B'nai Israel Congregation

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From ancient astronomers to today’s space scientists and astronauts, Jewish people have been interested in “looking up.” Outer space has also inspired Jewish artists, writers, comedians, and thinkers, both religious and secular, to boldly imagine realms beyond our Earth. Exhibit includes items as rare as 18th and 19th century rabbinic tomes on astronomy in Hebrew, German and Yiddish, and items as idiosyncratic as science fiction memorabilia. The exhibit features mementos from other Jewish space travelers and a detailed timeline of Jewish accomplishments in astronomy and spaceflight.

Memory is a central element in defining modern Jewish identity. As we look to Israel's future, we need to engage anew with our past and explore its meanings and consequences. Through the consideration of major historic moments, this Hartman iEngage series grapples with the different ideas and values that shape the meaning of Modern Israel, Zionism, and Jewish identity today. This innovative course explores the pivotal events of 1947 and 1967 - following the 1917 Balfour Declaration - as key moments when Zionism unleashed new thinking about the meaning of Jewishness for generations to come. The course engages Jews in an open and pluralistic discussion about issues of Jewish identity, peoplehood, ethics and theology as they relate to nationhood, land, sovereignty, Jerusalem, occupation, and moral red lines.

The Book of Esther, at best, gets looked at by observing Jews for a few days before Purim, on the holiday itself, and then rarely if at all. The story itself is rich and complex and is related to other Biblical books in ways not usually discussed while celebrating Purim. During this deeper dive, we will look into some of the literary aspects of Esther, some of the politics simmering between the lines, and deal with the Jewish diety’s absence from the book. Please have a Tanakh (Hebrew Bible, English translation is fine) for this course. Instructor: Steve Kerbel Eight Wednesday Mornings 9:30 - 11:00 AM January 6 - February 24, 2021 $90 Haberman Institute Friends, B’nai Israel Members $105 General Public Location: This class will take place in an online classroom. Students will receive the Zoom link prior to the first session.

Tonight, the 7th of Adar, is traditionally known as the yahrzeit of Moses. In memory of the foundational leader of our people, we will explore the rites and rituals associated with Jewish burial and mourning practices. We will also explain how these rituals have been modified during the pandemic. This program is presented by the Workshops Task Force of the Adult Education Committee, in partnership with the Bereavement Committee.

Engage with the weekly parsha during these interactive discussions led by community members and by clergy. Contact Wendy Fanaroff with questions (wfanaroff@gmail.com).