Mishnah with Rabbi Louis Polisson (4 Week Course)

Meeting the Mishnah: An Introduction and Exploration 4 Weeks: October 13, 20, 27, November 3

Join Rabbi Louis for an exploration of the Mishnah, the first layer of the Talmud and one of the core texts of Rabbinic Judaism. We'll start with a historical overview and learn about how, when, and why Jews have studied Mishnah religiously. We'll proceed to commentaries on excerpts from the Mishnah from modern feminist thinkers and contemporary queer scholars. We'll consider how the Mishnah relates to the Gemara (and vice versa), and experience Mishnah study as a spiritual practice.

Zoom Option

We encourage everyone to attend in person whenever possible, but we know that isn’t always possible. A limited Zoom option will be available for those who need it. The Zoom session will be non-participatory and will not be monitored, but it offers a way to join and follow along. All registrants will receive the Zoom link.

This class is part of a 28 week series Unlocking the Jewish Library: Encountering Judaism’s Sacred Texts

The library of Jewish sacred literature is a vast ocean. Spanning more than 3,500 years, these texts were written across continents, cultures, and centuries. They speak in many voices and genres—from narrative and poetry to legal discourse and spiritual reflection. Each generation builds upon what came before, creating an ongoing conversation that links us to our ancestors while inviting us to bring our own experiences, questions and insights.

This 28-week course, led by eight different teachers, offers an accessible introduction to the major genres of Jewish sacred literature and the relationships between them. Together we will explore Mishnah, Talmud, Midrash, Halachah, Responsa (Teshuvot), Tefilah, Chasidut, Kabbalah–with the aim of gaining a deeper appreciation for the texts that continue to shape Jewish life and tradition.

Participants are encouraged to join the full course (all eight modules), but are also welcome to register for individual modules. Classes are designed to be engaging and meaningful for both beginners and seasoned learners. No prior knowledge or experience is required—only curiosity and a willingness to explore.