2025 Rozelle & Robert I. Kahn Scholar in Residence featuring Rabbi Dr. Wendy Zierler

Congregation Emanu El is excited to welcome Rabbi Dr. Wendy Zierler, Ph.D., during the weekend of December 5 – 7 as the Rozelle & Robert I. Kahn Scholar in Residence.

Wendy Zierler is Sigmund Falk Professor of Modern Jewish Literature and Feminist Studies at HUC-JIR in New York. Prior to joining HUC-JIR she was a Research Fellow in the English Department of the University of Hong Kong. She received her Ph.D. and her MA from Princeton University and her BA from Stern College of Yeshiva University and an MFA in Fiction Writing from Sarah Lawrence College. In June 2021, she received rabbinic ordination from Yeshiva Maharat. Her most recent book, Going Out with Knots: My Two Kaddish / COVID Years with Hebrew Poetry (Jewish Publication Society), was named to Zibby Owens’ list of most anticipated books of Fall 2025.

Over the course of the weekend, Rabbi Wendy will join Emanu El at different opportunities while she covers a wide range of topics including TV and Torah, and empathy and metaphor as spiritual practice. Her latest book, Going Out with Knots: My Two Kaddish/ COVID Years with Hebrew Poetry will be available to purchase at various points throughout the weekend.

Scholar in Residence Weekend with Rabbi Dr.  Wendy Zierler, Ph.D.:

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5

• 6:00 p.m., Kabbalat Shabbat with sermon by Rabbi Wendy Zierler, Ph.D.
  Jewish Daughters then and Now: on Wendy Zierler‘s Going Out with Knots: My Two Kaddish Years with Hebrew Poetry
  Following service, congregants are invited to an Oneg where Rabbi Wendy will be signing copies of her latest book, “Going Out with Knots: My Two Kaddish / COVID Years with Hebrew Poetry (Jewish Publication Society)”

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6

• 9:00 a.m. – 10:15 a.m., Torah Study, “Reclaiming Dinah: A Woman’s Story”
  Click here to register for the Torah study session
• 10:30 a.m., Shabbat Morning Service, For You Were a Stranger: On Empathy and Metaphor as Spiritual Practice
• 7:30 p.m.- YP Program at the home Rabbi Josh Fixler (address to be shared upon registration)
  Click here to register

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 7

• 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m., Adult Education Session- TV and Torah: Serial Television and Jewish Religious Conversation
  To help guide the discussion, participants are encouraged to watch the following two TV episodes in advance- Gilmore Girls: Season 2 Episode 17, “Dead Uncles and Vegetables” (Netflix) Northern Exposure, Season 4 Episode 22, “Kaddish for Uncle Manny.” (Prime)
  Click here to register for the Adult Education session