What did our sages say about The Holy Spirit, and how will it compare to and deepen our own experience with the Ruach HaKdsh? We’ll interpret Her relationship with Queen Esther (Purim is coming, B”H!), the Bat Kol, the poetry of King David, and our emotional states. Does Shekhina surround us constantly? Does She only rest upon us under special circumstances? How would we even know?

Just imagine: a whole shiur full of queers reveling in, wrestling with, and expanding their connections to The Divine!

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For more background: this year, I (Olivia) am part of a team of four Jewish artists building events around a celebration of the life work of quilter extraordinaire, Louise Silk. (Heinz History Center, Pittsburgh) The centerpiece is The Witness Quilt - a patchwork of wisdom sayings, layered on top of an Ahavnu (loving parallel to the Viddui’s Ashamnu confession of sins). Each of us is working with the quilt to connect to each of four holidays. On the first two, Sukkot & Hanukkah, elements are being added to the quilt. For the second two, Tu BiShevat & Purim, pieces of the quilt are being given away to museum goers.

I’ve got Purim and teaching this Shel Maala course is part of my preparation for building the event, which I know I want to connect to the midrash we’ll be exploring in our first session: that Queen Esther dressed in Malkhut/The Ruach HaKdsh. I want to invite attendees into an experience of being wrapped in this quilt of wisdom and blessings, as manifestation of the Divine Spirit, and then leave with a beautiful reminder of Her.

But I need thought partners! And that’s why I’m bringing these texts to all of you! I’ll be paying attention for ways that our learning can be transformed into physical expressions, ways to be clothed in holiness, both for this Purim event and in my own life. What will you be paying attention to?

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Five Sundays

February 9 -> March 9

2-4pm ET/11am-1pm PT

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Accessibility notes:

- Live captioning

- 10 minute break

- Recordings available

- Slides & materials sent out before class

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This is a text study class, where most text will be learned in the SVARA method of Talmud. Previous knowledge of this method is not necessary, as we will provide pre-class introductory materials for this method for those who need it.

Knowing your alef-bet (Hebrew alphabet) is a prerequisite. If you would like to learn your alef-bet for this class, we can help you do so.

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Learning will be a mix of full group and xevruta/pair study. You will be matched with a xevruta after registration.

The last four classes will require an hour of xevruta prep beforehand. These classes are: 2/16, 2/25, 3/2 and 3/9.

This hour of prep can happen during the week between classes, or during a guided hour right before class. The guided hour will be held the hour immediately before class, from 1-2pm ET/10-11am PT. It will include a 10 minute break before class starts. You and your xevruta will decide which option works best for y'all.

More info and instruction will be sent after registration.

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This class is $36/class ($180 total), NOTAFLOF. Full sliding scale will be shown at checkout.

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If you have any questions please email: shelmaalayeshiva@gmail.com

NOTE: For this class, there is an option to audit. This would mean that you would not get paired with a xevruta, but could come to classes/watch recordings. This is optimal for people who cannot make several of the class times, but still want access to the learning/materials. You will see the option as a separate “audit” ticket at check out.

Reach out to us at the email above, if you have any further questions

Clothed in Holiness: An In-Depth Exploration of the In-Dwelling Presence