Seudah Shelishit: Exploring Pirkei DeRabbi Eliezer
Pirkei De-Rabbi Eliezer (The Chapters of Rabbi Eliezer) is one of the most imaginative and wide-ranging works of rabbinic literature—a Talmudic-era collection of midrashim that retells and expands upon the Torah’s stories, from the creation of the world to Miriam’s leprosy in the Book of Numbers. Within its pages you’ll find Jewish ethics, ancient customs, legends, and even mystical calculations about the beginning and the end of time. Traditionally attributed to Rabbi Eliezer ben Hyrcanus, a 2nd-century sage, the text was likely compiled in the eighth or ninth century.
Join Rabbi Russ for a fascinating journey through this remarkable work—a tapestry of storytelling, interpretation, and spiritual imagination. Together, we’ll explore how Pirkei De-Rabbi Eliezer reshapes familiar biblical narratives, connects them to enduring Jewish values, and invites us to see Torah through a lens of creativity and wonder.
Each session will combine close reading with lively discussion, making the class accessible to both newcomers and seasoned learners.
Come discover why Pirkei De-Rabbi Eliezer has captivated readers for centuries—and how its timeless insights continue to inspire and challenge us today.
Registration not required, but appreciated.
