Frequently asked questions about learning with Rahmana
what kinds of classes do you offer?
At Rahmana, we learn Torah from the Classic Canon (ie Torah, Talmud, Midrash, Chasidut) and from modern women Torah giants, primarily Yemima Avital z''l.
Our learning draws from the wisdom of our tradition and the insights of the wisdom circle of women who participate.
We often integrate our learning through creative expression: writing and/or art-making.
Our Yemima learning, which explores and develops tools for the internal landscape, is usually in a two- to five- part series or in a day-long immersive, exploring different teachings relevant to a theme, for example: Closeness and Independence in Relationship, Pulling the Golden Threads of Childhood, Making Order (Seder) in preparation for Pesach.
You can always plan to bring a journal and pen, sometimes crafting supplies.
Our learning draws from the wisdom of our tradition and the insights of the wisdom circle of women who participate.
We often integrate our learning through creative expression: writing and/or art-making.
Our Yemima learning, which explores and develops tools for the internal landscape, is usually in a two- to five- part series or in a day-long immersive, exploring different teachings relevant to a theme, for example: Closeness and Independence in Relationship, Pulling the Golden Threads of Childhood, Making Order (Seder) in preparation for Pesach.
You can always plan to bring a journal and pen, sometimes crafting supplies.
Is the learning traditional torah text study?
Yes and. Much of our learning draws from Hannah's five+ years learning full time in yeshiva, and is also influenced by other modalities of learning, including Hannah's training with M2: Institute for Experiential Education Senior Educator Training, Ayeka Soulful Educator Training, and inspiration from the Jewish Studio Project.
Why is it important to carve out a feminine space for Torah study?
Rahmana is grown out of a question: what is possible in Jewish spiritual space that is of women, for women, opening to the Divine together? In classic Jewish fashion, we see Torah study as a spiritual practice. So far, we are cultivating a community of learners who harvest and share insight, exchange wisdom, care for each other without taking care of each other, listen carefully to the text, to our own understanding, and to each other. We are building a place where we can be "connected each woman facing her sister" חֹבְרֹת אִשָּׁה אֶל־אֲחֹותָהּ (Ezekiel 1:9).
If I don't have a background in Jewish text study, will I understand what's going on?
As Hannah's teacher and colleague Rabbi Micha'el Rosenberg says, "those of you who have never seen the text before - you're in luck." We are all grateful for fresh eyes and ears. Hannah brings all texts in English (and the original if Hebrew or Aramaic). Hannah comes with five years experience on the teaching faculty of a pluralistic learning program, and teaches to bring learners of all backgrounds into deep Torah.
Who is Yemima Avital? what is yemima learning?
Yemima Avital z''l was a teacher and healer who taught orally, teaching Torah for the inner landscape. When we do Yemima learning, we continue the oral tradition by listening to the words of her teachings, writing them down, and harvesting - through writing - our own insight in response. We then choose what to share with the group and hear each other's understanding of and inspiration from her teachings.
What do I bring to class?
A journal and pen, and perhaps a friend. We'll bring the Torah and the tea. And chocolate.
Do I have to speak or understand Hebrew to enjoy your classes?
No. You may still enjoy hearing the poetry of the Hebrew read out loud, but we always include and work from English.