Upcoming study opportunities

Dark Judaism: Terrifying Tales

Sunday, October 25, 7:00–8:30pm EDT · Lehrhaus, Somerville MA

Jewish tradition is filled with stories of demons and monsters, terror and wonder. At this seasonally themed gathering, we’ll encounter frightening tales from ancient sources through modern fantasy and horror. What do these texts teach us about the allure of dark places? What insights might come when we allow ourselves to be scared? Let’s see what wisdom is hiding in the shadows – enter if you dare.

Please return after 9/15 for a registration link.

Promotional image for Rabbi Josh Breindel's Lehrhaus class on Jewish speculative fiction.

Ongoing study opportunities

Jewish Fantasy & Sci-Fi Book Club

An ongoing monthly Zoom conversation co-hosted with Stephanie Bennett. Read more at the Book Club page.

Full descriptions and Zoom links for the following classes are at Beth El’s Service Times & Remote Viewing page – with thanks to Beth El for hosting both.

Torah Study

The weekly Torah portion is the foundation of Jewish imagination. This is where we read the stories of creation and covenant, and where the themes of exile and return are established. In this group, we read the parashah (portion) and enhance it with midrashim, classical and modern commentary, and pop-culture references.

We meet weekly on Saturday mornings at 9:00 AM Eastern: in-person at Beth El and online.

Hasidic Tales

Hasidic tales are brief, wondrous stories filled with dream quests, mystical journeys, secret teachers, and sudden flashes of divine presence. Many of the themes in modern Jewish speculative fiction spring from these roots. Each week we read a fresh selection from Martin Buber’s Tales of the Hasidim — all texts in English. All are welcome to join in the conversation.

We meet weekly on Thursday mornings at 11:00 AM Eastern: Zoom only.

Join a class

All study opportunities are free and open to all. Full descriptions and Zoom links live on Beth El’s site.

Visit Beth El for more info

Book Me

I teach and lead rituals in classrooms, sanctuaries, living rooms and Zoom – and you’re invited.

Teaching

Invite me to teach a class, a series, or a single talk on Judaism and speculative fiction. I’ve presented one-evening introductions to multi-session arcs on angels, golems, comic books, and the literature of moral imagination in a variety of session, including synagogues, Hillels, JCCs, and adult-learning programs. Audiences need no prior background; curiosity is enough.

Officiating

I officiate at Jewish life-cycle events in Boston’s MetroWest area and beyond. My approach is warm, text-grounded, and built around the people in front of me, with full welcome for LGBTQ+ couples and families and interfaith households. Ceremonies are co-designed: your story, anchored in our tradition.

Speaking

Booking a panel, keynote, podcast, or festival appearance? I speak on Jewish speculative fiction across the field – sci-fi, fantasy, horror, weird, magical realism – and on what tradition has to say about the questions those stories raise. Reporters and producers are welcome to reach out for Jewish commentary on speculative culture.

Curious whether I’m a fit?

Tell me about your community, your event, or the question you’d like to explore together.

Just drop me a note

Past Engagements

A curated record – for a more complete list, please be in touch.

Lehrhaus, Somerville

Monthly Jewish speculative fiction class series since February 2024. Standout sessions:

  • The Golem: a Series – a three-part arc with sold-out sessions, later reprised with new material at Beth El.
  • Lilith Unbound – a three-part arc on Judaism’s most disputed figure, also reprised at Beth El.
  • Robots at the Seder – a spiritually intense single session on automata, freedom, and the Haggadah.
  • Dark Tales – a foray into Jewish horror that genuinely unsettled the room (in the best way).
  • Fan Fiction! – a participatory session built around reading speculative Jewish short stories aloud.

Star Wars Sunday at Congregation Beth El

Summer, 2025

An afternoon of Jewish/Star Wars programming with the Scifi-Rabbi and Cantor Vera Broekhuysen: build-your-own lightsabers, a pop-up Star Wars Museum, and family-friendly teaching on what Jedi, droids, and rebels share with Jewish tradition.

Rabbi Josh Breindel and Cantor Vera Broekhuysen in Jedi robes with green and blue lightsabers, promotional image for Star Wars Sunday at Congregation Beth El.

Rabbi Josh and Cantor Vera in a Beth El promo image
Photo credit: Shana Hausman

Photo credit: Footer – Haiming Xiao (Unsplash).