Hebrew College Koleinu: Faculty Spotlight, Dignity Project, Purim & More

March 21, 2024 | 11 Adar II 5784

Koleinu |our voice|

Reimagining Jewish learning and leadership for an interconnected world.

Parashat Vayikra | Candlelighting 6:41 PM EST

FACULTY SPOTLIGHT

Rabbi Jane Kanarek, Hebrew College Rabbinical School

“I love Hebrew College’s commitment to rigorous text study, the creation of community across difference, and poetic religious language. I am drawn to teaching rabbinical students both because I get to teach the texts I love in their original Hebrew and Aramaic and because I do so in a context where I am challenged to constantly bridge ancient and contemporary worlds. All of this is in service of helping our students to imagine the kinds of rich Jewish communities they want to help to create and sustain.”

Rabbi Kanarek is associate professor of rabbinics & associate dean at the Rabbinical School.

Dignity Project Fellows Celebrate their Experience

By Liz Aeschlimann, Director, Dignity Project of Hebrew College

The 2023-2024 Dignity Project Fellows completed their fellowship year with a celebration on March 3. Through original music, dance, poetry, and more, they reflected on their experience of building community across difference, and shared their visions for the future. As fellow Maryama Farah wrote, “In the heart of the Dignity Project, a diverse group of fellows faced a crucial moment during our first dialogue... Tension filled the room as we approached the first exercise, designed to strip away our defenses and reveal vulnerabilities. Yet, empathy became the force that held us together. Walls came down, and judgment gave way to understanding.”

Applications for the 2024-2025 Dignity Project cohort are open here, or send nominations to Liz at laeschlimann@hebrewcollege.edu.

SEVENTY FACES OF TORAH

What is Ours to Do? The “Humble” Aleph of Leviticus 1:1

Why is Moses described as “humbler” than all other people? Because while they turned their gaze downward—to “the earth”—Moses looked up to the heavens. Meaning, Moses did not think of himself as a lowly creature, but in meditating on the vastness of creation, and his place in it, he came to an appropriate assessment of his stature...Moses did not seek to aggrandize or belittle himself, but to position himself fittingly within the “great chain of being.”

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"I tell you this story [about my Purim experience as a 4 1/2 year old who wanted chocolate hamantaschen] to echo my grandmother's advice: 'I think you should do something about it.' And to echo Mordechai to Esther, 'Maybe you’ve attained your position for this very moment.' If there is change you wish to pursue, there is no better moment than this, no better person than you. Chag Sameach and may all your hamantaschen be chocolate!"

Watch more Kavanot in 60 here.

Catch up on recent Hebrew College news and stories, including articles about faculty, students, and alumni who have been recognized for their work and scholarship. Read more

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HEBREW COLLEGE SPRING ART EXHIBIT

“Legacy: A Woman of Two Worlds”

Opening Event on April 8

5:00-7:00 p.m.
Hebrew College Mascott Beit Midrash

Featuring works by artist Frances Miller Exhibit runs April 8–June 18, 2024

Learn more, visit & RSVP to the opening

FLAVORS OF FREEDOM PASSOVER EVENTS

More than Manischewitz: Drinks to Uplift your Passover Experience

Along with Rachel Sturges from Lehrhaus’ renowned bartending team, explore the role of craft cocktails and mocktails and how they can infuse, enrich, and uplift your Passover.

Sponsored by Hebrew College Adult Learning, Lehrhaus, and Base BSTN

March 21 | 7:30-9 p.m. | Lehrhaus

Learn more & register

More than Melodies: Exploring the Sounds of Redemption

Along with Rabbi Jessica Kate Meyer, Hebrew College’s Artist-in-Residence and Rosh Tefilla, immerse yourself in the intersection of music and freedom and unearth new songs for your Passover table.

Sponsored by Hebrew College Adult Learning, Lehrhaus, and Base BSTN

March 28 | 7:30-9 p.m. | Lehrhaus

Learn more & register

Taste of Hebrew College Me’ah Classic

Meet with instructor Rabbi Benjamin Samuels, enjoy a sample lesson, and learn how you can join the Me’ah journey.

March 25 | 7-8 p.m. | Zoom

Learn more & register

Judaism is About Love

A book event with Rabbi Shai Held, with respondents Dr. Jerome Groopman and Rabbi Sharon Cohen Anisfeld.

April 4 | 7-8:30 p.m. | Harvard Hillel and streaming live

Learn more & register

Spring Art Exhibit, “Legacy: A Woman of Two Worlds”April 8–June 18 Hebrew College’s spring art exhibition, “Legacy: A Woman of Two Worlds,” featuring works by artist Frances Miller. Opening Event on April 8 | 5-7 p.m. | Hebrew College Mascott Beit Midrash

Learn more, visit & RSVP to the opening

GROW Adult Learning Series
April: With Strong Hands and Outstretched Arms: The Journey out of EgyptExplore how the image of God's strong hand and outstretched arm simultaneously comforts and challenges us.

Instructor: Rabbi Sharon Cohen Anisfeld, Hebrew College PresidentApril 10 | 12-1 p.m. | Zoom

Learn more & register | Dedicate a session

Connie Spear Birnbaum Memorial Lecture

Featuring William Daroff, CEO of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, and prominent campus activists from area universities.
Sponsored by Hebrew College and Temple Reyim

April 14 | 7 p.m. | Hebrew College
Learn more

April Soul Sounds Concert

Until Love Pleases: Piyutim of Shir HaShirim and Pesah

Featuring Yoni Battat, Anat Halevy Hochberg, and Rabbi Jessica Kate Meyer,
Join musicians from the new ensemble, Kedma, for a night of piyyutim (liturgical poetry) of Pesah and The Song of Songs.

April 18 | 7-8:30 p.m. | Hebrew College Musicant Cohen Center for Performing Arts
Learn more & purchase tickets

Rabbi Ellen Bernstein z”l & The Song of Songs: Toward a Holy Ecology

Honor Rabbi Ellen Bernstein’s, of blessed memory, legacy, and reflect on the insightful teachings in her final published work, Toward a Holy Ecology: Reading the Songs of Songs in the Age of Climate Crisis.

Sponsored by Hebrew College, Aleph, and B’nai Or of Boston

April 28 | 11 a.m-1 p.m. | Zoom
Learn more

Celebration of Adult Learning Learn with Rabbi Charlie Schwartz, Director of Lehrhaus: A Jewish Tavern & House of Learning. May 1 | 7-8:30 p.m. | Hebrew College Musicant Cohen Center for Performing Arts

Learn more

May Soul Sounds Concert

Until Love Pleases: Piyutim of Shir HaShirim and Pesah

Jerusalem-born guitarist and composer Ira Klein combines his love of traditional Jewish music and contemporary music to create a cutting-edge performance combining music, dance, and visuals, all inspired by the mysterious 13th-century Catalan Mahzor manuscript.

May 5 | 7-8:30 p.m. | Hebrew College Musicant Cohen Center for Performing Arts
Learn more & purchase tickets

Hebrew College Me’ah Jewish Discovery Tour to Spain

9-day tour exploring Jewish Sepharad in Spain. Offered in conjunction with Keshet Educational Journeys.

May 5-14 | Spain

Learn more & register

SAVE THE DATE
Hebrew College Spring Gala 2024

Honoring Jehuda Reinharz, Rabbi Adina Allen, David Hoffman and Esther Award recipient Dr. Rachel Fish.

May 9 | 6:30 p.m. | Hebrew College

Learn more

BECOME A HEBREW COLLEGE MONTHLY SUSTAINER

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