Matriarchs: The Strong, Proud and Willful Women of Genesis
With novelist and teacher Ruby Namdar
4 Tuesdays at 6 p.m. ET
9/8, 9/15, 9/22 and 9/29
We often think of women in ancient times as powerless and lacking in agency, but the book of Genesis shows us something different.
The Hebrew Bible is by no means a modern feminist text, but our matriarch characters remain active, complex, strong and awe-inspiring. The proud Mesopotamian aristocrat Sarah; the tough and calculating Rebecca; The willful sisters Rachel and Leah; and of course the bold and cunning Tamar, who redeemed herself from the abyss of oblivion by risking everything she had.
In this online class with renowned Jewish literature professor Ruby Namdar, we will reacquaint ourselves with these incredible Biblical characters, focusing on their own journeys — and not only on their roles in the patriarchal lineage and narrative.
This course is open to all levels and experiences in both Jewish learning and writing. No previous knowledge of Hebrew or Jewish text is necessary. And your purchase comes with the recordings of class, which won't expire.
Refresh your view of some of the Bible's best stories this High Holiday season!
There are no refunds for this class. By registering, you'll also begin receiving an events email each Sunday from My Jewish Learning featuring free and paid classes and events offered by our 70 Faces Media brands.
About the instructor:
Ruby Namdar was born and raised in Jerusalem to a family of Iranian-Jewish heritage. His first book, "Haviv" (2000), won The Ministries of Culture Award for Best First Publication. His 2017 novel, "The Ruined House," won the Sapir Prize, Israel's most prestigious literary award. He currently lives in New York City and teaches literature, focusing on Biblical and Talmudic narrative.
What class participants say about Ruby Namdar:
About My Jewish Learning:
My Jewish Learning is the internet's leading pluralistic Jewish education resource. We offer thousands of articles, videos, live classes and other resources to help you navigate all aspects of Judaism and Jewish life — from food to history to beliefs and practices.
My Jewish Learning is geared toward all backgrounds and levels of knowledge and is a part of 70 Faces Media, the largest nonprofit, nondenominational Jewish media organization in North America.
