Dear Hevreh,

For better or worse, much of the history of Jewish life in America has revolved around synagogues, whether it’s small shtibles in which Jews traditionally prayed three times a day, or larger community centers envisioned by Rabbi Mordecai Kaplan, or the current incarnation of homes for Jewish people to gather and share important moments in the calendar year and in their life cycle. And even though there have been attempts to expand the kinds of programming offered at synagogues, the foundational element for synagogues are the religious services provided to the community.

So does this mean that, for better or worses,  Jewish identity, so intertwined with synagogue life, is built around services? Is Jewish identity primarily related to our religious predilections?

At tonight’s 1st installation of Beth Mordecai’s Adult Education Series A Little Schtickala of Yiddishkeit,we will discuss both of these elements — religious services and Jewish identity.Why are our religious services designed the way they are and (is it possible to shorten them in a traditional way)? How did Jewish identity form and what are the indicators of our Jewishness? These questions, while separate, are interrelated especially in our current Jewish lives outside of Israel. These questions, for better or worse, are integral to our understanding of how to be Jewish today.

Come join us tonight at 7:30 pm (see more details in flyer attached)! There will be FOOD as well!

Kol Tuv,

Rabbi Ari Saks

Category : Adult Education Rabbi Rabbi's Journal
Tag : adult education jewish identity rabbi rabbi's journal services synagogue