Shabbat Services at Greenwood House
Every Friday Morning in September at 10:30 am
Join Rabbi Pollack every Friday at Greenwood House for a Shabbat Service with the residents. The brief service is meaningful to the residents, many of whom are still members of our Congregation. They enjoy even a brief visit with other members of Har Sinai.
Lunch and Learn
Tuesdays at 12 noon
(Beginning September 14)
Lunch and Learn this year will be exploring the richness and wisdom of the Talmud with the classic text, “A Rabbinic Anthology.” “A Rabbinic Anthology” was first published in 1938. It has never been superseded. Its thoroughness, wisdom, sympathy, and tact combined with impeccable scholarship make it a monument, not only to its authors, but to the Rabbinic tradition which it explores. The mind of the rabbis is complex beyond fathoming — incisive, rich, moving swiftly over a vast variety of human concerns —from Law to homily, from principle to prac¬tice, from the heights of technical discussion to the immediacies of social life. A Rabbinic Anthology is a compendium and interpretation of all of those passages in the Talmudic and Midrashic literature which bear on the nature of God, the Law, virtue, prayer, faith, sin, charity, the Messiah, and the Last Judgment. Rabbi Pollack will discuss hand out material each week as the class reads and delves into the most sensitive and important issues of rabbinic lore. You won’t want to miss this class!
Home Study Group
First Meeting: Wednesday, October 13, at 8:00 pm
Host: Joan Sibner
The Home Study Group, which meets in either Congregants’ homes or at the Temple on the 2nd Wednesday of each month, has been a staple of Har Sinai for over forty years and has proven to be one of the most enduring adult education experiences in Temple life. Please join us for fascinating discussions on current events with a Jewish twist. The topics range from politics to legal decisions that affect our daily lives. There is rarely a dull moment when we discuss everything from privacy issues to the separation of Church and State. We often review the latest news stories as we try to give many contemporary issues perspective and meaning. The first meeting of the year, in October, will be hosted by Joan Sibner in Yardley. To RSVP, call Joan at 215-736-1619.
Extreme Torah Study
Saturdays from 9:15 to 10:15 am
(Beginning September 12)
There is no Torah Study group of this kind anywhere. This year, in honor of Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz completing his monumental translation and commentary to the Talmud, the Group will be studying Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz’s essays discussing Jewish life called “The Strife of the Spirit.” While Rabbi Steinsaltz’s work and thought are enormous in scope, ranging far and wide, this selection of his works focuses in on the needs of today’s spiritual seekers, speak¬ing to us in astonishingly clear and pro¬found terms. The Strife of the Spirit explores such fundamental themes as the nature of the human soul, the path of the penitent, and the relationship between student and text. Readers will en¬counter in this book a master teacher who, while deeply rooted in the most traditional form of Judaism, is extremely effective at shedding light on the meaning of Jewish existence for the newcomer. Steinsaltz is a noted rabbi, scholar, philosopher, social critic and author worldwide whose background also includes extensive scientific training. In 1988, Time magazine praised him as a “once-in-a-millennium scholar.” Rabbi Pollack will discuss and distribute material and e-mails each week as the class reads and delves into the thinking of one of the greatest scholars of all time.
Rosh Chodesh Group Meeting
Monday, September 27th
7:00 to 8:30 pm
Hosted by Stephanie Haas at Har Sinai at Har Sinai Temple
What is a Rosh Chodesh group? Let’s say you’re a woman who‘s got that “spark.” You’ve heard about Rosh Chodesh groups and you wonder what it would be like to be in such a group. Or, you feel you’d like to talk to other Jewish women on a regular basis. Or, perhaps you are looking for an outlet for your spiritual needs. Or, you grew up in a Jewish environment where women’s participation was minimal and you’ve always yearned to find out more and do more. If any of this sounds familiar, please join us when we get together and share thoughts and feelings with other women. The range of ideas for programs is virtually limitless. They can include life cycle celebrations, observance of Jewish holidays, traditional and creative prayer, study of Jewish texts, artistic pursuits, learning new Jewish skills, and discussion about a variety of shared experiences. Start the journey toward learning, spiritual growth and fun with other Har Sinai Temple women. To join the group, please call the Temple office.
