The Whole Megillah
Welcome to The Whole Megillah: Uncovering the Bible's Hidden Treasures. This unique, eight-month series led by Rabbi Andrew Kaplan Mandel explores the oft-overlooked books of the Ketuvim (the Writings), the final section of the Hebrew Bible.
Whether you're familiar with texts like Esther, Ruth, Daniel, and Ecclesiastes, or hearing about others for the first time, many of us have never read them in full, and each book offers its own special insights and wisdom.
Explore Ketuvim one book at a time through a mix of asynchronous readings, podcasts, teachings, live events and discussions. This book club style format allows you to join the series for a flexible amount of time while choosing your own adventure by reading (or skimming) books that may speak to your life and build your Jewish literacy at the same time.
Here's how you can join us:
Central Synagogue members interested in daily content and engagement about the Ketuvim are invited to join a virtual study group on Central Square, Central Synagogue’s online community for members only (see below for instructions to join).
Participants in the Central Synagogue Neighborhood can connect with one another through the 929 group on Mighty Networks.
Everyone can access the daily chapter and other meaningful content on the "929" website: https://www.929.org.il/lang/en/today
Before each book, Rabbi Mandel will release a short audio recording to orient you. Every week, he and Rabbi Nicole Auerbach will release a Zoom recording to support your reading. At the end of nearly every book, Rabbi Mandel will also host a live “wrap-up” discussion on Zoom. Learners are welcome at these even if you haven’t yet read the book.
On this page, you’ll find additional materials and information for each book. You can join our study at any time. As new books are introduced, we will add introductory recordings, reflections, and registration details for live events.
The Book of Job
Begins December 18
About
Why do bad things happen to good people? The Book of Job has long been the source text for people grappling with this existential question.
On December 18, we started our study by listening to the introductory podcast from Rabbi Andrew Kaplan Mandel (below), then read independently through February 12, tracing how Job’s faith gets tested over many trials and tribulations – and how he goads G-d into the ultimate discussion of divine justice.
We held a live event on January 21 led by Rabbi Mandel and Central Synagogue member Madeline Myers about the Biblical figures Jonah and Job. Our wrap-up session for the Book of Job will take place on Zoom on February 12 at 6:00 p.m. Register below.
Listen to six-minute introductory podcast by Rabbi Andrew Kaplan Mandel to get started (click here)
Read a chapter of Job every day on your own, starting December 18 (click here)
You may use the Jewish Publication Society’s text of the book here, or whatever translation you prefer.
Questions to consider while you read:
- In what ways do the concerns of Job mirror your own? How does it feel to hear them from his mouth?
- How should people handle the suffering and concerns of friends?
- How do you balance faith and protest, trust and questioning?
- What would you want to hear from God in repsonse to Job's arguments?
Listen to our weekly Zoom recordings to support your reading (click here)
Every Friday starting December 20, Rabbis Andrew Kaplan Mandel and Nicole Auerbach will dive into the week's readings, reflecting on their modern relevance and posing questions for discussion.
- If you are a member of Central Synagogue, you can engage with this content on Central Square.
- If you are a Neighbor, you can engage with this content in The Neighborhood.
- Recordings:
- December 20 weekly summary (Chapters 1-2)
- December 27 weekly summary (Chapters 3-7)
- January 3 weekly summary (Chapters 8-12)
- January 10 weekly summary (Chapters 13-17)
- January 17 weekly summary (Chapters 18-22)
- January 24 weekly summary (Chapters 23-27)
- January 31 weekly summary (Chapters 28-32)
- February 7 weekly summary (Chapters 33-37)
Watch the recording of our Jonah-Job program (click here)
In case you missed "Jonah and Job: Arguing With the Almighty On Stage," our live program featuring musical theater composer and lyricist Madeline Myers, you can access the recording on YouTube here.
Register for our book wrap-up (click here)
Join the Conversation—No Readings Required!
Whether or not you've completed the readings, you're invited to participate in our live programs and discussions, designed to engage everyone.
Job Wrap-Up
February 12 (6-7 pm, Zoom)
Join Rabbi Mandel for a discussion of your takeaways and impressions from the Book of Job.
Register for special live programs and book wrap-ups
Join the Conversation—No Readings Required! Whether or not you've completed the readings, you're invited to participate in our live programs and discussions, designed to engage everyone.
How to Join Central Square
For Central Members Only
- Visit Central Square and enter your email address
- Check your email for an invitation to join the community
- Follow the email directions to set up your username and password
- Request to join the The Whole Megillah group, featured at top of the welcome page
- Start reading and responding to Rabbi Mandel's posts each day
* Tip: A desktop browser is recommended for your first login. Central Square is hosted by Mighty Networks. Download the Mighty Networks app to stay connected while on the go.
FAQs
I’m not a member of Central Synagogue. How can I participate?
You’re invited to listen in to each week’s conversation recording, posted on this webpage. And, if you’re part of The Neighborhood, share your reflections in the Whole Megillah group.
The Whole Megillah has already started. Can I still join the online discussion?
Yes, you’re welcome to join at any point in the series.
What is a chevruta?
Learning in chevruta is the practice of studying Jewish texts in partnership. Chevruta partners decide how frequently they wish to connect and whether to do so by phone, Zoom, text message, or in person.
Is a chevruta required to participate?
Learning in chevruta is an optional way to elevate your Psalms experience. If you would like to be paired with a chevruta partner, you can e-mail Rabbi Mandel at mandela@censyn.org.
What if I don’t have time to read the chapters each week?
No worries, The Whole Megillah is designed to be adaptable to your lifestyle—feel free to get creative in how you choose to participate. Also, Rabbi Mandel and Rabbi Auerbach will be summarizing what they have read in their weekly recording, if you want to catch up.
