Zionism challenges us to think about core questions central to Jewish identity and history: Are Jews a people or a religion? Does a Jewish state integrate us more into the world or isolate us? How do we understand the complexities of governing Palestinians in the context of Jewish self-government? Is Jewish life in Israel richer than in America, and how much does that question matter to you? By engaging in a non-ideological, academic exploration of the history and ideas of Zionism and Israel, we can strengthen Jewish communities. Together, let’s figure out what we’re really talking about when it comes to Zionism and Israel, a topic everyone wants to discuss and, sometimes, avoid.

In the transition from Rosh Hashanah to Yom Kippur, it is customary to intentionally deepen one’s practice in the transformational process of teshuva, of repentance and returning to our best selves. Doing so takes courage, self-compassion, and a sense of resourcefulness. Join Rabbi Batya Elana Ellinoy and the Lehrhaus community for an evening of exploring what may support this resourcefulness and enhance our capacity for teshuva. We will do this by way of engaging in Jewish wisdom found both in ancient texts and in our own hearts and bodies with joyous mindfulness practices. Together, we will explore the question, “What does Judaism have to offer about tending to our well-being, and how can such tending be resourced as strength, ease, and hope on our teshuva journey?” No prior knowledge or experience needed. Come as you are.

Participate in a read aloud story written and depicted in an eBook about Mr. Aaron Feuerstein, a local Jewish American Industrialist and Philanthropist through the lens of a young boy from Lawrence, MA.

Explore the significance and controversy of the Kol Nidrei declaration, a central and hauntingly beautiful part of Yom Kippur, as we delve into its history, meaning, and lasting impact on Jewish ritual and creativity.

Learn about Leonora Duarte, the first woman to publish music for the viola da gamba and explore viol consort music with performances by historically informed musicians.

At the heart of the Rosh Hashanah Torah reading is an oft overlooked story, the story of Hagar. In preparation for the holiday we'll read Hagar's story carefully and spaciously through an intersectional feminist lens. Together, we will engage with the text through the spiritual practice of witnessing. We will allow Hagar to speak to us, to show us her agency and unique relationship to God, and to challenge and broaden our understanding of this Day of Awe.

The High Holidays are a time for t'shuva. But how do we actually do t'shuva between us and our neighbors (בן אדם לחברו)? At the heart of this question is conflict engagement and conflict resolution. One goal of this Interpersonal Conflict Workshop is to give us helpful frameworks and practical tools to better reflect and think through that friendship that ruptured, that conversation we are avoiding, that parental dynamic we dread. We will explore different styles of responding to conflict (pros and cons of each style), reflect on t'shuva & G!d within that framework, and have time for self-reflection utilizing a special interpersonal conflict coaching tool.

How do we balance the strictures of Halacha, the way Torahs have been written and repaired, and what contemporary research into materials sciences suggests?

At Rosh Hashanah, we look ahead to the new Jewish year, celebrating the Creation of the world and humanity. Let's prepare for the holiday season by reading two works of Jewish SF that explore the theme of Creation from very different perspectives.

This hands-on class consists of the fundamentals of American Mah Jongg. We will learn everything from the tiles and their functions to the Charleston, and the National Mah Jongg League rules.

As great as the work of tshuvah-- repentance, accountability--sounds to many in theory, when it comes down to it, it can feel intimidating, fraught. Why is this? And what insights about finding our way into the process in our own lives might we be able to apply to cases of systemic or even national repentance work?

Join us for a two-part exploration of Bob Kaufman’s poetic genius, as we delve into his unique, music-infused lines and the lasting impact of his work on the Beat Generation and beyond.

This class explores why a 17th century excommunicated Jewish thinker Baruch/Bento/Benedict Spinoza enjoys such a contested and dynamic reception today. We will look to texts by and about Spinoza in order to glean why so many Jews and non-Jews see Spinoza as a particularly timely source of provocation and guidance.

What’s so Jewish about German beer? Learn about—and taste!—a new beer from Lamplighter Brewery, made for Lehrhaus’ Oktoberfest!

Elissa Felder will share the profound lessons she learned about death, life, the afterlife, and the Chevra Kadisha following the loss of her first child, which brought her comfort and inspired her to live with renewed passion and purpose.

Paul Celan was a Jewish poet writing in the German language. His parents were murdered by the Nazis and he confronted the Holocaust with a unique poetic voice. Martin Heidegger was a renowned philosopher whose enormous influence on 20th century thought has been shadowed by his involvement with the Nazi party. This seminar will explore their improbable intellectual kinship and their eventual face-to-face meeting in the Black Forest.

This hands-on class consists of the fundamentals of American Mah Jongg. We will learn everything from the tiles and their functions to the Charleston, and the National Mah Jongg League rules.

Join us as we come together for an empowering discussion facilitated by Sharsheret about the unique risks and issues that impact Jewish women and families personally affected by, or at elevated genetic risk of developing breast cancer and ovarian cancer. Learn life-saving information and explore how community members and Sharsheret can help.

With the High Holidays approaching, let's pause to think about what kind of world we want to build in the new year.

Martin Buber, Franz Rosenzweig, and Gershom Scholem each reinvented themselves in their youth, becoming leading figures in distinct Jewish pathways, and their stories of self-determination offer valuable insights for contemporary life choices.

This hands-on class consists of the fundamentals of American Mah Jongg. We will learn everything from the tiles and their functions to the Charleston, and the National Mah Jongg League rules.

Join the founders of The Pedagogy of Partnership to experience the dynamic and collaborative practice of havruta learning, where pair study fosters deep connections, creativity, and fresh insights, making Jewish texts accessible and meaningful for both novice and experienced learners alike.

Discover how Jewish tradition and modern liturgists expand our understanding of God through gender-inclusive language.

This class examines how Philo of Alexandria’s interpretation of the Joseph story influenced the development of modern concepts of incarceration by exploring his portrayal of prison in Jewish thought.

During Elul, we are called to reflect and transform, and this session will explore how our sacred texts inform this time, while delving into Eliana’s original songs, creating space for connection, reflection, and communal singing.

Bertha Pappenheim was the patient whom Freud called "Anna O.," who named "the talking cure." Later in life, Pappenheim became the most important feminist in the German speaking world--and had no interest in Freud or psychoanalysis. Gabriel Brownstein will discuss his new book, which examines the stories that surround this remarkable woman.

Rhaina Cohen’s bestselling book The Other Significant Others explores the undervalued importance of friendship, challenging the primacy of romantic relationships and highlighting how deep friendships can serve as foundational, life-enriching bonds, especially in an era of increasing loneliness and changing relationship dynamics.

In recognition of Yehuda Amichai’s 100th birthday, join us for a special event celebrating Amichai’s legacy as one of Israel’s most important and beloved poets.

Discover how Jewish tradition and modern liturgists expand our understanding of God through gender-inclusive language.

Join Sasha Kopp Hass and Jonathan Shmidt Chapman for this hands-on workshop and discussion. Together, we'll engage in text study, research, small group conversation, and big picture visioning to consider how Jewish identity is cultivated in early childhood.