It’s a night of Purim, “Pizzataschen,” and Patriarchy Smashing at BJ!

We’ll start at 5:30 PM with food and drinks while Rabbi Jessica Lenza clues us into Vashti’s secret history in her Bad Girls of the Bible class, followed by the community Megillah reading and Purim spiel. But, the party’s not over: After, we’ll lead a group over to the Vashti Ball at HK Hall.

Costumes are encouraged!

About Rabbi Jessica Lenza:

While she once imagined herself becoming a star on a Broadway stage, it soon became abundantly clear that the Bimah would be Rabbi Jessica Lenza’s professional destination. As an undergraduate student at Lafayette College, she earned a BA in Religious Studies and Music all while slaying it in her acapella group, and, of course, becoming a valued leader in her Hillel.

Her studies brought her to Jerusalem, London, Boston, and New York at schools like Pardes, HUC-JIR’s School of Sacred Music, and Leo Baeck College. It was from the Rabbinical School at Hebrew College that she received her rabbinic ordination and earned an MA in Jewish studies. She’s gone on to complete training as a yoga teacher, a maven, and a mikveh guide seamlessly integrating all of these unique and diverse experiences into her rabbinate.

It’s no surprise-given her passion for learning and skills in the performing arts-that Rabbi Lenza specialized in two areas: education and creating profound sacred experiences. In New York city, she has served communities like the Manhattan JCC, Temple Shaaray Tefila, and Congregation B’nai Jeshurun, and she loves life as a freelance rabbi bringing unique Jewish experiences to families worldwide.

Class description:

Bad Girls of the Bible: Explore the rich history of the OG counter cultural pioneers in our sacred texts. Wielding whatever power they could while immersed in the patriarchy of the Bible, our female ancestors successfully flouted taboos using bold and clever tactics. Sometimes that earned them praise from the Rabbis. Other times, they were excoriated. Learn about these rebel ladies who dared to defy the status quo and how bad girls can inspire us to be good.

This is an Aviv only event, which is BJ’s cohort for folks in their 20s and 30s and 40s.