I remember as a child waking up early to the sound of the kettle. My father would rise, make tea and immerse himself in a page of Gemara, delving into a world of ideas even before the sun rose. I wanted to join him, but in the world I grew up in, Gemara (Talmud) studies were reserved exclusively for men.
It was then that I realized two things. One – that I also wanted to sit at this table, and that if I didn’t have a place there, I would build a table of my own. And the second – was that I wanted to learn, to delve deeply, but the learning I was looking for had to be rooted not only in the text but also in the experience and story. I realized that creating and life’s events were inseparable from the realm of academic ideas and traditional ancient wisdom.
So that is what I do, in various forms and ways. I teach, facilitate, create. To me, this is the most intriguing way to contemplate ourselves and our cultural environment. It forms the foundation for thinking, civic engagement, artistic expression and all the elements that shape who we are.
And if I don't have
room there,
I will build my own table Study group workshop - "A room of your own"
Tel Aviv 2023 "Room of our own" is an intimate learning space that allows a group of women (or men) to engage on topics of identity and gender, learn and deepen ideas and share personal identity issues. Over the years, additional groups have joined our journey: Israeli women on relocation around the world, a group of female CEOs from both the social and business sectors, a group for women educators and various other groups encompassing women from the worlds of culture and the arts, and even a group for men. I put in a great deal of thought into curating our participants, seeking out women who were not only eager to delve into texts and ancient wisdom, but also keen on weaving these profound ideas into the fabric of their life experiences. Each meeting is devoted to a different topic, and I intertwine academic and theoretical studies with contemporary discourse, along with ties to our lived experiences.
FAQ’s
The group is small enough to foster intimate conversations, with the number of participants limited to about twenty women in each group. Towards the end of the course, we also hold a retreat.
Currently, the groups are closed, but registration will reopen in the near future. If you’re interested, please feel free to reach out to me.
We discuss gender theories, explore global and local phenomena, identity politics and intimacy and self-discovery. The sources I use as the foundation for our discussions consist primarily of Talmudic texts, recognizing their significant influence on our thought paradigms in the past and present. Alongside them, texts from the realms of culture, philosophy, art, and politics are also always included.
Participants share:
I grew up in Jerusalem in a conservative religious community. I left this world when I was eighteen, only to return to it through another door. "U.ME.VERSE" conference, Jerusalem 2023 I truly love teaching. A typical lecture or class with me includes studying and delving into an ancient text, accompanied by a discussion of its relevance to contemporary reality.
The content I offer is suitable for large gatherings of men and women and can work perfectly with a small group of staff members in the context of organizational training sessions too. In recent years, I have taught in various organizational settings, such as with senior IDF personnel, CEOs of third sector organizations, art students and more. I also lecture at conferences and private events.
Lecture topics:
Our identity as women and men in the world is shaped by the language and ideas that surround us. The lessons in this area explore questions of identity and gender by delving into ancient textual sources and understanding how contemporary thought patterns have evolved from ancient Jewish concepts. The content is tailored in accordance with the organization that has invited me or the context of the meeting, and touches on questions such as couplehood, sexuality, traditional and contemporary roles, equality, exclusion, body image, safety, desire, jealousy and more.
An exploration of contemporary reality through the lens of ancient Jewish sources. What insights can we gain into various topics such as life in a hyper-technological world, addiction, emotional well-being, equality, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, conservatism vs. liberalism, social media, voicing unpopular opinions in a polarized society, community life and more. We examine these subjects with a blend of inspiration from ancient wisdom and a critical examination of our inherited perceptions.
Jewish tradition divided the Torah stories across the weeks of the year, assigning each week a section of the Torah that is the focus of learning. The portions contain profound content and ideas that remain relevant to existential questions that concern us today too. In the lecture, we will delve into the weekly portion to uncover its affinity to present-day social or personal realities.
Audience shares:
Life events,
They are an integral part of a world of academic ideas and ancient tradition Western Galilee retreat, 2022 It takes time to enter the world of study and engage in profound conversation. Often during study sessions, I feel that just when we begin to delve deeply into the subject and unpeel the layers, the alarm clock rings and we must return to reality.
In order to provide a lasting and fulfilling experience, I have designed a retreat that at every stage combines intellect and emotion, thought and movement. The location may change, but it always offers a beautiful setting that complements the content and group discussions. Over three days, we will immerse ourselves in Talmudic and Hasidic teachings, engage in discussion circles on various current topics, partake in movement and yoga classes, and hold a special musical performance around a roaring bonfire.
FAQ’s:
The retreat is for anyone who wants to take a break from the routine of daily life for three days of profound fulfillment and immersive experiences.
I lead three retreats a year, with the number of places limited to 35 participants. That’s why it’s a good idea to register as soon as possible.
I hold two retreats a year for women and one retreat for both women and men.
No. The program is designed so that in the initial session, I provide the basis for the study, and each lesson is structured to be relevant both for those conversant with the content as well as for those new to the world of Jewish studies.
The retreat fee ranges from 2700-3300 NIS, depending on the venue and whether you choose a shared or separate room. The fee covers all aspects of the program.
While there are no discounts available, I am happy to offer the opportunity to two participants at each retreat who cannot afford the full amount but are interested in participating. Details on how to apply for a scholarship will be provided when the retreat is announced.
Participants share:
The mythological figure of Lilith represents the opposite of the biblical Eve"Kol Hathor", Kan 11 In recent years, I have created digital and audio content, merging ancient ideas with human conversation. I hosted a series on Kan 11, was interviewed on podcasts and developed two online series. I provide content consultancy services to organizations and individuals, assist in the development of leadership programs, cultural events and content implementation. I moderate panel discussions and conduct interviews with artists.
Selected projects:
Colleagues share:
My name is Chaya Gilboa. I grew up in Jerusalem in a very traditional religious community. I left that world at the age of eighteen, only to reenter it through a different door. I’ve been involved in teaching, lecturing and content development for the past fifteen years.
I studied Jewish philosophy for my BA degree and public policy for my master’s. My thesis focused on ultra-Orthodox women employed in high-tech firms. I tried to understand whether their interactions with the tech world affect their identity as women and as ultra-Orthodox individuals, and whether they can be considered agents of change. I was ordained as a rabbi through the Israeli rabbinical program of the Hartman Institute and Oranim College, and I am currently a doctoral student in the Cultural Studies Department at the Hebrew University.
I taught Talmud at an academic college in Stockholm, I established and managed an educational program focused on study and activism at the Shalom Hartman Institute and I founded A Room of Our Own – study groups for women. I have been a social activist for over ten years, particularly for various social causes related to religion and state. Until recently, I was the CEO of a philanthropic foundation in Jerusalem that addresses community relations in the city. I was also involved in the establishment of Hashgacha Pratit, a project that provides kosher certification to businesses independent of the rabbinate, and I currently serve on the board of directors of the Michal Sela Forum for the Prevention of Domestic Violence.
I also host programs on Kan 11”s digital channel and I have a weekly segment dedicated to Talmudic topics on a radio program on Kan Tarbut. Beyond that, I officiate at wedding ceremonies (outside the rabbinate), record podcasts, moderate panels and conduct interviews.
Most importantly – I’m a Jerusalemite, Marik’s life partner and the mother of Michael, Avshalom and Imri.