This Month's Topic: Meaning, Mystery & Magic

The writer Marcel Proust famously described in “Remembrance of Things Past” how eating even a morsel of a petite madeleine cake triggered a flood of memories and associations in the mind of its taster. While Proust depicted the madeleine as a personal portal to one’s deep inner world, Jews have long had our own gustatory gateway — the humble bagel. Since its East European origins in the 14th century, the mere thought of Jews without bagels would be a shanda (Yiddish for disgrace!) Philosophically speaking, the primary feature of the bagel is its circular shape. Join us as we explore the meaning, mystery and magic of circles in Jewish text and tradition—from the bagel to the Hebrew letter samech, the Workmen’s Circle movement, protective amulets, Kabbalah and more. Like varieties of bagels, the symbolism of the circle is without end in Jewish contemporary culture. All are invited to BYOB (bring your own bagel) for our first Philosophy Minyan of the new year.

The Philosophy Minyan is a monthly lunchtime series on Zoom. All are welcome to join in an interactive and thought-provoking exploration of topics at the intersection of philosophy, Jewish thought and contemporary issues. No advance reading is required and participants will receive online access to all the class materials following each session.

Be sure to check the Beth Am calendar for future class descriptions and any schedule changes, as well as to register for individual sessions.

If you would like to be added to the email list for monthly Philosophy Minyan reminders and the Zoom link, or have a great topic you would like to suggest, please contact Shelley.

Please use the form below to register and receive Zoom access information.