Parshat Ve’etchanan contains some of the most iconic passages in the Torah—including Moses’ retelling of the Ten Commandments and the Shema. As Moses continues his final address to the Israelites, he revisits earlier moments with new urgency and emotion, inviting us to hear the familiar in a different key. And yet, for all its poetry, the parsha delivers precious little new information. What do we do with passages of Torah that loop back in on themselves? What can we glean when we feel we already know what is going on? How can the familiar surprise us? We will discuss these questions while looking in depth at the first few aliyot of the parsha. No prior experience needed!

In partnership with Moishe House - Kendall Square. Moishe House's Mission is to provide vibrant Jewish community, learning and leadership for young adults in their 20s and early 30s by supporting them as they create and actively engage in meaningful Jewish experiences for themselves and their peers. You can learn more about the Kendall Square Moishe House here.

Abby Fisher (they/them) is an educator and playwright currently studying for Rabbinic Ordination at Hebrew College. Last summer, their original play, which explores queer coming of age in a Torah-centered community premiered off Broadway at New York City's The Tank theater. Their writing has appeared in The Huffington Post, Lilith Magazine, The Jewish Daily Forward, and The Jewish Women's Archive. Abby's approach to text is curiosity-driven, letting questions arise and drive us through the material. In particular, Abby loves to learn aggadic (story-based) passages of Talmud, which showcase how the rabbis made meaning from the mundane. Let's go on a Torah adventure together!

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.