Torah for Grownups
Opening Talmud: Bava Metzi'a Chapter 4
By studying a famous story in its original context, we will experience the breathtaking twists and turns of the Talmud as it weaves together a discussion of Bible, law, ethics, and theology.
At the edge of the sea
A taste of midrash. Jewish readings of the portion BeShallach. The Israelites are standing at the sea. The Pharaoh and his army are behind them, the waves are before them. The birth canal of the Israelite nation is blocked. This is a real cliffhanger.
The Shema, Then and Now
Session One: The Roots of the Shema
An exploration of the biblical sources of the Shema, how it
came to be part of our prayer liturgy, and the role it has played in Jewish
stories and ritual objects.
Session Two: The Shema in Contemporary Prayer Books
A look at the Shema in recently published prayer books from
Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform publishers, with a special emphasis on the
various Reconstructionist prayer books and the decision-making process behind
them.
Session Three: The Shema in Our Own Prayer Life
An open forum in which those who have participated in the
two previous sessions will share their responses to the Shema as liturgy,
grapple with its theological and philosophical implications, and discuss strategies
for more meaningful personal and communal prayer.
Session One: The Roots of the Shema
An exploration of the biblical sources of the Shema, how it came to be part of our prayer liturgy, and the role it has played in Jewish stories and ritual objects.
Session Two: The Shema in Contemporary Prayer Books
The Theological Uncertainty Principle
This is an article sent to me by a friend in Israel.
