In this series of three classes, students will explore this year’s HHD theme, “Out of the depths, finding hope” with Rabbi Elana Ackerman Hirsch. Many of us might have felt like we’ve been in the depths this year, especially in our Jewish communities. Of course, just because we’ve experienced being in this deep place, it doesn’t mean that it is permanent.
These Elul learning sessions will address the feelings associated with being “in the depths” and what it means to work through that to see the light and hope in the world. Each class will move through the arc of being in the depths, finding our way, and ultimately finding hope.
Each session will focus on different Jewish textual traditions (i.e., class one will focus on what poetry teaches us about this journey from despair to hope, class two will focus on HHD liturgy and the wisdom the machzor offers, and class three will focus on Rabbinic literature and the Torah).
Elul is a time to set intentions for the HHDs and the new year, and these classes will help students start the important and holy work of reflection as we enter the High Holy Day season.