Judaism 101 Syllabus 2020-2021
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B”Sd Minhagim of Congregation Tiferes Yisroel As Given
b”sd Minhagim of Congregation Tiferes Yisroel as given over by Rabbi Menachem Goldberger Yom Kippur Erev Yom Kippur • It is a mitzva to eat and drink erev Y"K. • Rabbi Goldberger's minhag is to have a fleishig seudah in the morning before chatzos. The pizmon from the erev Y"K slichos, "Machar Yihyeh Haos Hazeh", is said at this seudah. • The seuda hamafsekes is after mincha. Kreplach are eaten at this seudah. • Mikveh is a chiyuv for men • Mikveh for women - It is a long-standing minhag (esp. among Chasidim) for women, and girls under Bas Mitzvah, to go to the mikveh erev Y"K (girls over Bas Mitzvah should not go to the mikveh until after they are married). This immersion does not remove the status of nidda. It is for spiritual purity. (The women's mikveh in Baltimore is open for a short period of time erev Y"K morning for this purpose. Call the mikveh for information.) • Kapparos: chicken or money. If using a chicken, it should be waved over each family member's head in their presence. Give tzedaka - $5/person. If using money, use coins, not paper money, waving the coins over each person's head. Give the money to tzdakah; $5/person. • During or following the seudah hamafsekes, the father bentsches the children with the special erev Y"K bracha that is found in the Y"K machzor. • A Ner Neshama is lit. One per family is sufficient. This is in addition to any yahrtzeit candles the family may be lighting. Yom Kippur Greeting • After Rosh HaShanah, and through Yom Kippur, we greet each other with "G'mar chasima tova" (which has the general meaning of: May you be conclusively sealed for the good). -
Halachic and Hashkafic Issues in Contemporary Society 91 - Hand Shaking and Seat Switching Ou Israel Center - Summer 2018
5778 - dbhbn ovrct [email protected] 1 sxc HALACHIC AND HASHKAFIC ISSUES IN CONTEMPORARY SOCIETY 91 - HAND SHAKING AND SEAT SWITCHING OU ISRAEL CENTER - SUMMER 2018 A] SHOMER NEGIAH - THE ISSUES • What is the status of the halacha of shemirat negiah - Deoraita or Derabbanan? • What kind of touching does it relate to? What about ‘professional’ touching - medical care, therapies, handshaking? • Which people does it relate to - family, children, same gender? • How does it inpact on sitting close to someone of the opposite gender. Is one required to switch seats? 1. THE WAY WE LIVE NOW: THE ETHICIST. Between the Sexes By RANDY COHEN. OCT. 27, 2002 The courteous and competent real-estate agent I'd just hired to rent my house shocked and offended me when, after we signed our contract, he refused to shake my hand, saying that as an Orthodox Jew he did not touch women. As a feminist, I oppose sex discrimination of all sorts. However, I also support freedom of religious expression. How do I balance these conflicting values? Should I tear up our contract? J.L., New York This culture clash may not allow you to reconcile the values you esteem. Though the agent dealt you only a petty slight, without ill intent, you're entitled to work with someone who will treat you with the dignity and respect he shows his male clients. If this involved only his own person -- adherence to laws concerning diet or dress, for example -- you should of course be tolerant. But his actions directly affect you. And sexism is sexism, even when motivated by religious convictions. -
Wedding Customs „ All Piskei Horav Yisroel Belsky Shlita Are Reviewed by Horav Yisroel Belsky Shlita
