The Sefat Emet—Rabbi Yehudah Aryeh Leib Alter, a 19th-century Hasidic master—often wove together mystical and midrashic (interpretive) traditions to uncover the sensory, emotional, and spiritual dimensions of Torah. In this class, we’ll explore the Sefat Emet’s evocative claim that “every creature can sense the fragrance of Torah.” We'll read a few very short texts from the Zohar and the Talmud that suggest the giving of Torah is accompanied by a scent, and turn to a handful of verses from Tanach to help us understand the connection between God, Torah, and a “pleasing fragrance.” Feel free to bring a favorite fragrant spice, flower, or perfume. This class aims to be accessible to all learners, regardless of background or prior knowledge!

Sivan Piatigorsky-Roth is a fifth year rabbinical student and cartoonist originally from Toronto, Ontario. They are passionate about Jewish learning, inclusive Jewish community, and perfumes.