Jews and Food Around the World – March 19th & 20th
Temple Beth El cordially invites you to “Jews and Food Around the World” – A Special Synaplex program for Global Hunger Shabbat.
Click on the schedule below if you would like to enlarge the text.
Purim Carnival at TBE! – Feb 27th
Join us for a fantastic Purim Carnival at TBE featuring a giant inflatable obstacle course, bounce castle, games, prizes and more!
Why Can’t I Pray and What Can I Do About It?
No form of religious expression is more subtle than prayer. Jewish prayer is even more complicated because it is governed by halakha (which prescribes when we pray, where we pray and what we say) while also insisting that prayer should be spontaneous. These workshops will explore the various dimensions of this experience. From how our prayers reflect our image of God, to different models of Jewish prayer (hasidic, mystical, ritual) to the relationship between inner prayer and the words of the prayer book. What do the words say? What happens when we disagree with the words?
Workshop sessions will take place on Thursday evenings from 7:30PM-9:30PM on the dates below. (Please note the time change from 8PM previously.) Topics will include:
- Workshop 1 (Dec 10th) – The Problem of Prayer Is the Problem of God
- Workshop 2 (Jan 21st) – Models of Jewish Prayer
- Workshop 3 (Feb 4th) – What Do the Words Say?
- Workshop 4 (March 11th) – What Happens When We Don’t Agree With the Words?
Cost: All four workshops are $18 for Temple Beth El members and $36 for non-members.
RSVP: For more information or to sign up please contact Mindy at 322-6901 x 301 or office@tbe.org. You can also sign up online using the options below:
About Rabbi Gillman: Dr. Neil Gillman is Professor Emeritus of Jewish Philosophy at JTS. He is the author of several books, including Sacred Fragments: Recovering Theology for the Modern Jew and The Death of Death: Resurrection and Immortality in Jewish Thought. His most recent book is Doing Jewish Theology: God, Torah, and Israel in Modern Judaism. A popular speaker and teacher, Dr. Gillman has served as scholar-in-residence in many Conservative and Reform congregations.
“Why Can’t I Pray and What Can I Do About It?” with Rabbi Neil Gillman
Beginning on December 10th 2009, Rabbi Neil Gillman will be leading a series of four thought-provoking workshops at Temple Beth El titled Why Can’t I Pray and What Can I Do About It?. The goal of this series, which will run through March, is to explore the various dimensions of Jewish prayer. “Often people’s pre-conceptions about what it means to pray as a Jew serve as a barrier,” remarks Rabbi Gillman. “People think that prayers have to be out of this prayer book and use these words. I want everyone who participants in these workshops to have a better understanding of the many different ways in which Jews pray and to make it possible for them to have a richer experience in prayer.”
The workshops will take place at Temple Beth El on Thursday evenings from 8PM-10PM, beginning Dec. 10 with a workshop titled “The Problem of Prayer Is the Problem of God.” During this session participants will be asked to reflect upon their image of God and how this imagery influences their experience with prayer. The second workshop will take place Jan. 21 and will explore models of Jewish prayer, from the Hasidic, to the mystical to the ritualistic to the intellectualist. The third workshop is titled “What Do the Words Say?” and will take place on Feb. 4, while the last workshop is titled “What Happens When We Don’t Agree With the Words?” and will take place on March 11. These final two workshops will deal with the intersection of inner prayer with the words of the prayer book.
Rabbi Neil Gillman is a leading philosopher and rabbi of Conservative Judaism who was ordained at JTS in 1960 and received his PhD in Philosophy from Columbia University in 1975. He is the author of several books and essays, including Sacred Fragments: Recovering Theology for the Modern Jew; The Way Into Encountering God in Judaism; and Traces of God: Seeing God in Torah, History, and Everyday Life. Rabbi Gillman is a popular speaker and teacher who has served as scholar-in-residence in many Conservative and Reform congregations. Currently he is a Professor Emeritus of Jewish Thought at the Jewish Theological Seminary.
