ABOUT THIS COURSE

Judaism is counter-cultural.

Judaism is a blistering critique of the world.

Judaism believes that whatever the prevailing wisdom and reason tells you, justice and peace can triumph.

Our community is not merely a reflection or an extension of the culture. We step forward and engage the world with ferocious intention.

We are holy rebels, and our tradition is punk.

GROUND RULES

This program is a lay-run, discussion style forum where we attack topics you won’t hear in your bubbe’s shul.

1. Source materials are researched and provided
2. Explore various “movement positions”, normative halachah, and personal opinion
3. While all ages are welcome, we’re holding frank, no-holds-barred discussions that may not be appropriate for younger folks.
4. Nothing is out of bounds.
5. Respect for plurality of views is imperative.
6. There is reading material sent in advance upon request.

SESSION 1: QUESTIONING THE GENDER BINARY IN JUDAISM

January 16th @ 6pm

In this session, we’ll discuss concepts of gender in Mishnah, Talmud, Midrash, and aggagic literature.  We’ll talk about the movement to make Hebrew gender-inclusive.  We’ll talk about lifecycle events for trans Jews, and affirming trans Jews via language used in ritual.  We’ll also cover mikvah use and name change / transition ceremonies.

Source Sheet on Sefaria: https://www.sefaria.org/sheets/611547.1?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en

Additional reading:
Rabbinical Assembly – Affirming Rights of Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming People
URJ – Resolution on the Rights of Transgender and Gender Non-Confirming People
Rabbinical Assembly – Non-binary Torah Honors
Rabbinical Assembly Teshuvah – Transgender Halachah

Keshet – For LGBTQ+ Equality in Jewish Life
The Nonbinary Hebrew Project

SESSION 2: POLYAMORY IN JUDAISM

February 20th @ 6pm
Online and In-person

Reform and Conservative Judaism have no official rabbinic response to polyamory, but the consensus is generally “no.”  There’s a whole range of reasons within our tradition why it’s not permitted, but there’s  still a discussion as to how we handle this shifting dynamic within our institutions.  Should we break with the past?

SESSION 3: CONSEQUENTIALISM, DEONTOLOGY, and VIRTUE ETHICS in JUDAISM

March Date TBD @ 6pm

Explore the obvious tension between consequentialism (where we gauge right and wrong based on the consequences of an action) and deontology (actions are right or wrong under a series of rules, not consequences).  We’ll also discuss modern Judaism’s increasing emphasis on virtue ethics, even though it’s present as far back as Rambam.

SESSION 4: JEWROTICA

April Date TBD @ 6pm

Let’s talk about sex. Jewish Erotica is a thing, and “sex positive” Judaism is also a thing.  We’ll discuss the place of human sexuality within Judaism.  We’ll get into masochism’s Jewish roots.  What salacious kinks are permitted?  THIS ONE IS NOT FOR THE KIDS, LIKE AT ALL.