Halachically Speaking Volume 4 l Issue 12 „ Compiled by Rabbi Moishe Dovid Lebovits „ Reviewed by Rabbi Benzion Schiffenbauer Shlita Wedding Customs „ All Piskei Horav Yisroel Belsky Shlita are reviewed by Horav Yisroel Belsky Shlita Lag B'omer will be upon us very soon, and for this is because the moon starts getting people have not been at weddings for a while. smaller and it is not a good simon for the Therefore now is a good time to discuss some chosson and kallah.4 Others are not so convinced of the customs which lead up to the wedding that there is a concern and maintain one may and the wedding itself. marry at the end of the month as well.5 Some are only lenient if the chosson is twenty years of When one attends a wedding he sees many age.6 The custom of many is not to be customs which are done.1 For example, concerned about this and marry even at the walking down the aisle with candles, ashes on end of the month.7 Some say even according to the forehead, breaking the plate, and the glass, the stringent opinion one may marry until the the chosson does not have any knots on his twenty-second day of the Hebrew month.8 clothing etc. Long Engagement 4 Chazzon Yeshaya page 139, see Shar Yissochor mamer When an engaged couple decide when they ha’yarchim 2:pages 1-2. 5 Refer to Pischei Teshuva E.H. 64:5, Yehuda Yaleh 2:24, should marry, the wedding date should not be Tirosh V’yitzor 111, Hisoreros Teshuva 1:159, Teshuva 2 too long after their engagement. -
The Prophet's Wife New Novel by Milton Steinberg to Be
THE PROPHET’S WIFE NEW NOVEL BY MILTON STEINBERG TO BE PUBLISHED IN 2010 BY BEHRMAN HOUSE Manuscript Left Unfinished for Half a Century Release of Book is Major Literary Event Steinberg Authored As a Driven Leaf One of the Great Books of the 20th Century FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Shira Dicker 917.403.3989; shira.dicker@sd‐media.com December 17, 2009 (New York, NY) – Sixty years after the untimely death of the great American rabbi and writer Milton Steinberg, author of As a Driven Leaf, an important second novel by Steinberg will be published posthumously by Behrman House in March 2010. Discovered deep within the archives of the American Jewish Historical Society, The Prophet’s Wife delivers the lush narrative and vivid depictions that readers of As a Driven Leaf will recognize as the inimitable voice of Milton Steinberg. Set against a backdrop of unrest in ancient Israel, The Prophet’s Wife is a stirring portrait of the biblical prophet Hosea, his passionate and free‐spirited wife Gomer, and a people seduced by the lures of power and idolatry to betray their faith. Left unfinished by his death at age 46, the 440‐page typewritten manuscript of The Prophet’s Wife sat in the American Jewish Historical Society archives for over forty years before Behrman House located it and began the process of finishing the work. Through trial and tribulation, it was artfully developed into an artistic and intellectual collaboration between Steinberg and a triumvirate of important contemporary writers—Rabbi Harold S. Kushner, Ari L. Goldman and Norma Rosen. -
Download Full Journal (PDF)
SAPIR A JOURNAL OF JEWISH CONVERSATIONS THE ISSUE ON POWER ELISA SPUNGEN BILDNER & ROBERT BILDNER RUTH CALDERON · MONA CHAREN MARK DUBOWITZ · DORE GOLD FELICIA HERMAN · BENNY MORRIS MICHAEL OREN · ANSHEL PFEFFER THANE ROSENBAUM · JONATHAN D. SARNA MEIR SOLOVEICHIK · BRET STEPHENS JEFF SWARTZ · RUTH R. WISSE Volume Two Summer 2021 And they saw the God of Israel: Under His feet there was the likeness of a pavement of sapphire, like the very sky for purity. — Exodus 24: 10 SAPIR Bret Stephens EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Mark Charendoff PUBLISHER Ariella Saperstein ASSO CIATE PUBLISHER Felicia Herman MANAGING EDITOR Katherine Messenger DESIGNER & ILLUSTRATOR Sapir, a Journal of Jewish Conversations. ISSN 2767-1712. 2021, Volume 2. Published by Maimonides Fund. Copyright ©2021 by Maimonides Fund. No part of this journal may be reproduced in any form or by any means without the prior written consent of Maimonides Fund. All rights reserved. Printed in the United States of America. WWW.SAPIRJOURNAL.ORG WWW.MAIMONIDESFUND.ORG CONTENTS 6 Publisher’s Note | Mark Charendoff 90 MICHAEL OREN Trial and Triage in Washington 8 BRET STEPHENS The Necessity of Jewish Power 98 MONA CHAREN Between Hostile and Crazy: Jews and the Two Parties Power in Jewish Text & History 106 MARK DUBOWITZ How to Use Antisemitism Against Antisemites 20 RUTH R. WISSE The Allure of Powerlessness Power in Culture & Philanthropy 34 RUTH CALDERON King David and the Messiness of Power 116 JEFF SWARTZ Philanthropy Is Not Enough 46 RABBI MEIR Y. SOLOVEICHIK The Power of the Mob in an Unforgiving Age 124 ELISA SPUNGEN BILDNER & ROBERT BILDNER Power and Ethics in Jewish Philanthropy 56 ANSHEL PFEFFER The Use and Abuse of Jewish Power 134 JONATHAN D. -
