Where does sin come from? For the Hasidic Rebbe Shalom Noah Berezovsky of Slonim (1911-2000), this is a fundamental question that must be explored if we hope to understand the full meaning of teshuvah (repentance). This two-day intensive course, taught by Rabbi Friedman, will explore some of his teachings on the topic. Wednesday and Thursday, July 24 and … Read more
SVARA and Kol Tzedek have partnered to create a rigorous and loving encounter with Talmud. Our learning will focus on skill-building (learning how to learn), the radical nature of the Jewish tradition, and the cultivation of Talmud study as a spiritual practice. This six-week bet midrash program is for both learners who have just gotten … Read more
Moving from “grumph!” to “Wow!” May 4, 2019 3:00 -5:00 pm We’ll examine moments that Jewish ritual gives us as a way to think about moving from the daily grind of parenting and juggling to opening ourselves to radical amazement and bringing our children into that as a regular practice. Parents and grandparents welcome! Cost: … Read more
Throughout the history of civilization, people have lived in close proximity to other – especially when living in dense urban areas. How do we balance individual property rights against the interests of people living nearby? The Babylonian Talmud deals with this question in the second chapter of Tractate Bava Batra, and our class will offer … Read more
JEWISH ETHICS AND FOREIGN POLICY Dates: November 7; December 5; January 2; February 6; March 6; April 3 Time: 12:15pm – 1:30pm In absorbing and understanding the flood of world events, one of the most vexing and hotly-debated topics is what our role should be. How much of a moral stake do we have in what happens far from us, events … Read more
Depending upon whom you ask, he is a hero or a murderer, a lover or a fighter, a musician or a lyricist. King David is one of the most complex figures in our sacred text and worthy of deeper examination. With reference to Rabbi David Wolpe’s wonderful book, David: A Divided Heart (part of the … Read more
A Mahzor is a Mahzor is a Mahzor? Studying CAJS Rare MS 382 Professor Hollender will explore a single 13th-century liturgical manuscript, CAJS MS 382, to reveal how the material study of a seemingly ordinary manuscript can shed light on medieval Jewish liturgical practice. Medieval liturgical manuscripts have been studied because of their outstanding features, such … Read more
Getting to Freedom! March 16, 2019 3:00 – 5:00 pm On Seder night, we tell the story of the Jewish people getting to freedom! Then why does Seder sometimes feel like such drudgery? Join us to delve into the text of the Hagaddah, explore how to have a freeing Seder with your family, and even how … Read more
This group meets weekly in GJC’s Quitman Library to study and read closely Jewish texts. In addition to the biblical text, midrashic texts are introduced when they extend the understanding of the texts encountered. All are welcome. Led by Rabbi Fredi Cooper.
JEWISH ETHICS AND FOREIGN POLICY Dates: November 7; December 5; January 2; February 6; March 6; April 3 Time: 12:15pm – 1:30pm In absorbing and understanding the flood of world events, one of the most vexing and hotly-debated topics is what our role should be. How much of a moral stake do we have in what happens far from us, events … Read more