Adult Learning weekly series with Rabbi Cohen

Judaism, Reform, and Modern America: A Study of History, Jewish Text, Practice, and the Reform Movement

We will meet in the Hartzmark Center on Saturday afternoons from 3:20 pm to 5:00 pm, beginning September 7 and concluding May 2, 2020. (Please check the calendar – we will take some Saturdays off.)

We will examine foundational Jewish notions of time, calendar, ritual, and Jewish values as they are anchored in biblical and rabbinic texts. We will also consider the implications of these notions to our religious identities and contemporary sensibilities. Our series will include a sequence of four units on specific calendrical topics. Our first and introductory topic will touch on the calendar in general, its calculation, observance, and sources; the second – on the unfolding of events and textual evidence that are associated with our Hanukkah celebration; the third – on our reading of parts of the Esther scrolls, its interpretations, and the evolving meaning of Purim; and the fourth – on our understanding of the story of Ruth and its implications for our understandings of Jewish belonging and identity. Our study of each of these topics will include opportunities for both interfaith discussion and the exploration of key Hebrew terms. A small set of secondary sources will be made available to participants to supplement each unit upon request. Throughout this year-long series (corresponding to the Learning Center schedule), we will develop and discuss both the contribution and legacy of Reform Judasim to our religious identities as well as the legacy of our Temple and its leaders.

All are welcome – we look forward to learning with you!