The cost for all four workshops is $18 for Temple Beth El members and $36 for non-members. For more information or to sign up please contact Mindy at 322-6901 x 301 or office@tbe.org
TBE To Go: Online Class, “From Israelite to Jew”
October 15, 2009 by rabbi
Filed under Featured, Rabbi's Corner
Using the power of the Internet to bring world-class scholarship to our doorstep, we’ll be embarking on a new adult ed venture called “TBE To-Go.” Much like a book group, I’ll be recommending seminars that can be heard at your own convenience, and then we’ll be coming together to discuss them.
I’m particularly excited about our first offering: “From Israelite to Jew,” by Michael Satlow, an 18 part series tracing the history of Judaism and the Jewish people from the time of the Babylonian Exile through the Second Temple period. Satlow is Professor of Religious Studies and Judaic Studies at Brown University, where he began teaching in 2002. He received his doctorate from the Jewish Theological Seminary in 1993. Professor Satlow specializes in Early Judaism and has written extensively on issues of gender, sexuality, and marriage among Jews in antiquity, as well as on the Dead Sea scrolls, Jewish theology, methodology in Religious Studies, and the social history of Jews during the rabbinic period.
This series was designed for popular consumption (i.e. it is not overly technical or jargon-filled), but it goes into great depth in discussing topics essential to the formation of what we now know as Judaism, including the composition of the Torah, the stories of Esther and the Maccabees, key figures like Ezra and Herod and the origins of Christianity. I can’t recommend it enough.
When you hear these lectures, there will undoubtedly be questions. So I’ll be scheduling periodic discussion “sections,” where we can all come together and chew over this rich material. The first such section will take place on SUNDAY, OCTOBER 25, FROM 11 AM TO NOON. I’ve scheduled an additional section (covering the same chapters), on Synaplex Shabbat, OCTOBER 31, AT 8:45 AM. When the group gathers on those days, we’ll decide when to schedule the next one.
I’m asking that people come to those sessions having listened to the first four lectures of the series: the introductory episode, “Between Faith and Reason,” (an excellent treatment of the subject of why study religion at all), along with “Religion of Israel,” “Exile” and “Return,” covering the period of the Babylonian Exile. Each episode is about a half hour long. It is fine if you haven’t heard all four by the 25th.
The episodes can be downloaded in several ways, all free of charge, including by going onto iTunes Music Store and entering “Satlow.” You can also find them below.
Please RSVP is you are planning to come to the class so I can prepare enough supplementary materials. The lectures and class are free – as we take advantage of one of the great educational opportunities of the Internet Age.
From Israelite to Jew: 1: Between Faith and Reason
Prof. Satlow explores the relationship between religion and its academic study, suggesting that the two ways of understanding religion are not diametrically opposed. Click below to play or
here for listening options.
From Israelite to Jew: 2: Religion of Israel
This second episode focuses on the religion of ancient Israel, as reflected in the Hebrew Bible and archaeological finds. Click here for listening options.
From Israelite to Jew: 3: Exile
The third episode of the podcast, “From Israelite to Jew,” discusses the events leading up to the destruction of the First Temple in Jerusalem in 586 BCE, and the resulting exile. Click here for listening options.
From Israelite to Jew: 4: Return
The fourth episode traces the first two returns from Babylonia to Jerusalem, first under Sheshbazzar and then under the dual leadership of Zerubbabel and Joshua, and the building of the Second Temple (539 BCE – 516). Click below to play or here for other options.
The Mitzvah Initiative
September 23, 2009 by Ariela
Filed under Featured, Social Justice
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:
- What are the relationships and responsibilities that give my life meaning and purpose
- How can I express these thoughts in an authentically Jewish way?
- What sources of Jewish wisdom can expand my thinking?
- What might I learn about the source of my feelings for Judaism and Jewish life?
- 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.
Temple Beth El is a vibrant, warm and inclusive community committed to enhancing Jewish life. We are an egalitarian synagogue with members from all generations. We welcome everyone and would love it if you joined us. 