A TALE OF TWO RAGES: GOD CONFRONTS CAIN AND JONAH
(Dan Ornstein)

The stories of Cain the murderer and Jonah the prophet could not be more different and more connected.  In this class, we'll look at how the Book of Jonah, chapter 4 echoes and inverts Genesis, chapter 4 to offer us some very powerful moral and spiritual insights about teshuvah, mercy and forgiveness.

PRAYING FOR THE HEALTH OF THE TREES:  A PLEA FROM THE TALMUD
(Dan Ornstein)

There are many passages in ancient Jewish sources that view our older "cousins," the trees, as being in deep relationship with human beings.  In this session, we'll look at a strange but beautiful Talmudic teaching that urges us to pray for trees when they're sick.  This is one among many texts that can point us toward a renewed eco-spiritual approach to Judaism.

Dan Ornstein is the rabbi of Congregation Ohav Shalom in Albany, NY.  He's the author of Cain v Abel:  A Jewish Courtroom Drama (The Jewish Publication Society 2020).  You can find his writings at www.danornstein.com

 

Contemplating Amalek
(Aliza Arzt)

The 3 Torah verses about “erasing and remembering” Amalek appear at the end of the portion "Ki Tetze" in Deuteronomy and are read also the Shabbat before Purim.  These days, Amalek is invoked frequently and sometimes seems to be all around.  Let's review what this passage tells us, how it's been interpreted in the past, and how a different interpretation can be healing for us all.  

Siddur Translations and Meditations:The Work of Janet Berkenfield z"l
(Aliza Arzt)

Janet Berkenfield, whose 18th yahrzeit is approaching, was instrumental in providing the original translations of Havurat Shalom's Siddur Birkat Shalom, including  prose-poem meditations for specific psalms.  Her own struggles with God added to the depth of her writing, which continues to enrich our davenning today.  We will focus on several of her psalm meditations.

Aliza Arzt is a long-time member of Havurat Shalom in Somerville, MA, and teacher at NHC retreats.  She loves chasing Hebrew roots through the Tanach (Bible) and Midrash (Rabbinics) and sharing the results.

 

As He Loved His Own Soul: What Can We Learn from the David and Jonathan Story
(Dale Rosenberg)

 

The books of Samuel describe the relationship between Jonathan, the son of King Saul, and David, Saul’s successor.  Traditional Jewish and Christian sources have viewed this as a non-sexual loving friendship.  A newer wave of scholars interpret the text as indicating a romantic relationship between the two.  In this class we’ll read some relevant verses, and consider a variety of views on the nature of the bond between them.

 

Jewish Healers: Maimonides to Jonas Salk and Beyond
(Dale Rosenberg)

Jews have always had an outsize representation in the healing arts and medical research.  Maimonides, the great Jewish sage, was also the personal physician to the Calif of Egypt.  Jewish physicians, researchers, and others represent over 20% of Nobel Prize winners.  This course will examine the Jewish healing tradition and profile some remarkable Jewish doctors and medical researchers..

 Dale Rosenberg is a Jewish Educator, a lesbian mother of three children, and a rebbitzen.  Dale lives in Oak Ridge, TN with her wife, Rabbi Ahuvah Loewenthal, who is the spiritual director of the Jewish Congregation of Oak Ridge.

 

Bible stories you didn't learn in Sunday school
(Ronnie Levin)

Blood, sex, murder, incest, and risqué Jewish texts. We will read several totally compromising texts from the Torah and the Prophets. English versions will be provided, and Hebrew knowledge is not required.

Midrash within the Siddur
(Ronnie Levin)

The tefillot in the Siddur have evolved and continue to evolve including by reusing and reinterpreting other prayers.  We will look at several tefillot that (re)use other tefillot midrashically.  English/Hebrew texts will be provided.

Ronnie Levin holds a graduate degree in Bible and Tefilah, and has been a popular Havurah teacher for years.  According to Time Magazine (2024), Ronnie is also among the 100 most influential global health leaders.

