JTS Student Ambassador Shabbat with Ariel Ya'akov Dunat

9am - Services begin

11:15am - Sermon from Ariel Ya'akov Dunat

Learning after Kiddush: Trans Halakhah: How queer theory and the transgender experience are revolutionizing halakhah. Halakhah has always been influenced or approached through a variety of models, among them rationalism, mysticism, and feminism. These models have had lasting impacts on how halakhah is understood and applied in our day. In recent years, queer and trans theory have added to this richness. In this shiur, learn about one case that has been influenced by trans theory, and how this approach can have unintended benefits beyond the trans community.

5:40pm - Mincha

Learning after Mincha: Hakhel, Assemble! In this coming week’s parashah, we receive the commandment to gather every seven years to hear the Torah read publicly. While this is no longer observed in our day, Torah is read throughout the week and on various holidays. In this class, we will explore both this mitzvah and Torah reading in modern times.

7:30pm - Ma'ariv

7:44pm - Havdalah

 

Bio: Ariel Ya’akov Dunat (they/them) is a fifth-year rabbinical student at the Jewish Theological Seminary in NYC. They are impassioned about halakha and how it intersects with the multifaceted identities we hold as individuals. In addition to JTS, Ariel studies hilkhot shechitah, recently being certified as a shochet u’bodek (an expert in kosher slaughter). They approach this with a concern for high ethical standards as well as increasing sustainability and egalitarianism in the kosher world. Ariel has been greatly involved with Svara’s Trans Halakha Project over the past several years, serving two terms on their Steering Committee as well as having authored a teshuva (legal responsum) on the topic of transness, circumcision, and conversion. They are currently working on their second teshuva on the topic of reproduction and gender. Ariel grew up in suburban Ohio, receiving their undergrad degrees in French as well as Comparative Religious Studies. Having grown up in a secular, agnostic home, they have been on a life-long journey of learning and faith towards the rabbinate and are excited to see where their path takes them. Ariel lives with their husband, Jason, and their shih tzu, Jacques, in Washington Heights.