A (Neo) Hasidic Take on Practical Spirituality

Program: Hebrew College Tamid
Instructor: Jonah Gelfand (Read Bios)
Dates: 6 Wednesdays, Winter 2025: 2/12, 2/19, 2/26, 3/5, 3/12 & 3/19
Time: 7-8:30 p.m. EST
Course fee: $240, financial aid is available
Location: Zoom
Hosted by: Hebrew College
Registration: Click here

In this course, we will be exploring the practical spirituality of Reb Menahum Nahum of Chernobyl, an 18th century Hasidic rebbe. While most scholarship has been on his theological writings, our attention will be focused on his Hanhagot Yesharot (Upright Practices) — a short bulleted list of 18 practices that he handed to his followers as a sort of “how to” guide for living a spiritual life. These practices are remarkably practical in nature— ranging from giving charity to how to talk properly with your family and others. We will be using Gashmius Magazine’s forthcoming neo-Hasidic translation — which features artistic renderings and contemporary commentary by diverse Jewish thinkers — to explore how we might integrate these spiritual practices into our own lives while maintaining our progressive values. We will begin with a short history of Hasidism and neo-Hasidism to situate our learning, and then spend the rest of the sessions exploring the primary sources through a neo-Hasidic lens. All texts will be provided in Hebrew and English. No background needed.

For additional information and questions, contact the Hebrew College Tamid Team.

A (Neo) Hasidic Take on Practical Spirituality