Tefilah with Professor Lois Dubin

Tefilah with Professor Lois Dubin

3 Weeks: March 2, 9, 16

Join Professor Lois Dubin for an exploration of the fundamental ideas of Jewish prayer and liturgy. These include: (1) the basic definition of praise, petition, and gratitude; (2) the daring act of "blessing God"; (3) regular obligation vs. cry of crisis; (4) keva vs. kavvanah – fixed text vs. spontaneous intention. Our study will include discussion of the novel experiences of online, virtual prayer. Texts will include classical and modern sources as well as Prof. Dubin’s article Prayer in a Time of Pandemic: Loneliness, Liturgy, and Virtual Community.

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.