Making of a Mensch

Jewish Virtue Ethics & Wise Living in Eseth Hayyil: Join this interactive learning in conversation with Rav Aubrey & Rabbi Martin Cohen: as we search for a blueprint for Jewish virtue ethics through the symbolic model of Eshet Hayil.  Traditionally chanted on Friday night at the Shabbat table, honoring women of the household, but also understood allegorically as describing Wisdom itself or the soul of Israel, Proverbs 31:10–31 (“Eshet Hayil” – Woman of Valor) is more than a praise of an ideal wife; it is the culmination of the Book of Proverbs—why? It presents a poetic model of wisdom in action, and functions as a source for virtue ethics, showing how qualities like diligence, generosity, courage, and reverence for God shape a life of integrity and wise living. Join us as we explore strategies for integrating these virtues of living wisely into our lives, and realize that wise living by the cultivation of enduring virtues that sustain family, community, and spiritual life. This 4 session mini-course on zoom, 4 Tuesdays in November 4,11,18,25 @10AM EST will focus on the following learning goals:

• Integration of life spheres: Work, family, community, and spirituality are woven together; ethical living is not compartmentalized but holistic.
• Model of wise living: Eshet Hayil embodies the wisdom celebrated throughout Proverbs—practical, ethical, and God-centered.
• Communal recognition: Her family and community “rise up and call her blessed” (v. 28), showing that virtue is recognized and celebrated in society.

Pre-registration required. Suggested donation: $36 for members; $48 non-members. Please select Lifelong Learning class from the dropdown.

Recordings of these sessions will be available for all those who register.