By COLlive reporter
How does one find practical meaning in a story about a wave that lifted a seafarer so close to a star that it almost had him roasted from the star’s heat?
Leave it to Rabbi Naftali Silberberg and the staff of the curriculum department at the Rohr Jewish Learning Institute (JLI) to “translate” the most seemingly bizarre legends of the Talmud.
A new six-session course by JLI titled “Curious Tales of the Talmud: Finding Personal Meaning in the Legends of Our Sages” is scheduled to be taught in Chabad centers and institutions in 350 cities worldwide.
Silberberg, a native of Detroit known for his sharp wit and vast Talmudic knowledge, explores legends of gargantuan sea monsters, impossible feats and riddles that challenge the foundations of the Jewish faith.
In deciphering the meaning behind these strange episodes, students of this course will be able to discover secrets containing profound insights into the meaning of life.
“This is a chance for the public to unravel layers of personal meaning from texts not usually available to non-scholars,” commented Rabbi Zalman Abraham of JLI.
“We’ll explore the mystical dimension of the Talmud called the Aggadah, to uncover profound wisdom from some of the zaniest and most epic legends you’ll ever encounter,” he added.
To provide the public with a glimpse of what the course will offer, JLI has enlisted the talent of Judy Ammar, an actress and performer from Thornhill, Ontario.
A graduate of York University in Toronto and Mayanot Yeshiva in Jerusalem, Ammar presents the tale of the seafarer mentioned in tractate Bava Basra in parallel to its personal meaning to herself.
UPDATE: JLI has removed the video from the web and has changed it with thr following clip:
JLI courses is designed to appeal to people at all levels of Jewish knowledge. To find one near you, visit myJLI.com
Judy,you did an amazing job. We miss you in Thornhill. Chaya Wachtel
You are a wonderful talent. Thanks for sharing it with us.
From your proud aunt
xo
but I have no idea what she is talking about!
When I watched this video on facebook I was utterly baffled. However, after reading this article I can recognize the depth and beauty of this piece. I truly hope that those who play this for others will give it the context it so desperately needs. May all who took part in its creation be blessed!
Great job Judy!
You are talented and entertaining.
She was my dorm counselor in Toronto for a bit and is a truly amazing person. So proud of you 🙂
Judy so proud of you!
Yehudis Steiner
Keep up the good work
She is good at this.
Way to go JLI!
amazing!
Ya Judy!!!!
Amazing job on the effects. Nicely done!