In this class, we'll explore positions from some Jewish figures with unpopular opinions—Shammai and his disciples, as well as Larry David—and compare their approaches to arguing with mainstream viewpoints. Shammai, a prominent first century CE rabbi, often took stricter, less popular positions than his more lenient counterpart, Hillel. Known for being a misanthrope, Larry David is not always thought to engage in makhloket (debate or constructive conflict) leshem shamayim (for the sake of Heaven). But as we relate the content of his arguments, his argumentation style, and his rare wins to those of Beit Shammai, we may come to recognize newfound value in his frequent dissent.

No prior experience needed!

Talia Greenberg is a devoted fan of Seinfeld, Curb Your Enthusiasm, and a number of other sitcoms. Professionally, Talia is an elementary educator in secular spaces (the Cambridge Public Schools) and in Jewish spaces (Temple Ohabei Shalom's Ansin Religious School.) She frequently has grievances to air.