For medieval Spanish Jewry, the garden was a place of tranquility, where members of elite society could enjoy each other’s company, drink wine, listen to music, and recite poetry. For the philosophically-minded poet, the pleasures of the garden provide a moment for reflection on the brevity of life, yet for the religiously-minded poet, the garden is a lure that diverts people from serious activities to worldly pleasures. We will read and discuss selections of poetry (in English translation) that explore these complementary and conflicting values. $25 - Register at jtsa.edu/Berkshires

This event is co-sponsored by the Jewish Federation of the Berkshires