Posted by: meredith
on May 3, 2013
Dear Friends,
I passed by a costume super store on the street, the kind we see here every year around Halloween time. But it was the middle of winter . . . in Israel. I smiled. It was a PURIM costume Super Store!! I was home.
I was privileged to spend time during my Sabbatical in Israel with a group of rabbis from the Bay Area. Many of us had never met before, and it took going to Israel for us to get to know each other. In addition to seeing the Purim Super Stores, and given that this trip was for people who visited Israel many times, we were also able to visit sites and agencies we’d never been exposed to previously. Many of the organizations toil under the radar, working tirelessly for the advancement of democracy, pluralism, and human rights in Israel.
One of the agencies we visited is MCTC, The Golda Meir Mount Carmel International Training Center. In its 53 years of existence, the MCTC has trained thousands of teachers, agricultural experts, and technology workers in the developing world. They have created networks for micro-enterprises. Partnering with numerous international agencies, MCTC brings the best of its expertise to countries in Africa, and around the world. They have helped to train teachers, and to create teacher-training institutions throughout the developing world. They have taught the latest agricultural techniques, greatly improving the lives of countless people. The impact of the MCTC is enormous, and I was proud to know that the values of our Jewish tradition are being realized every day through this remarkable organization.
While in Haifa, we also met a Rabbi and an Imam who work closely together. The two men, close friends, realized that they could bring their communities together through study and celebrating together. It is not easy, they explained. They each face tremendous resistance from many within their own traditions, but they believe strongly in co-existence. They have convened a group of religious leaders who create new ways to celebrate together and plant groves of trees together, and bring the people of Haifa together as well. It was a true inspiration to be part of the promising work being done in Israel!!
I am so pleased to be back at our synagogue, and once again, to be able to be part of your lives. It is a true blessing for me.
Rabbi Stacy Friedman
Posted by: meredith
on May 3, 2013
2 Thursdays, May 16 & May 23, 7:30 to 9 pm, Social Hall
The Congregation Rodef Sholom Israel Pre-Tour Course
Presented by Jehon Grist of Lehrhaus Judaica
Join us for a virtual visit through Israel's ancient and modern history, following the itinerary of the upcoming Congregation Rodef Sholom tour. Our course will begin with a journey through the key sites and events of ancient Israel, connecting students with both the Biblical text and the life ways of our ancestors. We'll move on to the story of modern Israel, from the beginnings of the Zionist movement to current headlines.
Whether you're going on this tour, or just thinking about visiting Israel, this course offers a comprehensive introduction to the land of our people. It also includes a fully narrated and illustrated flash drive version of the course, including hundreds of images, video clips and recommended readings as pdf files. We are offering this program free of charge. RSVP to Pete at pete@rodefsholom.org or 479.3441.
Posted by: meredith
on May 3, 2013
Tuesday, May 21, 9:30 am with Rabbi Stacy Friedman
Grab your cup of coffee, drop off your little ones at school and join Rabbi Friedman in front of Rodef Sholom for some hiking and learning. Babies and toddlers in strollers are welcome. If you have small children and are looking for a comfortable place to connect with a community of other parents at the same stage of raising children, Rodef Sholom is offering a low-key opportunity to meet us and have a little fun. Open to Jewish, interfaith, and unaffiliated families. Geared towards families with children (and grandchildren) ages 2 to 5.
Posted by: meredith
on Apr 5, 2013
On Shavuot, we remember what it was like to be at Mount Sinai and to receive whatever divine inspiration we believe we received there. The mystics thought that, since we were remembering Sinai on Shavuot it was likely that God might impart some more divine inspiration on the very same day - therefore, we stay up late waiting just in case God has something to say.
Join us for a joint teen & adult service at 8:45 pm, which will last for about a half hour, followed by a dairy oneg, and then some additional learning with our clergy from 9:30 to 10:30 pm (as well as a chance to learn what the fire pit is all about with one of our special Midrasha teachers, Day Schildkret!). Read your May Voice for the clergy teaching schedule and topics.
Posted by: meredith
on Dec 28, 2012
RSVP to Pete at pete@rodefsholom.org or 479.3441 for any or all of these classes!
Save the dates for a new American fiction class with Rabbi Michael Barenbaum
3 Sundays, January 27, February 3 & February 10, 10 to 11:30 am, Lefferts Library: The image of the American Jew, in the fiction of 20th century American Jewish novelists
We will explore the impact of historical, economic and social challenges and changes on the perceived image of the American Jew, referencing authors such as Philip Roth, Michael Gold, Saul Bellow, Bernard Malamud, and Henry Roth.
Lunchtime Talmud with Rabbi Stacy Friedman
Tuesday, January 15 -- 12 noon to 1 pm, Inner Conference Room
Learn the traditional method of questioning and answering and how ancient texts inform our own ethical decision making. No previous Talmud study necessary—beginners welcome.
The Images of Exodus, in Two Parts with Rabbi Oren Postrel
2 Sundays, March 10 & 17, 10 am, Lefferts Library
Join Rabbi Oren Postrel for a morning of visual and textual explorations of the Book of Exodus. We will examine both artwork and narratives to amplify our familiarity with this richly interpreted book of Torah. We will then examine historical Haggadot from around the world and uncover classic masterpieces that inform powerful symbols of art history. By examining pictures and word we form fuller responses to the classic Rabbinic texts that shape our Passover observances.
Through the efforts of our Kulanu/ Inclusion of Those with Disabilities Committee, Rodef Sholom has been acknowleded as an accessible congregation by the National Organization on Disability. 