 

What's the Jewish Take on Peri-Menopause?
(Beth Schreiber)
Whether you're calling it cougar puberty or coming of (r)age, join us to take a look at what Judaism has to offer around the Change of Life.  We'll examine a few texts and read through a modern take in comic panel format.  Come to share your wisdom and your curiosity; and supportive partners are welcome!

TV Show Discussion: "Nobody Wants This"
(Beth Schreiber)
Did you love, hate, or love to hate season two of this Jewish rom-com about an agnostic sex-and-relationships podcaster and a charismatic rabbi trying to make their ill-advised relationship work;  Themes of cultural divides, faith, identity, feminism, love, privacy, and millennial malaise drive the plot; stereotypes and tropes abound.  Stream online in advance on Netflix.

Beth Schreiber is a Jew by choice with itchy ears, insomnia, and cold flashes as well as being a sucker for a great love story.

 

Almost Jews
(Solomon Mowshowitz)

What are the borders of Jewish authenticity?  At various times in our history, Samaritans, Sadducees, Christians, Karaites, Shabbateans, Frankists, Modern Orthodox and others have been judged inauthentic and defined outside “normative” Judaism.  Questions we’ll consider: How close were we to accepting them?  What alleged heresies could not be assimilated?  What impact did the rejected movements have, finally, on "mainstream" Judaism?  Whom do we reject and by whom are we rejected?

The Angel of Death
(Solomon Mowshowitz)

We’ll explore Talmud texts -- ranging from terrifying to hilarious -- about the power, limitations, and elusive personality of everybody’s last companion.

Mosh, a long-time NHC teacher and a past Chair of the NHC, is a retired molecular biologist, and a recovering Yeshiva kid.

 

From "Let it Be" to "Lu Yehi":  How two hit songs came to be
(Miriam Rosalyn Diamond)

The Beatles' 1970 ballad "Let it Be" is their best-selling single. In 1973 Naomi Shemer's "Lu Yehi," quickly became one of the year's most important Israeli songs. What inspired these chart toppers, and what is their connection?  Join us to explore the messages, similarities and differences between these memorable songs. Singing will be encouraged!

She Said, He Said: Goldberg and Amichai's poetic midrashim on the Bible's love triangle
(Miriam Rosalyn Diamond)

Join us to read, discuss, and reflect on Jacob, Rachel, and Leah's experiences and relationships as retold through Lea Goldberg and Yehuda Amichai's verses.  Does the author's gender affect their perspective?  Poems will be provided in Hebrew and English translation. 

Dr. Miriam Rosalyn Diamond is an educator, writer, and former Israeli music DJ who dreams of writing song lyrics.  She enjoys engaging learners ages 5 to 100 through the arts, games, lively discussions, and reflection. 

 

A Thumbnail Description of Jewish History from 1000 bce to 200 ce
(Joe Rosenstein)

The Golden Calf, Jeroboam, and the Samaritans
(Joe Rosenstein)

What ties these three interesting topics together is the question of when did the Torah as we know it, come into existence.

Joe Rosenstein has taught at many NHC institutes and retreats.  He is the author of Siddur Eit Ratzon and Machzor Eit Ratzon and, more recently, of "Reflections on Pirkei Avot" – all of which are available at joerosenstein.com

Living in interesting times: A text study and discussion
(Gabe Williams)

In this period of change and chaos, we will look at writings from Jewish thinkers and theologians during past times of change in Jewish society,  We will hope to glean some insight from close readings of their writings and find some  commiseration from those who worked to see the Jewish people make it though and continued to thrive.

Gabe Williams is a Hebrew school teacher and farmer from southern New England.  He was a Zeitler Fellow at the 2025 NHC Summer Institute, and is perpetually trying to better understand the world around him through study, conversation and laughter. 

 

Creating text-based, somatic-spiritual practices
(Carl Woolf)

Anchoring in our own bodies, and using ideas and texts from our tradition, with a splash of nigun, our creativity can enrich our spiritual life.

