Hanukkah One-Shot
Rabbi Jon Kelsen
Click here to access podcasts recorded by Jon Kelsen.
Victoria Sutton
Rabbanit Victoria Sutton is on the Judaic studies faculty at the Heschel School and has taught in the Drisha High School Summer Program. Prior to that, she served as the Director of Education and Community Engagement at Congregation Beth Israel, a Modern Orthodox synagogue in Berkeley. She was ordained through Yeshivat Maharat in 2014. A graduate of Barnard College, with a BA in Biological Sciences, she also holds a Grand Diploma in Pastry Arts from the French Culinary Institute. Victoria sat on the board of Jewish Family and Community Services East Bay and was involved with community organizations in New York City focusing on homelessness, literacy, sexual assault and domestic violence.
Session 1: Insights into Maimonides’ Laws of Hanukkah
In this session, we’ll examine some surprising features of Maimonides‘ masterful Laws of Hanukkah, paying especially close attention to its structure and his description of the miracle which stands at the center of the holiday.
Session 2: Hallel on Hanukkah: A Hassidic Perspective on a Halakhic Enigma
In this shiur, we will utilize halachic sources together with a teaching of Rabbi Yehuda Leib Alter, the Sefas Emes, to explore the unique nature of the obligation to recite full Hallel on Hanukkah.
Session 3: “Sefat Ferah Shoshan (The Lily’s Speech)”: The Life and Teachings of Farha (Flora) Sassoon
In honor of Eid al Banat (women’s celebration on Rosh Hodesh Tevet/Hannukah), we will explore the incredible life and work of Farha Sassoon, an Iraqi philanthropist known for her scholarship and piety.