The Selichot Service is one of spiritual preparation for the Days of Awe. Late on Saturday night preceding Rosh Hashanah, it is customary to engage in a time of quiet reflection.
This Selichot, September 8, we will watch a documentary on the transformation of liberal Jewish worship over the past 30 years. Through the story of our pre-eminent American Jewish singer/songwriter, Debbie Friedman, the documentary will challenge us to consider our own "journeys of the spirit". The program will be moderated by Cantor Daniels.
We strongly believe that Jewish learning does not end with Bar/Bat Mitzvah and Confirmation. Moreover, we are thrilled that our post-confirmands are truly eager to maintain their Jewish commitments.
This monthly time with the Rabbi is intended to be Jewishly fulfilling, and, yes, fun. The group is open to all 11th and 12th graders including those who did not go on through Confirmation.
"Avodah" is the Hebrew word for worship. It also means "work". In Jewish prayers, avodah is the work we do to find sacred connections to God, community and self. Learning about the order and themes of the prayers, and how and when to sing along, can bring beauty, meaning and insight into our lives. Printed materials in Hebrew and English transliteration, and an audio CD of the melodies, will be provided.
Taught by Cantor Daniels.
Second only to the Torah, the Siddur (prayer book) expresses the theology of our people. Why a new prayer book now? How does it express our Reform Jewish beliefs?
Taught by Cantor Daniels
Every two years, Sha'arey Shalom commits itself to hosting this adult-level introductory class on Jewish life, as the key component of our "Outreach" to interfaith couples. Most participants are involved in interfaith relationships, but any member is welcome to attend. The course is a requirement in order for Rabbi Goldstein to officiate at an interfaith wedding.
Prior registration and fees are required through the Union for Reform Judaism (201-722-9090).
This will be an opportunity to think about some of the issues Israel now confronts. We will discuss:
A. Peace - The Waiting Game
B. Why the Settlements Should Stay
C. If Israel Ceases to Exist
D. Our Unapologetic Love For Israel
These are all provocative issues. Rabbi Goldstein will prepare material for each topic.
This group has been studying with Amy Montuori for more than a year. Now they are preparing for this wonderful milestone on Friday night, May 16.
Over the past years, this terrific group has been meeting with Rabbi Goldstein, engaging in the writings of Singer and Peretz, the study of Bible and Jewish ethics, and the history of a shtetl in Eastern Europe. This year, our focus will be on an anthology of great Jewish stories, encompassing the full spectrum of Jewish writing around the world. Begins October 11.
Our Religious School teachers have been meeting regularly to study "Torah Lishma" - Torah for its own sake, as well as applications of our study to the classroom. This year's topics will include…
We invite congregants to be Torah readers at our Erev Shabbat Festival and High Holy Day services. Cantor Daniels will supply preparation materials including CD or tape cassette. Individual tutorials as needed.
Transcending Jewish denominational lines, JSS will offer a six part Monday afternoon lecture series with Eugene Lieber beginning on October 1, at 1:30 p.m. Later in the year, Temple Beth Ahm and Congregation Israel will host other speakers.
A wonderful weekly gathering that alternates between study of a section of the Torah portion of the week, and study from other sources. Beginning at 9:15 am, the session concludes with a brief service. Informal and Jewishly fulfilling.
Singing in our choir at nearly all our services is a Sha'arey Shalom tradition. Under Cantor Daniel's guidance, our choir is constantly adding to its rich repertoire. Newcomers are always welcome, with rehearsals on the first and third Tuesdays of each month at 8:00 pm.
This year, the choir will participate in the URJ Regional Choral Festival in March, and will be featured in the Kol Dodi Choral Concert at Sha'arey Shalom on April 13, 2008.