Celebrate Sukkot Outside by Exploring Judaism’s Nature Traditions
Two consecutive sessions covering all ages, Sunday afternoon, Sept 30th.
Sukkot for the Shretelech (the little people), 2-3:15 pm (for families with young children, ages up to 10). This family hike will search the beautiful land of BAJC for the Shretelech, (Yiddish for the little people—elves, gnomes, and fairies). We will engage all of our senses as we search & hear stories about the Shretelech & help them by building a small 6” Sukkah. After all, they are so busy this time of year getting ready for winter. The parents will have a brief introduction to blessings & other contemplative nature traditions Judaism has to offer. Exploring Judaism’s Forgotten Nature Paths: 3:45-5:45 (for adults & mature children). Judaism’s ancient environmental wisdom includes blessings for the awe-filled gift of the natural world. This Sukkot we will explore BAJC’s exquisite land & strive to remember what the psalmists knew: The sun & moon praise, the mountains & trees praise, all beings everywhere sing Hallelujah. (Psalm 148). In this workshop, we will sample Judaism’s contemplative nature practices with reflective activities, deep listening, & old fashioned text study. Taught by David Arfa, an expert Shretelech guide & Jewish environmental educator. David has integrated Jewish life & environmental education for nearly 20 years. David is also a professional storyteller, currently the maggid (mag-geed, storyteller) for Temple Israel in Greenfield.
Kabbalah Study
Three Tuesday evenings: Oct 16, 23, & Nov 6, 13: 7:30-9 pm. Kabbalah, the mystical teachings of Judaism, explains reasons for our practice of Judaism, yet it is studied by few Jews. We will trace the flowering of Kabbalistic thought & practice in Jewish history, examine mystical passages & interpretations in the Torah, & refine our understanding of Jewish liturgy. The aim of these sessions is simple: to understand why we’re alive & what happens to our soul after death. Taught by Michael Knapp, Ph.D. Michael was trained in environmental health & has taught in many different settings: junior high, special education, high school, & graduate school. Michael’s passion for Jewish mysticism & meditation began when he was sick & scared in Sierra Leone, West Africa in the late 1980’s & has been part of his life ever since.
T’fillah: Understanding The Language Of Prayer
Three Sunday evenings: Oct 7, 14, & 21: 7-8:30 pm. Discover the meaning of specific Shabbat prayers by examining their literal translation & historical origin. Taught by Ari Reis, a dedicated informal Jewish educator. Ari devotes himself to providing interactive, creative, and stimulating programs for students from every age group, ability level, and background. Ari’s intellect and captivating style have made him a favorite addition to a wide variety of Jewish communities throughout the United States and Canada.
Bringing Two Different Backgrounds into One Relationship: The Gift of Meeting Each Others Needs
Nov 4th, 11 am –1:00 pm. A forum to discuss the issues that arise in partnerships where the members have different religious backgrounds. We will discuss differences individuals bring to a relationship—even two Jews!—& the gifts we give each other when we communicate our needs to one another in an open & honest manner. Facilitated by Kathy Bloomfield, program ambassador for the Northeast Council of the Union for Reform Judaism outreach department. She is a certified URJ Outreach Fellow trained to assist individuals with their transition into Judaism. Kathy is passionate about her work having begun her marriage in 1980 as a Roman Catholic & converted to Judaism in 1991.
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