Relish and renew some ideas from Lubavitch
(Carl Woolf)

We will study a bit of Tanya, an early Hasidic psycho-spiritual treatise. How to identify and cherish some ‘good parts’, and perhaps reframe / adapt where appropriate..

Rabbi Carl Woolf, PhD, has presented many times in NHC retreats. His roles include software engineer, as well as freelance teacher, clergy, and musician.

 

The Dreyfus Affair and Major Currents in Modern Jewish History
(Judith Kummer)

In the sweep of Jewish history, there are specific turning points that have affected our Jewish people for generations afterward. The Dreyfus affair was one such impactful event.  We will learn about this intriguing event in Jewish history and also to learn about some of the major streams of modern political thought that affected Jewish identity in the last 150 years.

End of Life Issues:  A Jewish Perspective
(Judith Kummer)

While there is some taboo around talking - or even thinking - about the topic of death and dying, Judaism has a lot to say about this topic, much of it based in a deep sense of compassion.  This session will examine Jewish attitudes towards life support, ceasing medical care, living wills and caring for patients in final days. 

Rabbi Judy Kummer has served congregations in New York, New Jersey and the Washington DC area.  For 18 years she served as executive director of the Jewish Chaplaincy Council of MA.  She is a board-certified chaplain currently working in a spiritual care private practice in the Boston area, providing pastoral visits, eldercare programing and lifecycle events. 

 

Sunday morning craft:  Make your own Hannukah sweatshirt or shirt 
(Sue Gulack)

Bring your own garment.  We’ll provide light sets, paints, permanent markers and washable glue on jewels.  Material fee $5.

Sue Gulack is chair of the NHC.  She is a Rabbi and former prison chaplain from Albany, NY, and has been exploring the spiritual, intellectual, emotional and physical worlds through prayer and study, art and music for a long time.

 

How do you spell Ḥanukkah?
(Natasha Shabat)

Thanksgiving will have passed, which means the next holiday is... Ḥanukkah! Or is it Chanuka? Khanikeh? Why is חנוכה transliterated so many different ways? Is there really one right way? What are the two ways it's spelled in Hebrew?  Hebrew background helpful but not required.

Deep Dive into the Sheheḥeyanu Prayer
(Natasha Shabat)

No matter how many times you have heard, recited, or sung this "blessing for happy occasions," you can still learn to appreciate it more deeply. Our main focus will be to examine various ways of translating this ancient Hebrew text. Along the way we'll also learn about the blessing's original source, as well as traditional and modern occasions for reciting it. Hebrew background helpful but not required.

Natasha Shabat is an independent scholar who learned Hebrew as an adult and has been teaching Biblical, Prayer Book, and Modern Hebrew full-time to adults since 1997.  Natasha is a graduate of Harvard University in Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations.

 

From Text to Textile
(Rachel Braun)

Join Rachel Braun as she unveils the journey from text to textile.  She'll display large examples of her embroidered pieces (including one hanging in the Beit Midrash at Camp Ramah!) and share the foundational texts (poems, Tanakh,  liturgy) that inspired them. Discover her unique methods for translating narrative, emotion, and rhythm into visual language using thread, fabric, and stitch. 

Menorah: Symbol of the Jews?
(Rachel Braun)

Explore the history of the six-branched menorah as a national and religious symbol of the Jewish people. We'll trace its evolution from its use in the Temple to its contemporary representations, looking at its significance in art, architecture and texts  to understand its role as an enduring symbol of the Jewish people's continuity and identity.

Rachel Braun is a contemporary Jewish textile artist whose acclaimed work explores memory, identity, and narrative through delicately stitched canvases.  She is the author of Embroidery and the Sacred Text: New Designs in Judaic Needlework.   Her work has been widely exhibited and she has presented at the GWU Textile Museum, Hadassah-Brandeis Institute, Dominican University, among others.

 

Saturday Night Entertainment

...features a talent show, group singing and participation by our musical attendees in an open-ended jam session. Bring copies of Rise Up Singing!