In the 9th chapter of the book of Bamidbar (Numbers), The Torah speaks of a "second Pesach" to take place one month after Pesach/Passover on the 14th day of the month of Iyar. This text based class will use a number of classical medieval Torah commentators as well as some contemporary Torah personalities to analyze the historical, Halachic and practical significance of this ambiguous day. Under what circumstances would someone celebrate Pesach a month after the rest of the Jewish nation and what would that individual be required to do? We will explore the fascinating story behind how this peculiar "do over day" came to be during the Jewish people's sojourn in the desert, as well as present some deeply inspiring insights on the meaning and symbolism of Pesach Sheni relevant to any Jew today willing to believe in the power of second chances. 

Ellie Riesel joined the Boston community 6 years ago, after teaching Tanach at Berman Hebrew Academy in Silver Spring, MD. She has previously worked as a Tanach teacher and Director of Student Life at Maimonides School in Brookline, and now works alongside her husband Rabbi Yudi Riesel directing Boston NCSY, the teen youth group of the Orthodox Union. Ellie and her husband live in Newton with their 4 children.