Pattern Maker: The Legacy & Lineage of Rabbi Akiva

Rabbi Akiva is one of the central figures in the Mishnah (the first written collection of the oral Torah) and a seeker of sparks. He is quoted as saying that if the Torah had not been given, we could live our lives by the (erotic and sensual) Song of Songs. He taught that even the tiny crowns on the Hebrew letters have worlds inside them. This class will be a mix of practice and study. We'll open with a chant from Song of Songs and then explore through text how we can connect to Akiva as ancestor and teacher.

Ariel Hendelman is a senior Rabbinic student with the Aleph Ordination Program and the spiritual leader of B'nai Or Boston (a Jewish Renewal community). Ariel leads chant and meditation circles online and in person, as well as retreats that center around dreamwork and meaningful melodic prayer. Her debut album, Prayer for Fire & Water, is out now.

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.