Back to All Events

Lilith: Sex, Magic, and Mystery - Part 3

  • Lehrhaus 425 Washington Street Somerville, MA 02143 USA (map)

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 World

Lilith refuses to stay silent.  In our final session, we’ll follow her into the worlds of music, visual art, and speculative fiction.  Here, Lilith claims her role in radically new ways, emerging as a mirror, a prophet, and a guide.  What does it mean to reclaim Lilith not only as a figure from the past, but as a hero to inspire us in our own struggles?  Together, we'll reflect on how contemporary creators summon Lilith’s story to challenge norms and envision new possibilities for Jewish identity and imagination.

Tickets for part 1 are available here.

Tickets for part 2 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.

Previous
Previous
June 22

Lilith: Sex, Magic, and Mystery - Part 2