Mitzvah Initiative Information and Class Schedule

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The Mitzvah Initiative classes will focus on the following questions:

1. What are the relationships and responsibilities that give my life meaning and purpose?

2. How can I express these thoughts in an authentically Jewish way?

3. What sources of Jewish wisdom can expand my thinking?

4. What might I learn about the source of my feelings for Judaism and Jewish life?

5. What would it be like to share these conversations with other Jews in my synagogue community?

During these fourteen sessions of reflection and dialogue, participants in the Mitzvah Initiative will be able to better understand how the concept of mitzvah works to bring order and meaning to a Jewish life. It will also be a chance to consider ways to bring creativity to your own life by focusing on one mitzvah of personal significance. Individuals within the group, joined by other members of the community, will talk about “their” mitzvah, and provide any support needed for ongoing practice.

So these sessions will be both fascinating academic surveys as well as opportunities for personal exploration and growth. As we explore the concept of mitzvah from a variety of angles, we’ll come to understand that it means much, much more than “good deed.”   We’ll come to realize the many mitzvot we’ve been performing without even realizing it, and we’ll also look at ways we can grow even more from authentic Jewish experiences. Of course, these discussions will be conducted in an atmosphere of openness, honesty and in a non-judgmental manner.

This is about all of us traveling on a path together, each of us helping the others. We’ll discuss topics such as: How can we moderns reconcile personal autonomy with the notion of being “commanded?” How do I visit someone who is sick and turn it into a Jewish experience? How do I “honor” my parents in action? Why is it inspiring to hear someone talk about their passion for the environment, or tzedakah, or tikun olam? Where do Shabbat and tefillah fit into these new ideas about mitzvah? What makes these experiences spiritual?

The cost of the class is $36 for the entire series ($50 for non members), plus the willingness to explore and grow together.

The Mitzvah Initiative will be offered at two separate times, Sunday mornings at 9:30 and Thursday evenings at 7. There will be 14 sessions of an hour’s duration each.  The two sections will have the same curriculum, but participants are asked to pick one section and stick with it, since an important aspect of these classes will be the comfort level and fellowship that is built up among participants.  If a session or two is missed, of course it will be fine to attend the other section for that particular session.    Contact our education office at education@tbe.org to register.

Here is the schedule, subject to revision:

Session Number                           Sunday                                Thursday
1                                                           Dec 6                               Jan 7
2                                                           Dec 20                           Jan. 14
3                                                           Jan   10                          Jan 21 (Before Neil Gillman)
4                                                           Jan 24                            Jan 28
5                                                           Jan 31                            Feb 4 (before Neil Gillman)
6                                                           Feb. 28                          Feb 11
7                                                          March 7                         Feb 25
8                                                          March 14                       Mar. 4
9                                                          March 21                       Mar 11 (before Neil Gillman)
10                                                       April 4                            Mar 18
11                                                       April 25                          Mar 25
12                                                       May   2                            April 8
13                                                       May   9                            April 22                         
14                                                       May 16                            April 29

Session topics:

Session 1: Introduction

Session 2: A Signature Mitzvah

Session 3: The Idea of Mitzvah: A Historical Survey

Session 4: “Bet Midrash” (Text Study) on Mitzvot of Visiting the Sick and Returning Lost Objects

Session 5: The Mitzvah of Tefilah (Prayer)

Session 6: Obligation and Commandedness

Session 7: Honoring Parents: The Challenges of Obligation

Session 8: Chevra Kaddisha (Caring for the Dead); the Ultimate Mitzvah

Session 9: Mitzvah to Inspire and Activate

Session 10: “Bet Midrash” on Tzedakah and Tikun Olam (Social Action)

Session 11: Stewardship of the Earth: a Compelling Mitzvah of our Time

Session 12: God, Love, Mitzvah: Activating a Relationship

Session 13: Shabbat as Mitzvah: Constructing a God-centered Community

Session 14: Coming Full Circle: The Signature Mitzvah Revisited