The Living and the Dead: How Ancient Rabbis Shaped Jewish Mourning

What did the ancient rabbis believe happened to a person after death — and how did those beliefs shape the rituals we know today? The Talmudic period facilitated the development of many of the Jewish mourning practices we recognize — including sitting shiva and customs surrounding the body. This class explores how these customs arose in response to rabbinic conceptions of death, the afterlife, and the animated status of corpses. We’ll examine how rabbinic mourning practices reflected a theology in which both the soul of the deceased and the mourner undergo overlapping journeys, each gradually transitioning between life and death. Through Talmudic texts, midrash, and modern scholarship, students will trace how these rituals made tangible the belief that the dead retained sentience, affect, and agency — and how the living temporarily entered their liminal world before being ritually restored to life.

Sarah Zemelman is a student at Harvard Divinity School, pursuing a Master of Theological Studies degree with a focus in Judaism. Her undergraduate thesis, “Living and Dying Beyond Death: The Animacy of the Rabbinic Dead,” earned Highest Honors at Swarthmore College. Sarah has worked as a Jewish educator and community builder in a variety of roles, including Social Chair of Bryn Mawr College’s Hillel Chapter, Hebrew school teacher, and fellow with San Francisco Jewish Family & Children’s Services’ Next Chapter Program. She is excited to join Lehrhaus as a class host and teacher.

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.