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Jewish Themes in Fantasy and Sci-Fi: Fairy Tales with Teeth

  • Lehrhaus 425 Washington Street Somerville, MA 02143 USA (map)

Each session of this ongoing series will explore a new aspect of the dynamic connection between Judaism and Speculative Fiction (SF).  This imaginative genre encompasses fantasy, sci-fi, horror and magical realism.  Jewish authors, actors and artists continue to shape modern SF both through explicit mention of Jewish texts and also by nuanced references to Jewish traditions and values.  Lend your voice to the conversation as we explore these strange (and marvelous) new worlds through short stories, video clips and art!

This session: Not all myths are sweet, and not all legends are safe...  In this session, we'll delve into some Jewish tales from the pre-modern age and contrast them with a very contemporary take on a very old story.  Join in the conversation on this magical Jewish journey through space and time!

Rabbi Josh Breindel is delighted to return to Lehrhaus. Serving as the rabbi of Congregation Beth El of the Sudbury River Valley, he holds Masters degrees in Jewish Studies and Jewish Education from Hebrew College, where he was ordained in 2009. As “The Rabbi on the Radio”, he offers weekly reflections and music on Chagigah (WERS). As “The Sci-Fi Rabbi”, he blends ancient Jewish thought with modern speculative fiction in sermons, articles, and an open Jewish F&SF book group at Beth El. He can often be found singing Simon & Garfunkel, wandering the cool, green hills of MetroWest with his wife and children.

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March 19

Jo Sinclair’s Wasteland: A Neglected Classic of U.S. Jewish Literature

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March 23

It Takes Two to Torah: A Book Talk with Abigail Pogrebin & Rabbi Dov Linzer