Sacred Table Study Guide
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Society for Humanistic Judaism and Is a Member a Search for Truth and Character of Machar, the Washington Congregation for Secular Humanistic Judaism
Humanistic Judaism Magazine The High Holidays Rosh Hashanah Beyond God by Rabbi Jodi Kornfeld Celebrating Judaism by Rabbi T. Sherwin Wine From His Newly-Reissued Book Starting a Havurah by Jeff Lipkes Community News and much more Autumn 2017 2017:2 Table of Contents From the Editors Humanistic Voices p. 4 p. 12–13 A New Look, A New Approach Not in My Name by Rabbi Jeffrey Falick The Death Penalty Dilemma From the Rabbi by Vivian Kramer p. 5 A Response to Charlottesville by Rabbi Miriam Jerris p. 14 Call of the Shofar “Judaism by Paul Golin Beyond What We WILL Replace From the Executive Director God” p. 5 Community News by Paul Golin Yom Kippur Made Me an Atheist — p. 15–18 And a Better Jew Machar, Birmingham Temple, Or Emet, Baltimore Jewish Cultural Chavurah Voice of Experience Contributors p. 6–7 I Marlene Cohen is on the executive committee of by Jeffrey Schesnol the Society for Humanistic Judaism and is a member A Search for Truth and Character of Machar, The Washington Congregation for Secular Humanistic Judaism. I Miriam Jerris is the rabbi of the Society for Starting a Havurah Humanistic Judaism. p. 8 I Bennett Drucker is a member of Or Emet, Minnesota Congregation for Humanistic Judaism. by Jeff Lipkes I Jeffrey Falick is the rabbi of the Birmingham Finding resources to help connect Temple. I Paul Golin is the executive director of the Society for Humanistic Judaism. Fresh Perspective I Jodi Kornfeld is the rabbi of Beth Chaverim p. 9 Humanistic Jewish Community in Deerfield, Illinois, and is the president of the Association of Humanistic by Bennett Drucker Rabbis. -
Yom Kippur Chavurah Service September 23, 2015 Written by Abigail Backer
Yom Kippur Chavurah Service September 23, 2015 Written by Abigail Backer Characters: Truth - Marci Justice - Bekki Peace - Kathy Judge/Rabbi - Rabbi London Narrator/Counsel - Abby Musician/Juke Box - Cantor Friedman Setting: This skit is written to be a ‘trial’ of sorts. Truth, justice, and peace are the ‘defendants’ and there is a judge/rabbi. The trial is mediated by a narrator/counsel who provides context and asks questions to each of the defendants. Rabbi London will sit in chair next to white table. Truth, justice and peace will stand off to the side. Counsel will enter via the ramp. Materials/Props: Gavel Costumes Signs that say “Truth” “Justice” and “Peace” in Hebrew/English ******************************************************************************************************** Musician/Juke Box: All rise for the Honorable Judge Rabbi Andrea London (plays interlude) Judge/Rabbi: Order! I call this Beit Din, this Rabbinic Court, to order!! Today we will be hearing the case of the Jewish People versus Truth, Justice, and Peace. Counsel, please approach the bench and present the defendants and the facts of the case. We don’t have all day! Narrator/Counsel: (enters hurriedly on ramp) Yes, your Honor. Thank you, your Honor. The premise of this case is simple: Rabban Shimon Ben Gamliel said, “The world is sustained by three things, by justice, by truth, and by peace. As it has been stated: Speak every man the truth to his neighbor; execute the judgment of truth and peace in your gates. (Zechariah 8:16) Your Honor, we live in a litigious society that requires greater distinctions and hierarchy than ever before. The Jewish people are bringing truth, justice and peace before the court to determine which among them is the most essential, the most valuable, the most pure. -
CCAR Journal the Reform Jewish Quarterly
