Description:

Course Description: 

So many figures slip into the margins of Jewish sacred texts as their narratives lean into deviant and taboo territory. What happens when we explore and tease out their subversive stories in relationship with one another? How can we build present-day relationships with these ancient characters looking towards an expansive future? Join us as we draw out marginalized Midrash through a creative, queer, and critical lens! 

In this course, participants will learn in an open and hands-on environment, with the supportive structure of weekly sketchbooking, low-pressure text-based learning, and open conversation. The only prerequisite for this course is curiosity, as we honor multiple modes of engagement and accessible learning. Together we will respond to and build upon a palimpsest of stories subject to erasure, (re)vitalizing transgressive Torah. We gratefully acknowledge the J.B and Dora Salsberg Fund for their support.

Bios: 

Cliel Shdaimah (she/her) is an artist and researcher at UofT currently pursuing a PhD in the Department for the Studies of Religion. Cliel is interested in creative queer interpretations and translations of narratives in the Tanakh, especially those that center bodily fluids and functions. Prior to moving to Canada from the US, Cliel completed a gender studies BA, a fellowship at a pluralistic yeshiva, and a MA in Hebrew Bible from Yale Divinity School. She has been working in Jewish education and empowerment since 2014 including Habonim Dror and the Danforth Jewish Circle where she teaches 8th grade. Cliel’s art practice incorporates sketchbooks, collages, and crocheting, creative collaborations and self-published zines.

Sof Kreidstein (they/them) is an interdisciplinary artist and facilitator based in Tkaronto. With a poetic and experimental approach to material, performance, media, and language, their malleable practice often takes shape through multifaceted installations, Judaica and ritual spaces, workshops, and socially engaged projects. They are guided by queer and trans ritual, Jewish mysticism and practice, neurodivergence and madness, relationality, ecocentrism, and intuition. As an educator and facilitator, they are constantly learning through collaboration, working with youth, and leading workshops, as well as their studies at NSCAD University (Interdisciplinary Fine Art, BFA 2022), in addition to community programs, residencies, and fellowships. As a youth educator, Sof has worked with a number Jewish organizations, including Shoresh Canada, Danforth Jewish Circle, Makom Afterschool, and Machane Lev (an LGBTQ+ Jewish overnight summer camp and in-city organization). Sof is a curious creature exploring micro/macrocosmic patterns (reflecting inward and expanding outward) to cultivate growth and interconnection.

About Lishma:

Lishma Jewish Learning Project is a community of learners in our 20s and 30s, excited to share our desire for greater Jewish engagement. We ask questions of our tradition and explore how it informs our lives today. Whether you're a seasoned scholar or brand new to Jewish learning, we value the perspectives and experience you bring to the class. Lishma is generously supported by the J.B and Dora Salsberg Fund.

Each semester has 3 classes running side by side:

1) Hands-On Track; applied Jewish learning

2) Judaism and Modernity Track; Judaism through a contemporary lens

3) Text and Context Track; in-depth, expertly-led text study

Questions?
Please reach out to emunahw@mnjcc.org.

Available spots: Available

Price: $72.00 Taxes waived

Tags: Winter

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