Welcoming Heshvan

By Rabbi Dan Judson, PhD, Provost of Hebrew College 

Rosh Hodesh Heshvan is associated with the story of Noah and the flood, which we read from the Torah around this period each year, as we will this coming Shabbat. This year in particular it feels appropriate to read a story of peril and transformation as much around us feels uncertain. The joy of seeing the hostages home with their families sits uneasily with the fragility of ceasefire and danger of the potential for renewed fighting in Israel. There is a midrash in Genesis Rabbah about Noah which speaks powerfully to this moment of deep chaos and uncertainty.

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Rabbi Dan Judson

SEVENTY FACES OF TORAH
Returning to Fragile Routine

By Alyssa Coffee, Rabbinical School of Hebrew College student

Parshat Noach (Genesis 6:9-11:2)

While I was blessed with a meaningful High Holy Day season this year, I must confess that, as Sukkot stretched on, I was feeling slightly less than joyful. The news out of Israel and Palestine—and its attendant anticipation—left my heart overflowing with hope and breaking in multiple directions at once. Between Chag, Erev Chag, and Shabbat, I scarcely ever knew what day it was. A sense of malaise settled upon me like shriveled leaves. (Surely, this had nothing to do with eating my meals in a windswept hut.) The holiness of the calendar and its liturgies surrounded me, and what did I yearn for? The sanctity of routine.

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Poetry and Song as Midrash in Motion

As we enter the new Hebrew month of Heshvan, a time traditionally seen as a pause after the intensity of the High Holidays, we invite you to notice, listen, and engage more deeply with the world through poetry at two new "Poetry and Song as Midrash" salon gatherings in Hebrew College's Offit Room.

Tuesday, October 28, 7-8:30 PM
Our first evening, featuring Hebrew College students and faculty, highlights the creative voices within our learning community, weaving together reflection, imagination, and song—a living midrash of our shared experience. Featured poets include Hebrew College faculty members Rabbi Shani Rosenbaum and Rav Rachel Adelman and rabbinical students Risa Dunbar, Marni Loffman, and Yitzi Gittlesohn. Light refreshments will be served.

Tuesday, December 2, 7-8:30 PM
Our second poetry night features poet Matthew Lippman, author of eight poetry collections, who will offer work that illuminates the everyday with humor, depth, and insight—a modern midrash in verse and voice.

Visit the Hebrew College events page to RSVP

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