Introduction to the Jewish Bookshelf — The Mishnah as Oral Law

You want to learn more about Judaism, but where do you start? We are known as The People of the Book, so it’s a great idea to get to know the framework of some of our foundational literature.

Introduction to the Jewish bookshelf presents texts that will be your entryway into conversations about creation in the Torah, self-defense in rabbinic texts, and revelation through the eyes of modern thinkers.

This class is for all levels of learners. We will meet in person on the following Mondays (location to be shared upon sign-up). A minimum of eight participants is required.

Dec 22 – The Mishnah as Oral Law
Jan 5, 2026 – Turning to the Talmud
Jan 26 – The Legal Codes
Two Feb dates (TBD) – The Hasidic Masters and Modern Jewish Theologians
Mar 9 – Jewish Feminist Theologians
Mar 23 – Poetry and Creative Midrash
Apr 6 – makeup session

All classes will meet in person (or on Zoom in case of inclement weather).

This class is funded through a Hadar Community Group grant, a program to foster engagement around Jewish study and practice. The class will be led by Temple Beth Israel member Scott A. Tepper. Scott has a BA in Near Eastern and Judaic Studies from Brandeis University, and a Master’s from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. He is honored to be approved as a Hadar Community Group Leader.

To sign up or if you have questions, please contact Scott at stepper612@hotmail.com.