Affliction and Joy:
Judaism's "Golden Path"
during the High Holy Days

With Rabbi Barry Block

Thursday, September 17 at 3pm Eastern / Noon Pacific
One Hour on Zoom

 Co-sponsored by Laasok and Congregation B’nai Israel of Little Rock

The Torah says to afflict yourself on Yom Kippur—but what does that actually mean? How far should we go in denying ourselves? And what does Jewish tradition have to say about the opposite problem: can we take our joy too far on Sukkot?

In this class, we’ll explore how the rabbis interpreted Torah’s commandment to “afflict” ourselves on Yom Kippur—and the surprising limits they placed on both self-denial and celebration. Through texts gleaned from The Mussar Torah Commentary, we’ll consider what our sages can teach us about finding the right balance between restraint and joy.

 

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Taught by:

Rabbi Barry Block serves Congregation B'nai Israel in Little Rock, Arkansas. He is the editor of The Mussar Torah Commentary and The Social Justice Torah Commentary, both from CCAR Press.

This class is open to all, and is offered on a suggested contribution basis. Please consider a donation to ensure that we can continue to offer inclusive, progressive Jewish learning.

The actual cost to offer the class is roughly $18 per person.

We are excited to study with you!

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