As we celebrate the new Jewish year, we offer many opportunities to gain new appreciation for the richness of Jewish life and culture! We hope that you will join us for some of these programs (both ongoing and new offerings) in 5772.
Weekly Torah Study continues to be a wonderful forum in which to learn and share thoughts about Jewish texts. There are several exciting developments for the new year. Immediately following Simchat Torah (Saturday, Oct. 22), Torah study will meet from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Having completed two cycles of reading the weekly Torah portion, we will expand our study to include selections from the Psalms and Judges. Shabbat morning services will begin at 10:45 a.m. and conclude around 12:15 p.m.
We are delighted to announce that Rabbi Salzmann’s Reform Halacha Seminar will resume meeting weekly on Thursdays from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. This class is a fascinating opportunity to learn about the Reform movement’s approach to issues in Jewish law, ranging from Jewish holidays and festivals to life-cycle events and ceremonies. Please contact Rabbi Salzmann or call the temple for more information.
Jewish Journeys will continue to meet monthly from noon to 1 p.m. on the second Thursday of the month. This past year, we devoted several sessions to exploring topics of Jewish life and culture from several perspectives. On October 13, we will have a special session from noon to 1:30 p.m. to eat lunch in our Sukkah (weather permitting) and join in a guided reading of Kohelet (Ecclesiastes – a superb work of philosophy and spirituality traditionally read on Sukkot). Beginning in November, we will begin a series on Jewish poetry and literature. Each class is designed to stand on its own; so please feel free to attend even if you cannot come to all sessions.
Concluding an enriching period of study, our current Adult B’nai Mitvah program will draw to a close in 5772. We will be celebrating the accomplishments of our participants at a special ceremony; more information will be forthcoming as we draw nearer to the date. If you are interested in forming a new Adult B’nai Mitzvah group, please contact Rabbi Josh.
Finally, we are excited to announce our newest adult education offering: Practicing Prayer – a guide to Reform worship and ritual leadership. This experience is designed to both deepen participants’ appreciation of Jewish prayers and our siddur (prayerbook) and also to enhance their sense of confidence when participating in (and potentially leading) our services. Sessions will meet on the first Tuesday of the month from noon to 1 p.m., starting on November 1.
We look forward to seeing you at our classes throughout the new year. Please don’t hesitate to spread the word or bring a friend!
As we begin to sort materials to be included in the Salzmann Archive, the idea of adding items relating to the Kelm Scholarship Fund came up. This is particularly appropriate since Rabbi Salzmann was very instrumental in the establishment of the fund, which has generously provided scholarship aid to Temple students for over 40 years.