Kehilat Hadar and Shaare Zedek are co-sponsoring a Lunch and Learn on February 4 with Rabba Wendy Amsellem, who will be teaching On the Precipice of Disaster: Halachot of the Synagogue. This exploration of the laws of synagogue ritual will reveal that the Rabbis saw shuls as perennially on the verge of conflict and chaos. Many familiar customs, such as granting a Kohen the first aliyah, were implemented to try to keep the peace. We will survey synagogue practices which were instituted to promote good will and the many anecdotal stories detailing when these efforts proved unsuccessful.

Everyone is welcome to participate in the learning, which will start around 12:00 PM. Babysitting will be offered during the learning. This will be followed by a hot catered meat lunch with vegetarian and vegan options. Registration is required for lunch. The deadline to register is Monday, January 30.

The cost is $15 per adult and $10 per child. Children under 2 are free.