Arising from ancient Mesopotamia and shaped over millennia by stories, rituals, and art, Lilith has long haunted the edges of Jewish culture and tradition.  This three-part series traces her transformation from a night demon into a redemptive symbol of independence, resilience and feminine power.  Together, we’ll journey through Rabbinic texts, medieval folklore, feminist commentary, and speculative fiction to uncover Lilith’s many faces.  Whether feared, reclaimed, or reimagined, Lilith invites us to claim our own voice, agency and identity.

The Woman of the Wind

Flowing from Rabbinic literature into Jewish folktales, Lilith becomes something more than a demon: she becomes a paradox. In this session, we’ll see how rabbis, mystics, and artists reimagined Lilith across the centuries. From a dangerous seductress to a feminist icon, from protective amulets to the cover of Lilith Magazine, we’ll explore what her evolving image reveals about gender, magic and transformation.

Tickets for part 1 are available here.

Rabbi Josh Breindel is delighted to return to Lehrhaus. Serving as the rabbi of Congregation Beth El of the Sudbury River Valley, he holds Masters degrees in Jewish Studies and Jewish Education from Hebrew College, where he was ordained in 2009. As “The Rabbi on the Radio”, he offers weekly reflections and music on Chagigah (WERS). As “The Sci-Fi Rabbi”, he blends ancient Jewish thought with modern speculative fiction in sermons, articles, and an open Jewish F&SF book group at Beth El. He can often be found singing Simon & Garfunkel, wandering the cool, green hills of MetroWest with his wife and children.