Rabbi Rachel Adler teaches the Megillot of the Bible
Many of us think the Megillah is what we read on Purim, but in fact there are five of them, read on different holidays. We will focus on the three less studied scrolls, Song of Songs, Kohelet and Ruth. According to Rabbi Adler they are surprising, sexy and outrageous.
Rabbi Rachel Adler teaches the Megillot of the Bible, Wednesdays, Oct. 22, Oct. 29, November 5, 12, 19 and Dec.3, 7:30 – 9 pm.
On Oct 22 begins a special learning opportunity. Rabbi Rachel Adler, a leading feminist theologian at Hebrew Union College, will teach on the Megillot of the Bible. These scrolls, the most famous of which is Esther, are read on different holidays. We will discuss three of the less know writings.
Song of Songs, also known as the Song of Solomon, celebrates sexual love. It gives “the voices of two lovers, praising each other, yearning for each other, proffering invitations to enjoy”. The two voices are in harmony, each desiring the other and rejoicing in sexual intimacy. How this made it into the Bible we don’t know, but we’re glad it did!
Kohelet, also known as Ecclesiastes, Is not God-centered, but is a source of fascination. It is the basis for the popular song lyrics, “There is a time for every purpose under heaven”.
In The Book of Ruth, when Ruth’s father in law dies, she accepts the God of the Israelites as her God and the Israelite people as her own. Ruth tells Naomi, her Israelite mother in law, “Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay.” Ruth’s pure loyalty to Naomi has been an inspiration to Jews through the ages.
According to Rabbi Adler these books are surprising, sexy and outrageous. Rabbi Adler has selected translations of these books that are particularly beautiful.
In the past four years, Rabbi Adler has given us insightful and inspiring teachings on the Siddur, the Talmud, The Life and Times of King David, and the Golem, to name a few.
The dates and times are Wednesdays, Oct. 22, Oct. 29, November 5, 12, 19 and Dec.3, 7:30 – 9 pm. The classes are free to members, $10/session for non members. Since space is limited, please RSVP or send questions to education@bcc-la.org.
