We Built this City on Rock and... Torah

What would a truly just and livable Jewish city look like? In this hands-on workshop, we’ll explore that question by engaging with traditional Jewish texts—from discussions of city planning to halachic principles about fairness, access, and communal responsibility—and applying them to the urgent challenges facing our communities today. Together, we’ll “build a city” from the ground up: designing sustainable, equitable, and halachically grounded urban spaces. Along the way, we’ll reflect on how ancient wisdom can guide real-world change in the places we live.

Noah Slovin works as an Urban Planner around sustainability and climate resilience. He previously worked as an outdoor educator at Camp Ramah in New England and the Teva Learning Center, where a game of Build a City changed his life. He lives in Somerville with his wife Naomi and son Z'ev.

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.