Torah Study at Noon
Thursdays at 12 PM (Plotkin Library)
In the 22nd year of this class, Rabbi Borovitz will lead the discussion of the Book of Kings. New students are welcome; the only requirements are a thirst for knowledge & a willingness to be part of a caring & questioning community of learners. Bring lunch; coffee/tea provided.
Torah Study Links (will launch in a new browser window):
Torat Hayim Index (Reform)
Torah Tidbits (Orthodox Union)
Torah Outreach Program (Religious Zionist)
Wrestling with the Torah
Saturday mornings at 9:30 AM (Library)
Resumes September 12. A discussion of the weekly Torah
portion and its relevance to contemporary lives; a time to
join a wonderful group of Temple members as we nourish our minds and souls.
WHY I GO to TORAH STUDY on SATURDAYS by Sally Isaacs * What motivates a father-in law to give advice to his son-inlaw? And what should the son-in-law do with it? * What's a parent to do about chronically aggravating sibling rivalry? * What does a good leader do when she/he is sick and tired of trying to guide her/his unsupportive people? These are just a few of the Torah stories we talk about on Saturday mornings from 9:30-10:30 in the Plotkin Library. Here are seven reasons why I love to be part of this activity and encourage you to join us: 1) It requires no prior knowledge of Torah or Hebrew. 2) Rabbi Borovitz, and sometimes Cantor Josephson, amaze me with their wisdom not just of Biblical content but with the way they draw connections to our lives today. 3) The group of 5-12 people is friendly and curious. Many come to class regularly. Some only drop in from time to time. Either way, it's OK. 4) There is no such thing as a stupid question. We all feel free to ask questions, make comments, or even just say, "I don't get it." 5) I've found out that I can appreciate the Torah as a great piece of literature, an ancient history book, and a spiritual inspiration. 6) The coffee is always fresh and hot. And I believe that cookies served with Torah study dont have caloric consequences. 7) Torah study is a mitzvah. Participating first thing Saturday morning is one of the most peaceful experiences of my week. Please join us!
Rabbi Lawrence Troster will be teaching a four week class on Wednesday mornings at Temple Avodat Shalom starting July 21 and continuing on July 28, August 4 & 11 from 9:30 am to 11:00 am. Topic: Pirkei Avot: Rabbinic Wisdom and Modern Ethics Part II.
The rabbinic treatise Pirkei Avot (Chapters of the Fathers) is the only non-legal section of the Mishnah. It consists of dozens of ethical aphorisms and theological concepts. Many of the issues discussed in Pirkei Avot have a direct relation to modern Jewish theological and ethical dilemmas. This class will look at selections in light of the larger world of Jewish wisdom literature. The texts will be studied in translation. It is recommended that every member of the class bring a JPS Tanakh and a siddur in which Pirkei Avot is found.
It is not necessary for you to have taken the previous Pirkei Avot class in June in order to attend this one. The cost is $100.
Would you like to meet other young Jewish families? Would you like to learn about Jewish holidays and traditions with your young child? Would you like to spend some quality family time while learning some fun Jewish songs or doing a craft project? Temple Avodat Shalom is offering a class for 3 and 4 year olds with an adult (parent, grandparent, etc). Each week a different Jewish holiday or tradition will be taught through stories, songs and art projects. There will be time to schmooze, play, have a snack and meet new people. This class will meet every Sunday (beginning on September 12, during all Religious School sessions) from 9:30-10:30 am. Fee: Temple Avodat Shalom members $250, non-members, $375 for the full school year. Call the Temple to register: 201-489-2463.
SPECIAL WEIGHT CONTROL PROGRAM
Are weight and food intake a problem in your life? Have you tried, unsuccessfully, over and over again to lose weight? There is a solution. It is OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS. This is a 12-step program with a different approach to weight loss from any other you have ever known. Join us on Wednesday mornings from 10:30 am to noon at Temple Avodat Shalom. There is no charge for this program but, as a non-profit group, a donation of $3 is appreciated. For further information call Myrna at 201-794-1976.
Adult Beginning Hebrew
Would you like to be able to read Hebrew prayers better? Would you like to learn a little about what the Hebrew prayers mean? Then this class is for you!! Starting on January 17th, join us on Sunday mornings from 9 -10 am for Beginning Adult Hebrew. The class is free but there will be a textbook needed (which we will have available for purchase during class). If you have any questions please contact Rabbi Paula Feldstein (the very patient and totally non-judgmental teacher) at pfeldstein@aol.com.
Temple Sholom has a group of mature adults that meets every other week on Wednesday mornings to participate in lectures, discussions and programs chosen by them, for them. All are welcome to attend and join in. For information, call Estelle Friedberg or the Temple Office.
Cantor Josephson is looking for a few more good men and women for our Adult Choir. If you can carry a tune, join your Temple choir three Tuesday evenings a month for rehearsals and one Friday night a month for services.