BT in the AM

Class 1: The Stories We Live By with Ms. Bracha Rutner
9:30-10:25am

The stories of Chazal are never just stories. They invite us to think about the choices we make, the relationships we build and break, the power we hold, and the moments that can change the direction of a life. In this series, we will look closely at several aggadot (the story section of the Talmud) and explore how they speak to the deepest parts of being human: longing, regret, responsibility, repair, and the power of our emotions. 

From the arrival of the first Jewish settlers in North America in 1654 through the dramatic transformations of the twentieth century, this course explores the rich, surprising, and often untold stories of American Jewish history. Through stories of triumph and tragedy, controversy and resilience, we will encounter colorful personalities, unexpected scandals, communal debates, and defining moments that reveal how American Jews built institutions, adapted traditions, and responded to the opportunities and challenges of life in the United States. Together, these stories provide a vivid window into the people and events that shaped American Jewish life across nearly four centuries.

Leslie Ginsparg Klein is the Dean and Chief Academic Officer of Gratz College. She previously served as Academic Dean of Women’s Institute of Torah Seminary & College, leading the institution to regional accreditation. An accomplished scholar and author, Dr. Klein speaks on Jewish history, Tanach, leadership and communication skills across the United States and internationally. Dr. Klein received her Ph.D. from New York University, where she researched the history of Orthodox girls’ education in America and the Bais Yaakov movement. She is an alumna of Michlalah, Stern College for Women and the Wexner Graduate Fellowship, and a recipient of the New York Jewish Week’s “36 Under 36” award (2009). Dr. Klein lives in Baltimore with her husband and children.