Barshop JCC sits down with Dr. Sara Ronis, Ph.D.
March 1, 2022
The Barshop JCC is excited to host Dr. Sara Ronis, Ph.D. for the new three-part educational series, Talmud’s Greatest Hits. Dr. Ronis is an Associate Professor of Theology at St. Mary’s University where she researches rabbinic literature in the broader cultural context of Late Antiquity, including ancient Judaism, early Christianity, and the religions of Late Antique Babylonia. This will be Dr. Ronis’ second course at the Barshop JCC, as she developed and led the Politics, Prophets, and Priests course in the fall of 2021.
We caught up with Dr. Ronis to learn more about her class!
JCC: What is the premise of Talmud’s Greatest Hits?
Dr. Ronis: The Talmud is the classical text of rabbinic law, theology, and morality. In this class, we’re going to study some of the most famous and foundational texts from the Talmud. We’ll be looking at texts that describe how the rabbis make decisions and how they find strength and meaning when times get tough, and at some fun stories of rabbinic sages and their adventures. But to be honest, I think all of the Talmud is really it’s “greatest hits” – this really could be a never-ending class!
JCC: When did you know that you wanted to study Rabbinic literature and what do you find most interesting about it?
Dr. Ronis: I was privileged to start learning rabbinic literature as a child with my father – so I can’t think of a time when I didn’t want to learn more about it. The rabbis of the Talmud are brilliant, creative, complicated men wrestling with inherited traditions and values in an ever-changing and sometimes hostile world. They craft a way of life that continues to shape Jewish experience today – and they do it through extensive dialogue, critical thinking, and a real commitment to integrity and righteousness.
JCC: Can you tell us a little bit about Demons in the Details: Demonic Discourse and Rabbinic Culture in the Babylonian Talmud?
Dr. Ronis: Basically everyone in the ancient world believed in demons – including ancient Jews. The rabbis of late antique Babylonia (what is now Iraq) thought about demons through both law and narrative. In my book – coming out this July! – I show that rabbis took demons really seriously and in so doing, they created a theology and a way of life that is designed to make sense of how human life often feels random and out of control. They are dealing with topics that many people today can relate to, and doing it in ways that are profoundly connected to how they understand God and their own place in the universe.
Meet Dr. Sara Ronis for yourself at Talmud’s Greatest Hits. Classes will be held on February 24, March 3, and March 10 from 5:00-6:00 PM. Members $10 | Community $15