Two-part Workshop with Rabbi Sam Weintraub
Sundays, March 3rd and 10th, 11:00am–12:30pm
Again and again, people who suffer bereavement say that they wish they had been better prepared, practically, emotionally and spiritually, for their loss. These sessions will help you confront the inevitable death of dear ones and explore customs, rituals, and perspectives surrounding a dying person, burial, shiva and more. RSVP so that we can plan properly. Contact Rabbi Weintraub for more information.
February 19 and 26 and March 5
The Egyptian maid-servant of Sarah and Abraham, and the mother of Abraham’s first son, is one of only two women with whom God speaks and the only woman to receive a divine promise of peoplehood. But who is Hagar? We’ll explore Torah, midrash, the New Testament, the Qur’an, and modern commentary to see how our understanding of this “marginal” character has evolved.
Open Beit Midrash is our pioneering, informal Tuesday night learning academy. Download the new Open Beit Midrash brochure with full course descriptions. Register Now. For more information contact Joy Fallek.
On March 1, we begin a half-year community-wide learning of Pirkei Avot (Wisdom of Our Sages), a compilation of ethical teachings and sayings whose ideas and insights are accessible and enlightening to all learners, whether you have never before engaged in Jewish learning or have an extensive background.
Sign up to join a study group, learn with your family, or ask us to connect you with other learners. Read more about the learning and schedule. On Shabbat afternoon, March 2, we’ll offer An Introduction to Pirkei Avot, and study of the first mishna, with Rabbi Jason Gitlin and Miryam Wasserman, following Kiddush at approximately 12:30pm in the Chapel.
Call it Sleep by Henry Roth
Discussion on Wednesday, March 13, 7:00pm
Having sold-to-date millions of copies worldwide, Call It Sleep is the magnificent story of David Schearl, the “dangerously imaginative” child coming of age in the slums of New York. Discussion facilitated by retired Brooklyn College Professor of English and American Literature, Julia Hirsch. View this year’s selections and discussion dates. Contact [email protected] for more information.
Music Director Judith Berkson joins us on the 23 to teach and lead Amidah melodies. For those who want help navigating the Shabbat morning service, our twice monthly Learners’ Service offers a space to learn about the service, explore your questions and pray slowly together. Led by Rabbi Jason Gitlin and congregants. See schedule for year.
Vayetze Ya’akov Mib’er Sheva, Va’yelech Charana
So Jacob departed from Be’er Sheva, and journeyed on to Charan.
(Genesis 28:10)
At the beginning of our Torah portion, Jacob uproots himself. Yes, he is running away from the murderous wrath of his brother, Esau, who he has swindled out of their father’s final blessing. But we should recall that otherwise Jacob is leaving not only home, but a place that is all around pretty good.
Rabbi Weintraub’s Reflections on Social Issues
Solidarity Shabbat sermon following the Pittsburgh Synagogue attack
Response to the Attack on the Pittsburgh Tree of Life Synagogue
Listening around Rosh Hashanah
Restoring a Moral Agenda to America: The Poor People’s Campaign
Me’avdut L’cherut – From Slavery to Freedom
“To Work and to Preserve” Judaism and the Environment
Spirituality and Politics, Social Change, and my Trip to Israel
Michael Brown and Eric Garner – A Jewish Perspective
Torah text, the Tribe of Dan, Ferguson and Baltimore
