Rabbi Akiva is one of the central figures in the Mishnah (the first written collection of the oral Torah) and a seeker of sparks. He is quoted as saying that if the Torah had not been given, we could live our lives by the (erotic and sensual) Song of Songs. He taught that even the tiny crowns on the Hebrew letters have worlds inside them. This class will be a mix of practice and study. We'll open with a chant from Song of Songs and then explore through text how we can connect to Akiva as ancestor and teacher.

No prior experience needed!

Ariel Hendelman is a senior Rabbinic student with the Aleph Ordination Program and the spiritual leader of B'nai Or Boston (a Jewish Renewal community). Ariel leads chant and meditation circles online and in person, as well as retreats that center around dreamwork and meaningful melodic prayer. Her debut album, Prayer for Fire & Water, is out now.