The Whole Megillah
Welcome to The Whole Megillah: Uncovering the Bible's Hidden Treasures, where you can choose your own adventure and read (or skim) books of the Hebrew Bible that may speak to your life and build your Jewish literacy at the same time. As new books are introduced, we will add them to this page along with introductory recordings, reflections, and registration details for live events. Scroll down to learn about this series and how to participate. We kick off with the Book of Job.
The Book of Job
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. Read independently from December 18 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.
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:
Register for special live program and 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.
Jonah or Job
January 21 (12-1:15, Hybrid) These two Biblical figures represent different orientations toward G-d, faith, and the nature of divine justice. Join Rabbi Andrew Kaplan Mandel in conversation with Central member Madeline Myers, the composer and lyricist behind the remarkable “Jonah” musical number performed during Yom Kippur, about the Bible’s portrayal of these characters – and what happens when we put them on stage.
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 program and book wrap-up
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.
About The Whole Megillah Series
Join us for as little or as much of a unique eight-month series exploring the often-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, most people have never read them in full, and each book offers its own special insights and wisdom.
Led by Rabbi Andrew Kaplan Mandel, with special guest appearances, this series invites you to explore one book at a time in a flexible, book-club-style format. You’ll get exposure to the Ketuvim through a mix of asynchronous, live, virtual, hybrid, and in-person events.
There’s no need to read every book—take a “hop on, hop off” approach and join us for the ones that speak to you. Even if you are not a diligent reader, your way is just fine as we make our way through the whole megillah.
Beginning December 18 with the Book of Job, you are encouraged to read a chapter Sunday-Thursday. Here's how:
- Central Synagogue members interested in daily content and engagement about the Ketuvim, accessible on your schedule, 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
In addition, each Friday beginning December 20, this webpage will feature a new recording by Rabbis Andrew Kaplan Mandel and Nicole Auerbach, engaging in a deep dive of the week's readings, diving deep into the week's reading and reflecting on its modern relevance, posing questions for discussion.
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 [email protected].
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.