CCAR Journal The Reform Jewish Quarterly Halachah and Reform Judaism Contents FROM THE EDITOR At the Gates — ohrgJc: The Redemption of Halachah . 1 A. Brian Stoller, Guest Editor ARTICLES HALACHIC THEORY What Do We Mean When We Say, “We Are Not Halachic”? . 9 Leon A. Morris Halachah in Reform Theology from Leo Baeck to Eugene B . Borowitz: Authority, Autonomy, and Covenantal Commandments . 17 Rachel Sabath Beit-Halachmi The CCAR Responsa Committee: A History . 40 Joan S. Friedman Reform Halachah and the Claim of Authority: From Theory to Practice and Back Again . 54 Mark Washofsky Is a Reform Shulchan Aruch Possible? . 74 Alona Lisitsa An Evolving Israeli Reform Judaism: The Roles of Halachah and Civil Religion as Seen in the Writings of the Israel Movement for Progressive Judaism . 92 David Ellenson and Michael Rosen Aggadic Judaism . 113 Edwin Goldberg Spring 2020 i CONTENTS Talmudic Aggadah: Illustrations, Warnings, and Counterarguments to Halachah . 120 Amy Scheinerman Halachah for Hedgehogs: Legal Interpretivism and Reform Philosophy of Halachah . 140 Benjamin C. M. Gurin The Halachic Canon as Literature: Reading for Jewish Ideas and Values . 155 Alyssa M. Gray APPLIED HALACHAH Communal Halachic Decision-Making . 174 Erica Asch Growing More Than Vegetables: A Case Study in the Use of CCAR Responsa in Planting the Tri-Faith Community Garden . 186 Deana Sussman Berezin Yoga as a Jewish Worship Practice: Chukat Hagoyim or Spiritual Innovation? . 200 Liz P. G. Hirsch and Yael Rapport Nursing in Shul: A Halachically Informed Perspective . 208 Michal Loving Can We Say Mourner’s Kaddish in Cases of Miscarriage, Stillbirth, and Nefel? . 215 Jeremy R. -
The Rosh Chodesh Planner Was Designed to Serve As a Resource for Shluchos When Planning Women's Programs. Many Years Ago, When
בס"ד PREFACE The Rosh Chodesh Planner was designed to serve as a resource for shluchos when planning women’s programs. Many years ago, when one of the first shluchim arrived in Pittsburgh, PA, prepared to combat the assimilation of America through hafotzas hamayonos, one of the directives of the Rebbe to the shlucha was that it did not suffice for her to only become involved in her husband’s endeavors, but that she should become involved in her own areas of activities as well. Throughout the years of his nesiyus, the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Nesi Dorenu, appreciated and valued the influential role the woman plays as the akeres habayis. This is evident in the many sichos which the Rebbe dedicated specifically to Jewish women and girls worldwide. Involved women are catalysts for involved families and involved communities. Shluchos, therefore, have always dedicated themselves towards reaching a broad spectrum of Jewish women from many affiliations, professions and interests. Programs become educational vehicles, provide networking and outreach opportunities for the participants, and draw them closer in their unified quest for a better and more meaningful tomorrow. Many shluchos have incorporated a schedule of gathering on a monthly basis. Brochures are mailed out at the onset of the year containing the year’s schedule at a glance. Any major event(s) are incorporated as well. This system offers the community an organized and well-planned view of the year’s events. It lets them know what to expect and gives them the ability to plan ahead. In the z’chus of all the positive accomplishments that have been and are continuously generated from women’s programs, may we be worthy of the immediate and complete Geulah. -
Vegetarianism’ Is a Case for Returning to Our Essence As Beings Created in the Image and Likeness of God
