Class Title – Rabbi Elazar ben Pedath – Rabbinic Narratives of Strength and Resilience
Class taught by Leah Rosenthal
Class description: Many of the stories of individual Rabbinic personalities of the Talmud are narratives of strength and resilience. As dramatic and traumatic historic events befall the Jewish people, the Rabbis of the classic Mishnaic and Talmudic periods take up the mantle of leadership and take on central roles in navigating new challenges to Jewish survival and continuity. In this session, we will read a collection of Talmudic narratives surrounding one Talmudic personality- Rabbi Elazar ben Pedath. We will attempt to gain insight into his character and the model of Rabbinic leadership he represents, and closely read one particular narrative, which takes us deep into his thoughts and experience and his personal struggle to come to terms with his own experience of personal loss and suffering. We will watch him emerge from his experience stronger and more deeply committed to the Rabbinic role he is destined to fill.
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