For millennia, we humans have wanted to know how it all began, and why. Within the tradition of the Western world, we need to go back to its earliest civilizations to find the foundations of our own notions of creation. First on our list is the Book of Genesis narrative, actually two creation stories blended into one. While that will be the focus of our class, we’ll also delve into the origin stories of ancient Mesopotamia, Egypt and Greece to see not only how they differed from each other, but to what extent they contributed to each other and the Biblical account. Sessions will include richly illustrated historical and archaeological background so that students can fully appreciate the process that created the tales of our beginnings. Texts, notes and additional readings will be provided by the instructor.

The Kennicott Bible is one of the most celebrated illuminated Hebrew Bibles that survives today, delighting readers since its completion in 1476. Originating from La Coruña in northern Spain, it features lavish carpet pages, gold leaf silhouettes, and abundant marginal decorations. This extraordinary illuminated manuscript is a treasure trove of history, culture, devotion, art, and cross-cultural collaboration.

In partnership with the Jewish Community Library

A partnership program of New Lehrhaus

In this course we read and study the Zohar, the masterpiece of Kabbalah. Currently, we are exploring the Zohar on the Book of Genesis. Students can enroll in the current series, held live on Zoom.

In partnership with Congregation Kol Emeth and Congregation Beth Am

in partnership with Congregation Beth El, Berkeley

In partnership with the Jewish Community Library, San Francisco

Biblical narratives retain a powerful hold on the Jewish imagination, yet many Jewish (and some non-Jewish) writers in the Greco-Roman era rewrote many of these stories despite their ostensible sacredness. What did the authors of these

A partnership program of New Lehrhaus

Read and study the Zohar, the masterpiece of Kabbalah. You may enroll in either of two sections—one reading the Zohar in English and the other working with the original Aramaic. Both are live on Zoom.