Jenn Queen, their son Ezra, and their dog Priya.
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
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