The Development of the Jewish Prayerbook'
"We Are Bound to Tradition Yet Part of That Tradition Is Change": The Development of the Jewish Prayerbook' Ilana Harlow Indiana University The traditional Jewish liturgy in its diverse manifestations is an imposing artistic structure. But unlike a painting or a symphony it is not the work of one artist or even the product of one period. It is more like a medieval cathedral, in the construction of which many generations had a share and in the ultimate completion of which the traces of diverse tastes and styles may be detected. (Petuchowski 1985:312) This essay explores the dynamics between tradition and innovation, authority and authenticity through a study of a recently edited Jewish prayerbook-a contemporary development in a tradition which can be traced over a one-thousand year period. The many editions of the Jewish prayerbook, or siddur, that have been compiled over the centuries chronicle the contributions specific individuals and communities made to the tradition-informed by the particular fashions and events of their times as well as by extant traditions. The process is well-captured in liturgist Jakob Petuchowski's 'cathedral simile' above-an image which could be applied equally well to many traditions but is most evident in written ones. An examination of a continuously emergent written tradition, such as the siddur, can help highlight kindred processes involved in the non-documented development of oral and behavioral traditions. Presented below are the editorial decisions of a contemporary prayerbook editor, Rabbi Jules Harlow, as a case study of the kinds of issues involved when individuals assume responsibility for the ongoing conserva- tion and construction of traditions for their communities. -
TEMPLE ISRAEL OP HOLLYWOOD Preparing for Jewish Burial and Mourning
TRANSITIONS & CELEBRATIONS: Jewish Life Cycle Guides E EW A TEMPLE ISRAEL OP HOLLYWOOD Preparing for Jewish Burial and Mourning Written and compiled by Rabbi John L. Rosove Temple Israel of Hollywood INTRODUCTION The death of a loved one is so often a painful and confusing time for members of the family and dear friends. It is our hope that this “Guide” will assist you in planning the funeral as well as offer helpful information on our centuries-old Jewish burial and mourning practices. Hillside Memorial Park and Mortuary (“Hillside”) has served the Southern California Jewish Community for more than seven decades and we encourage you to contact them if you need assistance at the time of need or pre-need (310.641.0707 - hillsidememorial.org). CONTENTS Pre-need preparations .................................................................................. 3 Selecting a grave, arranging for family plots ................................................. 3 Contacting clergy .......................................................................................... 3 Contacting the Mortuary and arranging for the funeral ................................. 3 Preparation of the body ................................................................................ 3 Someone to watch over the body .................................................................. 3 The timing of the funeral ............................................................................... 3 The casket and dressing the deceased for burial .......................................... -
Jewish Perspectives on Reproductive Realities by Rabbi Lori Koffman, NCJW Board Director and Chair of NCJW’S Reproductive Health, Rights and Justice Initiative
