Principal Jeremy's Educational (JED) Talks
We invite you to join Principal Jeremy Stowe-Lindner for a thought-provoking series of discussions about some of Judaism's most puzzling questions. Open to the whole community, Principal Jeremy's talks are informal and informative.
Term 3: Wednesday 7 August 7.30pm – Zoom
Every term, Jeremy hosts a different JED talk. JED talks are Jeremy's educational talks, delving into various texts or themes of interest to the community. This term's talk is titled "When Hell Really Did Break Out: What Really Happened in Sodom?"
About: Many are familiar with the story of Sodom from cheder, Jewish primary school, or Sunday school. It tells of Abraham persuading God to send two angels to save his nephew Lot and his two daughters before the evil city was destroyed and turned to salt.
In this JED talk, the text is explored in greater depth, revealing surprising details. One such detail is that Lot had more than just two daughters. In addition to the two who were saved, there were others who refused to leave the city before its destruction.
The discussion delves into the Midrash, the mystical side of Jewish tradition, uncovering the story of a fifth daughter, Pelletit the Pure. Pelletit challenged the evil of Sodom, where morality was inverted. She drew water from the well daily to give to the poor, an act of charity that led to her murder when the city discovered it. One tradition says she was burnt alive; another says she was covered in honey and stung to death by swarms of bees.
For those interested in the background of Jewish stories and traditions, this JED talk provides a deeper understanding of what really happened in Sodom.