Talmud in Action - Weekly Talmud Study
REGISTER HERE FOR THE CURRENT SESSION
Talmud Study? For me? But isn't that just for people who have a lot of experience and knowledge? Or Jews who are strictly observant of Jewish law? Or people who read and speak Hebrew? Not at Kol Ami!
We welcome students of all levels to this class on Jewish thought and practice!
Talmud in Action is ideal for beginner and intermediate learners - no prior knowledge is assumed, and all classes are taught in English. Texts are provided in both English translation and the original Hebrew or Aramaic. Recordings of past classes are available if missed or for newcomers.
At our weekly Thursday morning class, we learn how the Talmud and later rabbinic texts have defined Jewish thought and practice from antiquity up to the present. We see how the earliest rabbis thought deeply about issues of Jewish ritual, philosophy, spirituality and civic life, and how Jewish law and practice continue to evolve today. We explore classic sections of Jewish text that address ethical dilemmas and our obligations to one another during moments of conflict, both big and small.
Here's what some of our students have to say:
"It's so refreshing engaging in a deeper dive of Talmud Study. Beyond the class, further reflections on the material plus a deeper understanding of connections around me, continually add to the high value. Rabbi Paikin is extremely knowledgeable, well prepared and he is an exemplary facilitator balancing input, discussion and source material. Highly recommended!"
"I love the Talmud classes I have taken with Rabbi Paikin. The hour is always stimulating and engaging. We explore topics and ideas that stay with me and continue to circulate in my mind long after our lively discussions have ended. Rabbi Paikin has an appealing sense of humour and he is interested in everyone's ideas."
"I've been amazed at how relevant these ancient texts are today, and how the issues we struggle with in the 21st century have so much in common with our what our ancestors faced through the centuries. The Talmud is full of great arguments and discussions, colourful characters, great stories, and a lot of humour. Ultimately, it is a very human document."
"Thursday morning Talmud study is great! All questions are good questions. A fun and welcoming group, an enthusiastic and learned teacher. Talmud study is for everyone!"
2024-2025 COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
We are offering three Talmud in Action sessions this year, all on Thursdays from 9:00 to 10:00 AM. You can register for each session separately. There is no fee for members of Kol Ami. Non-members' tuition is $72 (CAD) per session.
FALL SESSION - September 19 to December 19, 2024 (excluding Jewish holidays on October 3, 17 and 24)
Stolen Rituals: Accountability in the Talmud
Our year begins with a question that has surprisingly far-reaching implications: Is it okay to use a stolen lulav? Just in time for Sukkot, we’ll explore the story of this famous ritual object. In this mini-course, we'll dive into an intricate discussion on theft, compensation, and the ways we are held accountable for our behaviour within both legal and spiritual frameworks. We’ll study texts that illuminate Judaism’s approach to loss, despair, and the classic concept of "finders keepers."
WINTER SESSION - January 2 to March 27, 2025
Wounded Wisdom: The Talmud on Injury and Responsibility
For millennia, Judaism has been accused – unfairly – of being a harsh, legalistic tradition. Much of this charge has historically centered on the Torah’s “eye for an eye” commandment. However, the earliest rabbis were at best ambivalent toward corporal and capital punishment, never interpreting this commandment literally. In this second mini-course, we'll explore how the rabbis creatively argued against the literal reading of the Torah through the laws of personal injury and restitution. We’ll learn the moral and legal implications of harm and healing in the Jewish tradition and explore how the Talmud balances justice, compassion, and human dignity.
SPRING SESSION - April 3 to June 26, 2025
Warrior's Code: The Talmud’s Rules of Engagement
In a time when war and conflict are at the forefront of our minds, we'll explore how the Talmud addresses the complexities of battle. From the principles guiding just warfare, the balance between duty and morality, and the conduct of soldiers, to the treatment of captives and non-combatants, we’ll delve into how these laws and ideas have been interpreted across different eras and places. We'll also examine how contemporary scholars, ethicists, and spiritual leaders engage with these teachings today.
OUR TEACHER - RABBI JESSE PAIKIN
Rabbi Paikin is the Executive Director for Base, a division of Moishe House. Prior to his current position, he served as a rabbi at Washington’s Sixth & I Historic Synagogue, where he held a Fellowship from the Jewish Emergent Network – a group of seven upstart, independent spiritual communities. He also recently served as a Research Fellow with M², the Institute for Experiential Jewish Education, where he researched and designed new pedagogies to influence the ways that Jewish educators teach.
Rabbi Paikin is honoured to continue teaching at Kol Ami, where he grew up, celebrated his Bar Mitzvah and Confirmation, and was a leader in TAKAY, our youth group.