Jewish Perspectives on Reproductive Realities By Rabbi Lori Koffman, NCJW Board Director and Chair of NCJW’s Reproductive Health, Rights and Justice Initiative A note on the content below: We acknowledge that this document invokes heavily gendered language due to the prevailing historic male voices in Jewish rabbinic and biblical perspectives, and the fact that Hebrew (the language in which these laws originated) is a gendered language. We also recognize some of these perspectives might be in contradiction with one another and with some of NCJW’s approaches to the issues of reproductive health, rights, and justice. Background Family planning has been discussed in Judaism for several thousand years. From the earliest of the ‘sages’ until today, a range of opinions has existed — opinions which can be in tension with one another and are constantly evolving. Historically these discussions have assumed that sexual intimacy happens within the framework of heterosexual marriage. A few fundamental Jewish tenets underlie any discussion of Jewish views on reproductive realities. • Protecting an existing life is paramount, even when it means a Jew must violate the most sacred laws.1 • Judaism is decidedly ‘pro-natalist,’ and strongly encourages having children. The duty of procreation is based on one of the earliest and often repeated obligations of the Torah, ‘pru u’rvu’, 2 to be ‘fruitful and multiply.’ This fundamental obligation in the Jewish tradition is technically considered only to apply to males. Of course, Jewish attitudes toward procreation have not been shaped by Jewish law alone, but have been influenced by the historic communal trauma (such as the Holocaust) and the subsequent yearning of some Jews to rebuild community through Jewish population growth. -
Lincoln Square Synagogue for As Sexuality, the Role Of
IflN mm Lincoln Square Synagogue Volume 27, No. 3 WINTER ISSUE Shevat 5752 - January, 1992 FROM THE RABBI'S DESK.- It has been two years since I last saw leaves summon their last colorful challenge to their impending fall. Although there are many things to wonder at in this city, most ofthem are works ofhuman beings. Only tourists wonder at the human works, and being a New Yorker, I cannot act as a tourist. It was good to have some thing from G-d to wonder at, even though it was only leaves. Wondering is an inspiring sensation. A sense of wonder insures that our rela¬ tionship with G-d is not static. It keeps us in an active relationship, and protects us from davening or fulfilling any other mitzvah merely by rote. A lack of excitement, of curiosity, of surprise, of wonder severs our attachment to what we do. Worse: it arouses G-d's disappointment I wonder most at our propensity to cease wondering. None of us would consciously decide to deprive our prayers and actions of meaning. Yet, most of us are not much bothered by our lack of attachment to our tefilot and mitzvot. We are too comfortable, too certain that we are living properly. That is why I am happy that we hosted the Wednesday Night Lecture with Rabbi Riskin and Dr. Ruth. The lecture and the controversy surrounding it certainly woke us up. We should not need or even use controversy to wake ourselves up. However, those of us who were joined in argument over the lecture were forced to confront some of the serious divisions in the Orthodox community, and many of its other problems. -
Rosh Hashanah Ubhct Ubfkn
vbav atrk vkp, Rosh HaShanah ubhct ubfkn /UbkIe g©n§J 'UbFk©n Ubhc¨t Avinu Malkeinu, hear our voice. /W¤Ng k¥t¨r§G°h i¤r¤eo¥r¨v 'UbFk©n Ubhc¨t Avinu Malkeinu, give strength to your people Israel. /ohcIy ohH° jr© px¥CUb c,§ F 'UbFknUbh© ct¨ Avinu Malkeinu, inscribe us for blessing in the Book of Life. /vcIy v²b¨J Ubhkg J¥S©j 'UbFk©n Ubhc¨t Avinu Malkeinu, let the new year be a good year for us. 1 In the seventh month, hghc§J©v J¤s«jC on the first day of the month, J¤s«jk s¨j¤tC there shall be a sacred assembly, iIº,C©J ofk v®h§v°h a cessation from work, vgUr§T iIrf°z a day of commemoration /J¤s«et¨r§e¦n proclaimed by the sound v¨s«cg ,ftk§nkF of the Shofar. /U·Gg©, tO Lev. 23:24-25 Ub¨J§S¦e r¤J£t 'ok«ug¨v Qk¤n Ubh¥vO¡t '²h±h v¨T©t QUrC /c«uy o«uh (lWez¨AW) k¤J r¯b ehk§s©vk Ub²um±uuh¨,«um¦nC Baruch Atah Adonai, Eloheinu melech ha-olam, asher kid’shanu b’mitzvotav v’tzivanu l’hadlik ner shel (Shabbat v’shel) Yom Tov. We praise You, Eternal God, Sovereign of the universe, who hallows us with mitzvot and commands us to kindle the lights of (Shabbat and) Yom Tov. 'ok«ug¨v Qk¤n Ubh¥vO¡t '²h±h v¨T©t QUrC /v®Z©v i©n±Zk Ubgh°D¦v±u Ub¨n±H¦e±u Ub²h¡j¤v¤J Baruch Atah Adonai, Eloheinu melech ha-olam, shehecheyanu v’kiy’manu v’higiyanu, lazman hazeh. -
