Detailed Course Breakdown:

Week 1: Why We Weave
In the ancient Near East, weaving was considered a sacred and magical act, worthy of wonder and mythology. In modern times, some of us have rediscovered these crafts for pleasure, and find a meditative, spiritual quality in the flow and focus required. Bring your own handiwork (or your simply your curiosity!) as we begin our journey through this month. 

Week 2: "And all the women that were wise hearted did spin with their hands" (Exodus 35:25)
Discover the archetype and symbolism of the weaver according to Jewish sacred text and histories, and see if we can find some of her qualities of through a practical activity as we learn and reflect together. 

Week 3: The Sewing Circle
In Oslo, Norway, a small group of women have a revived an old tradition of sewing circles who gather explicitly to stitch burial shrouds - tachrechem. With special guest, writer Nina Boug Lichtenstein, we will learn about their journey and labour, and the impact that the gatherings have had on the circle and their community.

Week 4: Old Cloth, New Threads
It’s a Jewish custom in itself to reinvent ancestral customs, making new meaning from them.
From head-coverings, to torah mantles, tzit tzit to prayer shawls, in our closing session we will get inspired by the modern artists who reclaim the place of material and maker in Jewish ritual life.

catch up recordings available for registered students
noone turned away for lack of funds, email us at hello@yelala.co.uk