Fall 2020 Course Offerings
Crisis Management: How Three Ancient Rabbis Saved Judaism By Transforming It Into the Judaism We Know Today
with Rabbi Susan Grossman
Tuesdays, November 10, 17, 24, & December 1 at 7:45 p.m.
Jewish history is filled with crises and extraordinary individuals who helped navigate the transformations required to ensure Jewish survival and continuity. Join Rabbi Grossman as she explores the contributions of three such individuals, Rabbi Yohanan ben Zakkai, Rabbi Akiva, and Rabbi Yehudah haNasi, who confronted seismic challenges to their Jewish communities with the courage, commitment and ingenuity to transform ancient Temple-based Judaism into the faith and culture we still live today.
No previous background or Hebrew knowledge required. This class is appropriate for both beginner and advanced students.
Rabbi Susan Grossman, co-editor of Etz Hayim Torah and Commentary and other works, including a study of women in the rabbinic courts in the Mishnaic and Talmudic periods, has a Doctorate in Ancient Judaism from Jewish Theological Seminary.
Shabbat and Holiday Programs
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Ask the Rabbi with Rabbi Grossman Fridays, November 20 & December 18 Back by popular request to Friday evening services, Rabbi Grossman will entertain questions on Jewish belief, tradition, history, law, culture, and observance. Students are invited to try to stump Rabbi Grossman with a legitimate question about any of the above subjects for a special prize. |
The Jewish View with Rabbi Grossman
Friday Evenings During Shabbat Services Beginning at 6:00 p.m.
October 16: Should Defending Black Lives Mean Defunding the Police?
Rabbi Grossman explores what Jewish law and tradition say about how we are to relate to government, the police who enforce government policy and the application of justice (or injustice) in society.
December 11*: Who Gave Us Hanukkah? The Secret Lives of the Maccabees.
Rabbi Grossman explores who really were the Maccabee family who instigated the revolt that saved Judaism and gave us the beloved holiday of Hanukkah. (*Vatakim follows services; see details below.)
Hamilton Shabbat!
Friday, October 23
Beth Shalom joins the Hamilton craze with this special Virtual Sabbath devoted to Founding Father Alexander Hamilton. Cantor and guests will lead services to some of the beloved melodies from the blockbuster Broadway play by Lin-Manuel Miranda. During services Rabbi Grossman will speak about The Jewish History of Alexander Hamilton. Join on Zoom.
Torah Talks with Rabbi Amy Scheinerman
Saturdays, November 7 & December 5
This participatory Torah study on the weekly parsha (Torah reading) occurs during regular Saturday morning services with Rabbi Amy Scheinerman.
Virtual Vatakim Zoom Dinners
Fridays, November 13 & December 11 following services
Join other mature couples and singles for dinner and schmoozing on-line after services. Coordinated by Ann Poltilove. For more information or to RSVP, e-mail Ann c/o rabbi.assistant@beth-shalom.net.
Sermon in Song with Cantor Rebecca Apt
Saturday, November 21
Cantor Apt will lead an in-depth exploration of the meaning and music of a particular prayer, during Sabbath morning services.