Education Events in Somerville

Join Rabbi Darby, who was born profoundly Deaf, for an engaging class exploring Deafness in the Torah and the Jewish textual tradition, where ancient texts meet lived experience. Together we’ll examine how Deafness is understood, portrayed, and interpreted across biblical, rabbinic, and later Jewish sources including Rabbi Darby's own personal experiences. The class will invite thoughtful conversation about disability, language, access, and inclusion within Jewish tradition. Come ready to learn, ask questions, and discover new layers of meaning and experiences in our sacred texts. No prior knowledge of Deafness, American Sign Language or Jewish texts is needed for this class!

Purim invites us to embrace the freedom found in loosening familiar roles and opening ourselves to play, creativity, and surprise. This holiday asks us to release fixed ideas about who we are and who we should be, allowing ourselves to be turned upside down and see ourselves with fresh eyes. Through celebration, imagination, and encounters with the unexpected, we discover new possibilities in uncertainty and transformation. Using the Jewish Studio Process, a unique methodology that weaves together Jewish text learning, art-making, and reflection, we will disrupt the ordinary, explore the sacred wildness of Purim, and tap into its transformative power. No art or text experience needed, just openness to process and possibility.

Sometimes, the way our genders interact with Jewish ritual choices can be confusing. In this class, we will discuss religious headcovering, which often raises personal questions about Jewish identity and gender expression. The program will be oriented toward questions women and non-binary folks may be asking, but everyone is welcome! Inspired by the Jewish Studio Process, we will study texts about headcovering and gender and engage in reflective art-making. This class is for anyone interested in exploring this topic — no prior experience or knowledge necessary!