A List of the 613 Mitzvot (According to Maimonides) | Class Schedule & Information | Student Reader

I had the privilege of joining with three of our congregants and representatives of dozens of Conservative congregations atthe Jewish Theological Seminary for a two-day seminar in mid-June. It was all about the implementation of Chancellor Arnold Eisen’s Mitzvah Initiative, a major new concept that promises to revitalize our Movement, and energize our congregation. We are one of forty congregations that will be launching this major initiative this fall.

The Mitzvah Initiative begins with a set of fourteen discussions which will consider 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, which I will be leading, 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 Mitzvah Initiative is about energizing Jewishpractice as individuals, as families, and as a total community. Through our personal and communal efforts, we will be part of a national effort and will communicate with people in other congregations sharing the same exciting initiative, exploring the same questions and bringing new perspectives on how to live an engaged Conservative Jewish life today. The people who designed this curriculum also designed the highly successful Melton curriculum, and in many ways, this could be seen as the next step for those who have taken those classes (although Melton is by no means a prerequisite – and Mitzvah Initiative will also cost a lot less).

As you can tell, I’m very exciting about what the Mitzvah Initiative can bring to our congregation. Since we’ll want to keep the class size manageable, we may offer more than one time option. I anticipate the session(s) filling up very quickly.

If you want to hear more, feel free to contact me, or speak with Don Adelman and Suzanne and Norman  Stone, who joined me at the conference.

Stay tuned for more information!
Rabbi Joshua Hammerman

The Mitzvah Initiative

With Rabbi Joshua Hammerman

With multiple possible meanings for mitzvah, Jews today can locate where they stand with respect to Jewish tradition in all its complexities. They can also find new entryways to living a more engaged Jewish life. Along the way, the creation of new definitions leads to more of the shared language and shared vision to build a community.

Join with Rabbi Hammerman to explore the real meaning of mitzvot  and how they can impact you to enjoy a more meaningful life, Find out about the Conservative Movement’s Mitzvah Initiative and what you can do to become involved in this exciting program.  This program will consist of a series of fourteen interactive workshops exploring the deeper meaning of the concept of mitzvah, along with some of the most critical elements of Jewish life including: prayer, tzedakkah, visiting the sick and honoring parents.

The lessons will be a blend of personal reflection (journaling), group discussion, text study, presentations by community members, and actual mitzvah experiences.

This groundbreaking series, taught by Rabbi Hammerman, will be held twice: on Sunday mornings at 9:30 am (child care will be offered upon request) and on Thursday evenings at 7:00 pm. Temple Beth El is one of forty Conservative congregations participating in the Mitzvah Initiative, which is a project of Chancellor Arnold Eisen of the Jewish Theological Seminary.

The program will consist of 14 one hour sessions. Both the Sunday and Thursday classes will have the same curriculum, but participants will be 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.

The cost of the class is $ 36.00 for Temple members ($ 50.00 for non-members), plus the willingness to explore and grow together.

Register by emailing eddir@tbe.org or call (203) 322-6901  ext. 308.

SIGNATURE MITZVOT OF THE TBE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
SEPTEMBER 2009

When you are asked in the world to come, “What was your work?” and you answer, “I fed the hungry,” you will be told, “This is the gate of the Lord, enter into it, you who have fed the hungry…The same goes for those who raised orphans, performed acts of tzedakah, clothed the naked and embraced acts of loving-kindness (Midrash Psalms 118:17).

What is your “work?” What is your signature mitzvah? What do you want to be the first thing mentioned in your eulogy (aside from “loving parent, spouse, friend, etc.”)?

I have spent more than 40 years committed to involvement in Jewish and Secular community service. My parents and grandparents were my role models.

A decent human being who really cared for his fellow man through acts of kindness.

Opening the Temple and facilitating morning minyan so people can say Kaddish. Overseeing Beth El Cemetery.

Pillar of personal support for anybody needing an ear, a shoulder, encouragement, focus and/or ideas about a better way and a better life.

That I was a good person. That I was a good mother. That I loved my friends and family above all else.

A wonder and supportive friend and confidant.

Help when help is needed.

My wife and I have a pool party each year inviting widows who do not get out much. In addition we invite them for breakfast. You cannot believe the wonderful feeling these people have being included and not forgotten.

VP membership for Stamford Chapter Hadassah. Greeter for High Holy Days. JFS Ambassador from Temple Beth El. JFS yearly dinner committee and auction. Hadassah calendar committee. Hostess 2nd Passover seder for everyone. Shalom Stamford Beth El representative.

My signature mitzvah was tutoring a young, physically and mentally challenged woman to become a Bat Mitzvah at Temple Beth El. Thank you, Rabbi Hammerman, for giving me this opportunity.

I have volunteered in my community within my children’s schools and Temple Beth El, all the way to international work for Israel and Hadassah Hospital outreach programs. What I have found as my greatest reward is seeing all ages, each generation, finding a way to come along and help.

Volunteer reading tutor for first graders in the Stamford public schools.