A Guide to Our Shabbat Morning Service
Torah Crown – Kiev – 1809 Courtesy of Temple Beth Sholom Judaica Museum Rabbi Alan B. Lucas Assistant Rabbi Cantor Cecelia Beyer Ofer S. Barnoy Ritual Director Executive Director Rabbi Sidney Solomon Donna Bartolomeo Director of Lifelong Learning Religious School Director Gila Hadani Ward Sharon Solomon Early Childhood Center Camp Director Dir.Helayne Cohen Ginger Bloom a guide to our Endowment Director Museum Curator Bernice Cohen Bat Sheva Slavin shabbat morning service 401 Roslyn Road Roslyn Heights, NY 11577 Phone 516-621-2288 FAX 516- 621- 0417 e-mail – [email protected] www.tbsroslyn.org a member of united synagogue of conservative judaism ברוכים הבאים Welcome welcome to Temple Beth Sholom and our Shabbat And they came, every morning services. The purpose of this pamphlet is to provide those one whose heart was who are not acquainted with our synagogue or with our services with a brief introduction to both. Included in this booklet are a history stirred, and every one of Temple Beth Sholom, a description of the art and symbols in whose spirit was will- our sanctuary, and an explanation of the different sections of our ing; and they brought Saturday morning service. an offering to Adonai. We hope this booklet helps you feel more comfortable during our service, enables you to have a better understanding of the service, and introduces you to the joy of communal worship. While this booklet Exodus 35:21 will attempt to answer some of the most frequently asked questions about the synagogue and service, it cannot possibly anticipate all your questions. Please do not hesitate to approach our clergy or regular worshipers with your questions following our services. -
MEMORIAL KADDISH Dr
MEMORIAL KADDISH Dr. Polly Etkind Hochberg Wife of our esteemed President Herman Hochberg, mother of Marisa, sister of Barbara Etkind (Rabbi Jack A. Luxemberg). Her dedication, leadership, boundless love for our Synagogue, Sisterhood and Men’s Club, and her love for Torah studies, have been instrumental in transmitting our Jewish values to the next generation. A Woman of Valor, her life was a blessing and an inspiration. She will be sorely missed. SHABBAT SHALOM Rabbi Arthur Schneier • Senior Rabbi YAHRZEITS Rabbi Benjamin Goldschmidt • Assistant Rabbi Mr. Zoltan Lefkovits, brother • Mrs. Vivian Mook Baer, aunt • Cantor Yitzchak Meir Helfgot • Chief Cantor Mr. Jack Pomeranc, parents, brother, sisters • Cantor Benny Rogosnitzky • Cantor Dr. Susan Nachamie, father • Mr. Moses and Mr. Jacob Sabbagh, father • Rabbi Harold Einsidler • Ritual Director Mrs. Simone Blum, husband • Toby N. Einsidler • Administrator Mrs. Helen Schlesinger, husband • Mr. Herbert Feinberg, son • Mr. Steven Thal, father • Mrs. Carla Rothman, husband • Saturday, September 2, 2017 Ms. Helga Abel, brother • Mrs. Gladys Kartin, father • 11 ELUL 5777 Mrs. Marilyn Dukoff, father-in-law • Mrs. Judith Banker, mother • KI TEITZEI Mr. Charles Maurer, grandmother • Mr. Larrry Rosner, mother • Ms. Diane Hewitt, father • Rabbi Jonathan Medows, father • Deuteronomy 21:10-25:19 Hertz p. 840 Artscroll p. 1046 PARSHAT KI TETZE HAFTORAH Isaiah 54:11-1-10 When you go out to war upon your enemies…and capture from them captives (21:10) Also from one’s spiritual enemies one must “capture captives.” Anything negative in man or in the Hertz p. 857 Artscroll p. 1201 world can be exploited for the good, if one can derive a lesson from it in the service of the Creator.