Bilhah and Zilpah are two names we read in the Torah every year, yet how often do we truly see them? These enslaved characters birth a third of the namesakes who become the twelve tribes of Israel, and still, their stories often remain in the background. Many may recognize in Bilhah and Zilpah for the ways their experiences echo our own or others around us: compromised bodily autonomy, being named and categorized by others, navigating systems intent on separating parents from children, having one’s voice silenced, and feeling invisible in plain sight. Encountering their narrative through the lens of contemporary hierarchies can be deeply felt, opening pathways to wisdom, enriching our relationship with Torah, deepening Jewish practice, and supporting healing in everyday life.

Reclaim and connect with Jewish matriarchs Bilhah and Zilpah through midrashic traces that offer insight, contradiction, and opportunity for constructive engagement. Come with openness and curiosity; be prepared for rigorous text study infused with playful interaction and powerful connection to modern issues. This three-session course with erica riddick is designed to be accessible to a wide range of text study experience, interest, and confidence. Whether you are not sure you know how to do text study or see yourself as a Torah scholar, there is room for you in this tent.

This series will be taught via Zoom and can also be accessed via phone. Though live attendance is encouraged, all sessions will be recorded, allowing you to engage with the material even if you’re unable to attend in real time. For financial assistance and scholarship opportunities, please contact liviah@beitkohenet.org.

Cost: $100 + $25 non-refundable registration fee