If so, why do I exist?*   Existential Crisis in the Torah with Rabbi Dianne Cohler-Esses

*Our Foremother Rebecca in crisis over the wrestling of her twins within: 

וַיִּתְרֹֽצֲצ֤וּ הַבָּנִים֙ בְּקִרְבָּ֔הּ וַתֹּ֣אמֶר אִם־כֵּ֔ן לָ֥מָּה זֶּ֖ה אָנֹ֑כִי וַתֵּ֖לֶךְ לִדְרֹ֥שׁ אֶת־יְהוָֽה׃

"But the children [almost] crushed one another inside her, so she said:

If so, why do I exist? And she went to inquire of YHWH."
 

We often think our ancestors were entirely different than we are –  more primitive, knowing less about life and overall less sophisticated. But, if we read the Torah closely we discover something  surprising about our ancient forebears:  psychological complexity, depth of character and complex motivation. Moreover, as one reads through the Torah one finds existential crisis in many of the Torah’s central characters. We encounter depression, anguish, a sense of abandonment, wondering whether life is worth it, even a desire to die. Rebecca wonders why she exists; Hagar is alone and anguished in the wilderness; Moses accuses God of abandoning him and wants to die; Hannah is clearly depressed; Aaron wonders if he is worthy of his role, and both Jonah and Elijah explicitly wish to die. The list continues. 

Through a close reading of these characters we will discover the nature of their conflicts and crises and what helped them navigate these agonizing moments. In so doing we will also explore what spiritual touchstones might support us in these treacherous times.

Schedule:

Tuesday nights 7:00-8:30

Dates:
Semester 1: 11/5, 11/12, 11/19, 11/26, 12/3, 12/10, 12/17, 1/7, 1/14, 1/21, 1/28, 2/4, 2/11

Semester 2: 2/25, 3/4, 3/11, 3/18, 3/25, 4/1, 4/8, 4/15, 4/22, 4/29, 5/6, 5/13, 5/20, 5/27, 6/3

Location:

JTS, 3080 Broadway and Online

Tuition:
Free | Suggested Donation: $18 per session