As Rabbi Dr. Shmuly Yanklowitz writes in The Book of Proverbs: A Social Justice Commentary, “The wisdom that is contained within the Book of Proverbs is timeless, and readers have much to gain by learning from its ancient precepts” (xvii). Bearing this in mind, the goal of this study and discussion guide by Ada Luisa Sinacore is to help facilitate in-depth conversations about the Book of Proverbs and Rabbi Yanklowitz’s interpretation of it by adding context from both ancient and contemporary Jewish thought and practice. In each 1.5- to 2-hour-long session, participants will have the opportunity to delve into the intersections between the Book of Proverbs, social justice work, and Jewish ethical and legal narratives. To facilitate such conversations, we have highlighted three major, overarching themes present in the book:
1. God’s Place in Tzedek (Justice)
2. Our Responsibility to the “Other”
3. Our Souls, Ourselves
Each theme will be addressed at length in its designated session through reading- and discussion-based learning. The themes are divided into six subthemes, each containing a diverse group of quotations chosen to add context to the book and spark lively discussion. The curriculum is designed with an adult learner in mind; at the end of the Teacher’s Guide, you will find a box with additional resources should you wish to adapt the class to a teen audience. We encourage you to engage in critical dialogue with your participants about the material, asking difficult questions and drawing on current events to enrich the discussion. This study guide is also designed to allow the facilitator to pick and choose material that speaks to them, as there may be more material than could reasonably be included in the allotted time frame. The curriculum is designed for a three-session class covering one theme per hour-long session. If using this guide for a book club, you are welcome to focus on a single theme or combine the sessions into one, selecting an excerpt from each of the three themes.
The facilitator is expected to have read both the Proverbs text and Rabbi Yanklowitz’s commentary in The Book of Proverbs: A Social Justice Commentary prior to leading the curriculum. It is strongly encouraged that participants read assigned chapters (at the instructor’s discretion) in Rabbi Yanklowitz’s book prior to each session. Excerpted texts for discussion will be provided for participants in the printable handouts (see the end of the study guide).
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