The Books of Ezra and Nehemiah describe a dynamic period in the narrative of our people. During the first decades following the return from Babylonian exile, new rituals emerge which provide the foundation for our Jewish lives. In this class, Rabbi Simcha Bob will look closely at key verses from Ezra and Nehemiah which reveal the birth of Judaism as we know it, drawing on his new book to explore how Isaiah's vision that Torah would come forth from Zion unfolded in these days. Topics will include the shift from Paleo-Hebrew to the Hebrew script we use today, the start of public Torah reading before the community in Jerusalem, and the emergence of the Jewish calendar, including month names like Elul and Kislev. Zoom only.

Beth Emet relies on budgeted funds and donations to support adult education. This year, instead of class fees, we aim to raise $4,000 to cover costs. Please consider an optional donation at registration to help sustain lifelong learning.