Rediscovering Wonder In A World That Feels Broken: What We Can Learn From The Ancient "Blessing of the Trees"

Each spring, Jewish tradition invites us to say a rare and beautiful blessing upon seeing blossoming trees for the first time: "and the world lacks for nothing." In an age of climate anxiety, loss, and disconnection, these words can feel almost jarring—out of sync with our lived reality.Together, we’ll explore a surprising midrash about how God lured the first human into the world through beauty, and ask: does this blessing ask us to do the same—to see the world not as it is, but as it could be?We’ll also dig into the halachic (Jewish legal) framework of the blessing, and how its details craft a specific kind of spiritual and sensory experience.No prior knowledge of Jewish law, Talmud, or even the blessing itself is needed—just come with curiosity, and a willingness to see the world anew.

Hanna Cherlow is clinical psychologist in training and a life-long Torah learner.

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.