Join this weekly “lunch and learn” series from 11 May – 8 June at 13:00 CET
Join this weekly “lunch and learn” series from 11 May – 8 June at 13:00 CET
About
Sometimes people think that Judaism needs to play catch-up to fit in with modern ideas. Or that the Jewish world is afraid of encountering new thoughts. In this lunch and Jewish learning series leading up to Shavuot, Jewish educators and thinkers will share their reflections on how Judaism engages with the modern world. Join one, some or all of the sessions, we’ll feed your mind while you feed your stomach.
Humor is Not a Laughing Matter – Wednesday 11 May 2022, 13:00 – 14:00 CET, Rabbi David Levin-Kruss
This is a sometimes light-hearted, sometimes-serious look at the issue of humor. Why do we laugh? What does our laughter tell us about ourselves? How has humor helped form the Jews as a people?
Making Mensches: An Exploration – Tuesday 17 May 2022, 13:00 – 14:00 CET, Rabbi Jeremy Borovitz
Together, we will explore what makes a value ‘Jewish,’ and how we can use these values and ideas towards being better versions of ourselves.
Exceptional Jewish Women – Wednesday 25 May, 13:00 – 14:00 CET, Danielle Chaimovitz Basok
Regardless of where one stands ideologically, the discussion about women’s role in Judaism is still one of the most dynamic and important issues in Judaism today. We will discuss female characters who have left their mark from biblical times until the 21st century.
Torah and Evolution: Clash or Partnership? – Wednesday 1 June, 13:00 – 14:00 CET, Rabbi Dr. Raphael Zarum
While the Torah is clear that every plant and animal species was individually designed “according to its kind”, Darwin’s theory of evolution states the multitude of species we see today all evolved from just a few original forms. Which is right? And if humans evolved too then how could we have been created “in God’s image?”
Beyond Torah Yoga. Reconnecting to Jewish Spirituality – Wednesday 8 June, 13:00 – 14:00 CET, Dr. Mira Neshama Niculescu
Eastern spiritualities and traditional Jewish practice share the importance of embodied spirituality, an emphasis on loving kindness, and a yearning for unity in a seemingly scattered world. Text learning, discussion, and Jewish meditation will be used to reconnect to and reclaim Jewish Spirituality.
To fully take part in the series and to connect with other European Jewish community professionals, participants are requested to join from a computer rather than a mobile device and to turn on camera mode. We also advise you to update to the latest version of Zoom available.
Please note that Live Transcript (English Subtitles) will be available.
Spaces are limited and priority will be given to Jewish community professionals living and working in Europe/UK.
NB: the sessions will take place at 13:00-14:00 CET (12:00-13:00 UK, 14:00-15:00 Baltics and Bulgaria).
Please register for each workshop separately. We will aim to confirm your place within 3 working days.
Yesod Europe: Humor is Not a Laughing Matter with Rabbi David Levin-Kruss
Yesod Europe: Making Mensches: An Exploration with Rabbi Jeremy Borovitz
Yesod Europe: Exceptional Jewish Women with Danielle Chaimovitz Basok
Yesod Europe: Torah and Evolution: Clash or Partnership? with Dr. Rabbi Raphael Zarum
Yesod Europe: Beyond Torah Yoga. Reconnecting to Jewish Spirituality with Dr. Mira Neshama Niculescu
Please be in touch with us at info@yesodeurope.eu with any questions.
Humor is Not a Laughing Matter – Wednesday 11 May 2022, 13:00 – 14:00 CET, Rabbi David Levin-Kruss
Rabbi David Levin-Kruss is Jewish Learning Director for Yesod Europe and Director of Jewish Education for JDC Europe.
Making Mensches: An Exploration – Tuesday 17 May 2022, 13:00 – 14:00 CET, Rabbi Jeremy Borovitz
Rabbi Jeremy Borovitz is the Director of Jewish Learning at Hillel Deutschland. He lives in Berlin with his wife, Rabbi Rebecca Blady, and their two children.
Exceptional Jewish Women – Wednesday 25 May, 13:00 – 14:00 CET, Danielle Chaimovitz Basok
Danielle Chaimovitz Basok is Jewish Educator at the Tallinn JCC and the Jewish Community of Estonia. She served as Rebbetzyn of the Jewish community in Wroclaw, Poland, for over 4 years. She is passionate about Jewish history and Jewish food.
Torah and Evolution: Clash or Partnership? – Wednesday 1 June, 13:00 – 14:00 CET, Rabbi Dr. Raphael Zarum
Rabbi Dr. Raphael Zarum is the Dean of the London School of Jewish Studies and the Rabbi Sacks Chair of Modern Jewish Thought. He has a PhD in theoretical physics and is completing a book about challenging questions on the Torah, including the issue of Darwinian evolution.
Beyond Torah Yoga. Reconnecting to Jewish Spirituality – Wednesday 8 June, 13:00 – 14:00 CET, Dr. Mira Neshama Niculescu
Paris born Dr. Mira Neshama Niculescu is a scholar and teacher of Jewish spirituality. Currently associated with both the Hebrew University and Oxford University, she writes and teaches about Jewish Buddhists and Jewish Meditation and leads mindfulness retreats.
