First Thursdays: Leonard Cohen

“If that’s all there is my friend, let’s keep dancing.”
Leonard Cohen’s Waltz with Judaism, with Brien Brothman, Ph.D.

He worshiped prayer and passion, sexuality and spirituality, Self and Other. Deeply rooted in and intimately acquainted with Judaism, Leonard Cohen (1934-2016) wrote songs that wanted to be poems and poems that wanted to be songs, writings that also often seemed to give off prayerful vibrations. Though to some he came across as a modern Jewish prophet, others have described him as a “pop saint.” The Book of Cohen – his novels, poetry, and songs – bears the stamp of Judaism, and its storied history. That history partly shaped his lyrical response to what he regarded as God’s broken world. Join us for a discussion of Cohen’s eloquent dance through life, and how it might speak to our own waltz – tango? – with God and Judaism, and with the contemporary world.

There is no cost for congregants; $15 for non-congregants.
Registration is required to receive Zoom information.