Radical Readings 3: The Talmud and the Ethics of City Life

It’s Simchas Torah time, but how much Simcha (joy) is to be found in the Torah, really? The Talmud, a collection of Jewish law consisting of arguments about how to interpret the oral Torah, was largely written by urban Rabbis in and around what is now Baghdad. In this class, we'll read Talmudic writings relating to the ethics of city life and topics that are unmistakably relevant today.

Drawing from modern, secular historical research to help us understand these texts, we will engage with ethical questions of urban living, from the relationships between the rich and poor, the right to housing, and the responsibility of city dwellers to be politically active and engage in protest.

Thursday, October 8th from 7-8:30pm

Upstairs Lounge at the Peretz Centre 

6184 Ash St., Vancouver, BC V5Z 3G9

 ➤   How to Get Here / Building & Accessibility Information

Parking is available on the street or in the underground parkade.

This seminar is part of the 2026-2027 Radical Readings series, led by Matthew Gindin. Radical Readings invites participants to reflect on the timelessly radical implications of classical Jewish texts through text-based study and discussion. Reading and understanding writings that are centuries old is hard; by reading together and introducing modern, secular historical research alongside traditional sources, these classes open accessible pathways into core Jewish literature and equip participants to critically engage with Jewish traditions. What we find may be the tools we need to fight injustice and oppression today.

Registration is required in advance, with up to 20 spots available. The Radical Readings series is open to continuing and new students from diverse cultures, beliefs, and identities, on a sliding scale. No one will be turned away for lack of funds (contact admin@peretz-centre.org).

Matthew Gindin has been teaching Jewish history, philosophy, and contemplative traditions in a wide variety of settings since 2004. Formerly Peretz Education Director and Master Teacher at Or Shalom, we welcomed Matthew back to the Peretz Centre in 2024. He also works as a freelance writer and editor, professional lecturer, and independent journalist.

Image credit: Original illustration by Boris Aronson, from Leyenbikher far der Idisher shul, vol. 1, by Israel Steinbaum (Ertsyung, New York, 1926).