Classes
Classes
Talks & Lectures
The Function of Niggunim
An exploration of what the singing of niggunim — both privately and publicly — accomplishes. This talk looks at the inner anatomy of the soul from which music springs, and the emotional and spiritual distinctions between categories of niggunim: fast and slow, with and without words, those rooted in Jewish tradition and those that entered from non-Jewish sources.
The Seder Niggunim
A series of eight special niggunim designated for the Three Yearly Festivals — Pesach, Shavuos, and Sukkos. What are these melodies? Who composed them? Why these songs, and why for these specific times? The themes introduced in the first session naturally inform and deepen the second.
Songs and Their Stories
An evening of the real-life lore behind Chassidic melodies. Through the events surrounding the creation, teaching, and singing of particular niggunim, participants gain insight into the origins, effects, and enduring power of these songs, and the deeper purposes they continue to serve.
Teacher & Rabbi
Joshua brings the same presence to learning that he brings to music — grounded, alive, and human.
The Inner Workings of Chassidic Niggunim
An evening devoted to unlocking the compositional and emotional techniques within Chassidic melody. Drawing on formal musicological study and years of immersion in tradition, Joshua presents insights rarely available in the Jewish music world in a way that is clear, engaging, and alive.
Being Real with the Tanya.
The ”Beinoni” is an elevated soul, a level we sometimes only aspire to. This class makes the beinoni relatable and shows how we can all incorporate this lofty character into our own lives.
Likutei Sichos
Looking deeply at the parsha, seeing spiritual pearls peek from behind the laws and the narratives of the weekly Torah portion.
Chumash and Rashi
Behind every Rashi lies a process–What in the Chumash text was difficult which prompted Rashi to comment? What is Rashi’s solution? From what source did Rashi bring his solution? An opportunity to see Rashi at work in the parsha of the week.