“This important pamphlet helps us advance the supreme Jewish goals of tikkun olam (healing and improving our world) and kiddush haShem (sanctifying the Divine Name).” —RABBI DAVID ROSEN, FORMER CHIEF RABBI OF IRELAND “The authors have powerfully united scientific and spiritual perspectives on why we—as Jews, as human beings, and as members of the global commons—should ‘go vegetarian.’” —RABBI FRED SCHERLINDER DOBB, COALITION ON THE ENVIRONMENT AND JEWISH LIFE A CASE FOR ‘“A Case for Jewish Vegetarianism’ is a case for returning to our essence as beings created in the image and likeness of God. It is a guide to be ... read and a guideline to be followed.” —RABBI RAMI M. SHAPIRO, SIMPLY JEWISH AND ONE RIVER FOUNDATION EWISH “Judaism … inspires and compels us to think before we eat. ‘A Case for J Jewish Vegetarianism’ provides many powerful reasons for us to be even VEGETARIANISM more compassionate through the foods we choose to consume.” —RABBI JONATHAN K. CRANE, HARVARD HILLEL “The case for Jewish vegetarianism is increasingly compelling, for ethical, environmental and health reasons--this provocative and important booklet makes that case lucidly from all three perspectives.” —RABBI BARRY SCHWARTZ, CENTRAL CONFERENCE OF AMERICAN RABBIS TASK FORCE ON KASHRUT FOR ANIMALS, FOR YOURSELF, AND FOR THE ENVIRONMENT People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals • GoVeg.com VEG314 1/05 RABBINIC STATEMENTS OF SUPPORT INTRODUCTION The Variety of Jewish Arguments for Vegetarianism “In contemporary society, more than ever before, vegetarianism should be an imperative Vegetarianism is becoming more and more popular in North for Jews who seek to live in accordance with Judaism’s most sublime teachings. -
Shabbat Bulletin
SHABBAT BULLETIN Rabbi Barry Gelman The Eruv is up. Rabbi Emeritus Joseph Radinsky z’l Cantor Emeritus Irving Dean President Mr. Rick Guttman LOUIS AND LEAH YAFFEE BNEI AKIVA PROGRAM: Shabbat No Teen Minyan 10:30 am: Tot Shabbat 4:10 pm Snif Groups: 1st—3rd in the tot trailer, 4th—5th in the Sukkah, 6th in the teen minyan trailer Serving the Orthodox Community of Parents are asked to tell their kids that card playing is not permitted in Houston for over 100 years the Synagogue. The presence of card playing does not promote the type of atmosphere we are trying to create in the shul. Additionally, all November 4, 2017 youth should either be in groups or sitting with their parents. 22 Cheshvan 5778 In recognition of our appreciation for all the help we received Torah Sefer: Bereishit during Hurricane Harvey, UOS is sponsoring a Kiddush this Shabbat Parasha: Chayei Sarah at both Beth Rambam and Young Israel. Haftarah: I Kings 1:1-31 ————————————— Shabbat Kiddush with chicken The annual UOS Congregation Annual Meeting salad in Freedman Hall. will take place on Sponsored by April and Kobi Sunday, December 10, 2017 Amsalem in gratitude to the com- at 9:00 am In Freedman Hall. munity and in honor of a positive reconstruction spirit. Seudah Shlishit 3 Part Mini Series Shabbat Kiddush next week: Join us on Shabbat afternoon as members of our community share their Sponsorship is greatly appreciated. expertise with us on issues related to Torah, Israel, Community and more. Seudah Shlishit in Freedman Hall. First Series: Dates: Nov. -
2021/5781 High Holy Days WORSHIP INFORMATON ~
2021/5781 High Holy Days WORSHIP INFORMATON ~ Rosh HaShanah ~ S’lichot Service jointly w/ Ohavi Saturday September 12 8:00pm Zedek ~ Erev Rosh HaShanah Service Friday September 18 6:30pm ~ Morning Children’s Service Saturday September 19 9:00am ~ Morning Rosh HaShanah Service Saturday September 19 10:00am ~ Tashlich (location TBA) Saturday September 19 4:00pm ~ Insomniac Lounge: alternative Rosh Hashanah Service Saturday September 19 10:00pm Between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur ~ Shofar Drive-thru Sunday September 20 11:00am ~ JCVT Vermont Shabbat Shuva Friday September 25 TBD Service ~ Insomniac Lounge: Shabbat Shuva Friday September 25 10:00pm meditation service ~ Shabbat Shuva Morning Service Saturday September 26 9:30am ~ Shabbat Shuva Torah Study Saturday September 26 10:30am Yom Kippur ~ Kol Nidre/Erev Yom Kippur Sunday September 27 6:30pm ~ Morning Children’s Service Monday September 28 9:00am ~ Morning Yom Kippur Service Monday September 28 10:00am ~ Yizkor Service Monday September 28 2:00pm ~ Making Prayer Real: Engaging Yom Kippur Monday September 28 3:00 pm ~ Minchah Service Monday September 28 4:30pm ~ Neilah Monday September 28 6:00pm ~ Break Fast Monday September 28 7:00pm Join us on ZOOM This year's High Holy Day services will be a different experience to what we are used to. Our services will be led by our rabbi, David Edleson, and our cantor Mark Leopold. Due to the pandemic and the significantly heightened risks of singing in closed spaces, we will not be celebrating in the Sanctuary but will continue our worship on ZOOM as we have been every Shabbat. -
Exodus 13:1-20 Chavurah Shalom Sat 10/29/16 When We Come to The
Exodus 13:1-20 Chavurah Shalom Sat 10/29/16 When we come to the Sanctification of the Firstborn, we are reminded that in keep- ing the Torah, Yeshua's family performed this rite along with the Brit Milah at the appointed times, Luke 2:21-24. We are very carefully and precisely told of the keeping of the very first of the mitzvot concerning a mother giving birth to a male child, including the circumcision of the child at 8 days, the purification rites for a woman who gave birth to a male child, and the redemption of the firstborn son. You will also note the naming of the child at the Brit Milah, in keeping with the modern Jewish practice, as revealed in the Siddur, (The Complete Artscroll Siddur, Sephard Edition), p. 225-229. Genesis 17:11-12; 21:4; Leviticus 12:3; compare Luke 1:57-59. We are told that the naming of sons at the time of circumcision is not attested in Jewish sources until the post-Talmudic period (eighth centu- ry)....The note "to present him" likely refers to the pidyon ha-ben, the redemp- tion of the firstborn (Exodus 13:2, 12, 15; Numbers 18:15-16; Nehemiah 10:35-36); no law prescribes this presentation; presenting children at the Temple is not a recognized custom.--The Jewish Annotated New Testament, p. 100, 102. Our text for this morning begins with the firstborn, then turns aside to the Matzot and the Tefillin, then returns to the firstborn before summing things up to end our parashah. -
Tzedakah As the Defining Social Marker of Jewish Identity
Tzedakah as the Defining Social Marker of Jewish Identity A. The Test of a True Jew: Check the Pocketbook B. Maimonides: Appealing to Jewish Genes – The Perfect “Pitch” “[God] has told you, human being, what is good and what Adonai requires of you: Nothing but to do justice (mishpat), to love kindness (hesed), and to walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:8) הִ גִיד לְָך ָאדָ ם מַ ה-ּטוֹב ּומָ ה-יְהוָה ּדוֹרֵ ׁש מִמְ ָך כִ י אִ ם- עֲׂשוֹתמִׁשְ טפָ וְַאהֲבַת חֶסֶ ד וְהַצְ נֵעַ לֶכֶת עִ ם- אֱֹלהֶ יָך. Noam Zion, Hartman Institute, [email protected] – excerpted form from Jewish Giving in Comparative Perspectives: History and Story, Law and Theology, Anthropology and Psychology. Book One: From Each According to One’s Ability: Duties to Poor People from the Bible to the Welfare State and Tikkun Olam Previous Books: A DIFFERENT NIGHT: The Family Participation Haggadah By Noam Zion and David Dishon LEADER'S GUIDE to "A DIFFERENT NIGHT" By Noam Zion and David Dishon A DIFFERENT LIGHT: Hanukkah Seder and Anthology including Profiles in Contemporary Jewish Courage By Noam Zion A Day Apart: Shabbat at Home By Noam Zion and Shawn Fields-Meyer A Night to Remember: Haggadah of Contemporary Voices Mishael and Noam Zion www.haggadahsrus.com 1 Our teachers have said: "If all troubles were assembled on one side and poverty on the other, poverty would outweigh them all." - Midrash Shemot Rabbah 31:14 "The sea of a mighty population, held in galling fetters, heaves uneasily in the tenements.... The gap between the classes in which it surges, unseen, unsuspected by the thoughtless, is widening day by day. -
The Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism: Celebrating 50 Years in Pursuit of Social Justice!
The Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism: Celebrating 50 Years in Pursuit of Social Justice! Religious Action Center History & Influence Program Guide 60 minutes (or longer!) Audience: Adaptable for all ages Goals: • Communicate the following messages about the purpose and function of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism: o The Reform Movement has been involved in the pursuit of social justice and engaged in public policy work for many decades o The Religious Action Center, on behalf of the Reform Movement, uses many different approaches to achieve its goal of tikkun olam o The Reform Movement works on a broad range of issues that affect us as Jews, as North Americans, and as global citizens o The Religious Action Center provides a Jewish voice on important public policy issues o The Religious Action Center can support and enhance an individual’s personal social action work • Inspire program participants to become involved in the work of the Religious Action Center Timeline: 0:00-0:05 Set Induction- What is Social Justice? 0:05-0:10 Video Viewing 0:10-0:20 Conversation about what was seen on the PowerPoint 0:20-0:50 Digging Deeper: Going Through the PowerPoint (if you want the program to be longer, you can expand this section of the program) 0:50-0:60 Concluding Activity Materials: • Computer and projector (for displaying PowerPoint presentation) • RAC History Video (available for download here, or to stream on Youtube here) • RAC History PowerPoint Presentation (available for download here) • White board or butcher paper • 4 posters, which read “Strongly Agree,” “Agree,” “Disagree,” and “Strongly Disagree” Program Details: 0:00-0:05 Set Induction: Advocacy, Education, & Direct Service 1) Place four posters in different corners of the room that say, “Strongly Agree,” “Agree,” “Disagree,” and “Strongly Disagree.” As you read the following statements, ask participants to move to the corner of the room that best reflects their relationship to the statement. -
The Special Circumstances of Death in an Interfaith Family
A NEWSLEHER BY AND FOR JEWISH-CHRISTIAN FAMIUES volume three, number four February/March 1995 The Special Circumstances of Death in an Interfaith Family he topic of death is one most of us Christians who have been conditioned DOVETAIL'S generally choose to avoid. We to "get on with Ufe" as soon as possible. Editorial Advisory Board T prefer to ignore the unpleasant Jews generally put little stock in consid• reality that someday we will be sepa• eration of a life after death, \vhile such a IRWIN H. FISHBEIN rated from beloved family members and possibility is a central tenet for many Director r.''i- •• ' friends. Yet, for interfaith families Christians, so the phrasing of beliefs forResea- especially, it is a topic that cries out for and philosophy for the comfort of all We&tfiold discussion. The time surrounding a family members during a funeral Liisiit Go( Co-Auth'. Ji. family member's death is always tragic service can be extremely hard. Even the Choices and emotional, and if the complicated seemingly straightforward questions of jemish-Ch details of interfaith funerals and mourn• how ornate the casket should be and LF.R F. GRiJ/fN ing rituals have never been discussed, it whether or not it should be open have Author ot Raising 1 our le:ri>h brings with it an unnecessary layer of quite different answers for members of Christian Child: Hoic Intcrtaith confusion and painfully forced decision• the two faiths. Christians generally Parents Can Cm Children the Best of Both Their Heritages making. choose a more ornate casket and surround it with flowers. -
Make the Chai Mitzvah Journey on YOUR TERMS. at YOUR PACE
Make the Chai Mitzvah Journey ON YOUR TERMS. AT YOUR PACE. Chai Mitzvah is a national program combining informal study, ritual and social action. providing the framework for a meaningful Jewish journey. Think of it as a cross between a chavurah--friendship group—and a book club. , SPRING GROUPS FORMING NOW!! Contact Jill Maidhof, [email protected] OR 913.327.8077 No Jewish knowledge or level of observance is assumed. Simply join a group of 8-12 people or form a group of your own for: • Group exploration: meet monthly with a set curriculum addressing critical Jewish issues • Independent study: choose a topic to explore from a Jewish perspective • Ritual: choose a ritual or spiritual practice to incorporate into your life • Social Action: choose a mitzvah to carry out within the Jewish community. • Share and celebrate! For Details Q&A: How does Chai Mitzvah work? The program works through groups of 8-12 people who guide and support each other in their journeys. What if I don’t know much about Judaism? Jewish knowledge or observance is not assumed; in fact, you don’t need to be Jewish to participate*—this is a program for anyone who is willing to commit to the two components of the Chai Mitzvah program: • Attend a monthly group learning session using sourcebooks that each of you receive. Much like book clubs, these sessions are opportunities for stimulating yet nonjudgmental discussion. • Continue building a Jewish life by carrying out items on your individual “Jewish Bucket List” for enhancing mind, body and soul: Pick a subject that interests you and learn about it from a Jewish perspective.