The teachings of R' Kalonymous Kalman Shapira (1889-1943) have brought much needed soul nourishment to Jews around the world for decades, and are currently becoming increasingly popular. As we encounter heightened uncertainty and insecurity, his voice resonates ever more deeply with us.
R' Shapira is often known as the Piaseczna Rebbe, and also the Aish Kodesh (Holy Fire), after the title of his seminal work of Torah lessons he gave over while interned in the Warsaw Ghetto between the years 1939-1942. The Rebbe buried the work beneath the ghetto, and after the war it was discovered and brought to light.
The Rebbe was a passionate educator and spiritual innovator. The scion of prominent Chasidic lineages in Poland, the Piaseczna’s teachings are devoted to a profoundly holistic approach to the spiritual life and a Jew’s avodat Hashem, or service of the Divine.
In the work Aish Kodesh, the Piaseczna addresses the situation of his fellow Jews with humility, authenticity and faith. Unafraid to encounter human suffering in all of its rawness, the Rebbe offers profound teachings and meditations on spiritually moving through times of profound despair and uncertainty. His teachings hold enduring relevance for us today.
In this six-session course, we will explore a number of the teachings found in Aish Kodesh. These will include his teaching on Chayei Sarah from 1939, Ki Teitzei from September 1940, the teaching for Shabbat Chazon in August 1942 and others.
Each session will be anchored in the Aish Kodesh’s teaching. We may occasionally bring additional sources to enhance our practice and study. Each session will include time for meditative practice and reflection.
All texts will be provided with clear translations, and no prior knowledge or experience with the subject matter is necessary.
This course is welcoming of advanced students and novices alike.
How does it work?
The course consists of six recorded sessions, of approximately 1.25 hours each.
Participants can watch or listen to the recordings of the classes at any time they like.
Each class includes three essential components:
1) A close text-based study of the Aish Kodesh's teachings that address that week’s theme.
2) A guided meditative practice focusing on the particular theme studied that week, followed by sharing.
3) A printable source sheet in the original Hebrew with English translation.
Registrants gain lifetime access to all the course materials.
For centuries, Jewish learning was largely the domain of men. There are records of prominent women who were teachers in their own right, though they were few and far between. We are immensely privileged today to live at a time in which access to Torah learning has become more widely available than ever before. Alongside this general increase in access has come the absolute flourishing of Torah learning by and for women across the spectrum of Jewish practice and experience.
Women’s voices, wisdom and lived experience contribute immeasurably to the centuries-long Jewish sacred textual conversation, often shining light on issues that are of particular significance to women. As more and more people gain access to these contemporary jewels of Torah learning, our understanding and perspectives are enriched. Turn it, turn it, for everything is in it, as we learn in Mishnah Perkei Avot.
This eight-class course with Rabbi Lauren Tuchman is an opportunity to mine these treasures for the wisdom within. The eight sessions will each focus on the parsha or Torah portion read that week around the Jewish world. We will begin with an exploration of the first parsha in the Book of Numbers, Bamidbar and will end with an exploration of Parashat Pinchas, in which we encounter a story of five brave, bold women whose courage results in a legislative change.
The commentaries we will examine encompass a wide range of spiritual perspectives and are all written by women, trans and cis alike. We will encounter commentaries from across the spectrum of Jewish thought and practice, lifting up a chorus of trans and cis women’s voices and lived experiences. Each session will begin with a teaching, and will be anchored by time for contemplative practice and sharing. People of all gender identities and expressions are warmly encouraged to be a part of this sacred community of study and practice.
All sources are provided in the original Hebrew and English translation. This course is appropriate for all learners. No previous background or knowledge is required.
How does it work?
The course consists of eight recorded sessions, of approximately 1.25 hours each.
Each session includes studying primary texts as well as a guided practice to ground the learning in embodied experience.
Each session is recorded, allowing participants to watch the classes at their own convenience.
Participants gain lifetime access to all course materials.
Testimonials
"Engaging with the Torah of Rabbi Tuchman is an absolute gift. She brings insight and profound perspective to our texts and traditions -- and her teaching style is warm and inclusive and encouraging. If there's an opportunity to learn with or from Rabbi Tuchman -- take it."
- Ariele Mortkowitz, Founding Director, SVIVAH
"Rabbi Lauren Tuchman is the rare soul who combines fierce determination with deep spirituality. She mixes integrity and dignity with a sense of fun and joy. Rabbi Tuchman wears God’s grace with panache."
- Dr. Burton L. Visotzky, Professor at the Jewish Theological Seminary.