Rabbinic Midrash and air-conditioned worship

In a few weeks we travel to Vancouver for a week of summer school study at the Vancouver School of Theology. We will be stepping into the world of "Midrash and the Rabbinic Imagination," taught by Rabbi Robert Daum, PhD. He holds the Diamond Chair in Jewish Law and Ethics in the Department of Classical, Near Eastern & Religious Studies at the University of British Columbia, Vancouver. The Vancouver School of Theology occupies property at the edge of the UBC campus.

The course description portrays a world of inquiry that allows for a more creative interpretation of Biblical texts. The key is to ask questions about the events and characters as if they were windows through which to see a world of truth: "What did Satan tell Sarah while Abraham and Isaac were en route to Mt. Moriah?" and "What did Moses see when God transported him centuries forward in time?"

The course description continues: "These questions are part of a vast collection of inventive rabbinic midrash. The course will explore theories and genres of rabbinic midrash while engaging some of the most startling, biblically-inspired literary compositions of the late antique and medieval worlds."

We are drawn in by the invitation to engage biblical texts with creative imagination! Meanwhile, we look forward to welcoming you to worship services held in our air-conditioned Skinner Chapel. On Sunday Mornings, choirs continue through the summer at 10 a.m. For those looking for a less traditional mid-week service, try out "City Vespers," Thursdays at 6:30 pm.