The Yamim Noraim (High Holidays) are an invitation at this season to consider the seminal role of memory in the collective consciousness of the Jewish people. Rosh Hashanah, after all, is also known as Yom HaZikaron – Remembrance Day. In particular, as we approach a year since October 7, how do we remember and commemorate memories that are particularly painful? How do our formative rabbinic teachings illustrate how memory builds collective identity and become culturally defining? And, most critically, what is at stake if we forget?
Rabbi Jesse Paikin is the Executive Director of Base, a national movement of home-based, pluralistic, rabbinic-led communities for young adults. He recently served as a research fellow with M2: The Institute for Experiential Jewish Education, where he researched and designed new pedagogies to influence the ways that Jewish educators teach. He is currently a Master’s Candidate in Clinical Psychology at Teachers College, Columbia University, where his research interests include adult pedagogy and how spiritual leaders grow and develop their expertise. Originally from Toronto, Canada, he holds degrees in Philosophy and Hebrew Literature, and has studied at Yeshivat Hadar, NYU, the University of Toronto, and the National Theatre School of Canada. He lives in Dupont Circle with his wife, Rabbi Crawley, and their inquisitive and awe-filled daughter, Ruthie.
Register before 5 p.m. the Sunday before for in-person lunch ($10) or by the next evening for the Zoom link.
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