In a Limmud North America first, this year’s Limmud eFestival will be featuring a Pardes Track. A different member of the Pardes North America faculty will be hosting a session each day of the festival. Learn more about each session below.
Sunday, February 27
Together we will explore the different reasons given for Mordechai’s refusal to bow to Haman and discuss how this might influence Jewish responses to anti-semitism today.
Monday, February 28
Are you a Jewish atheist? Not sure what you believe? Then this is the discussion for you! By confronting a number of profound and often overlooked biblical stories, we will learn that by shifting the question from “What do I believe about God?” to “What have I experienced?” we can find new understandings of what it means to be connected to the Divine.
Tuesday, March 1
We live in a moment of unprecedented breakdown in civil discourse. Yet, our Jewish tradition upholds the principle that constructive disagreement for the sake of heaven (Mahloket L’Shem Shamayim), is not only imperative but a vital tool to generate discussion, critical thinking, personal growth, and the deepening of relationships. Through the study of Jewish texts and social psychology, we will distinguish between different types of disagreements and explore why good people may have diametrically opposing views on moral issues.
Wednesday, March 2
The stories we tell determine the relationships we have. How do we change our stories, and in so doing, change – and even improve – our relationships? Join us for an exploration of teshuva, or return, as a constant, vital, Jewish practice.
Thursday, March 3
With Professor Ziva R. Hassenfeld
This class tells the story of Miriam through a number of biblical moments and midrashim. We look at her incredible and perhaps anti-climactic life in search of her moment of prophecy. What we learn through Miriam is a deep truth we won’t want to live without.
Visit the Limmud eFestival website to learn more about the event.