What Does Judaism Say?

Ever wonder what Judaism says about moral issues? Ever want to listen to others talk about their experiences of Judaism and how it impacts their lives? Ever want to explore the ways Judaism understands some of life's biggest questions? Here's your chance!

An Adult Education course will be offered on Sunday mornings, on the days when Religious School is in session led by Marcia Berkow and Rabbi Rob which will provide an exciting opportunity for all of these issues. The course will cover three basic themes of Judaism. These themes are expressed within our weekly prayer services. We will try to understand what they mean to us in our everyday lives. How do they help us to understand our role as practicing Jews, involved in a partnership with God?

The first of these themes is creation. During both Shabbat and Rosh Hashanah services, we thank God for creation. The concept of creation is expressed throughout our prayer services. Yet, do we ask what this means to us in our daily lives? We will explore various questions looking at the theme of creation. Some of the questions we will delve into are: What are the implications of the creation story for us today? How do we reconcile evolution with the bible? When does life begin from a Jewish point of view? What is the relationship between science and religion from a Jewish perspective?

The second of these themes is revelation. We are taught that God revealed himself to Abraham and Moses, and through them to the Jewish people. God explained His plans to them. Did people actually hear God's voice? Does God speak to us, today? What does God want of us? If God no longer reveals Himself now as He did to our prophets and ancient patriarchs and matriarchs, does that mean revelation has no meaning in our lives today? Is art a form of revelation? How do we respond when someone say's God speaks to them? Can one believe in revelation and not be a fundamentalist? Can one hear God's voice and not be considered delusional?

The third theme is redemption. Every year on Passover, we remember that God redeemed us with a "mighty hand." This theme of redemption is also expressed weekly in the Shabbat Kiddush and daily when we sing "Mi Chamocha," during the Morning and Evening Service. According to Jewish Tradition we were redeemed and chosen to be God's people. Yet in each generation, as Jews have faced oppression, and in the face of life's unfairness, we have had to ask for help again and again to be saved. What does redemption mean? Is it only a physical redemption from those who have wished the Jews harm or is there spiritual redemption, as well? Is redemption a matter of external circumstances or a matter of internal awareness? As part of this theme we will plan an adult trip to the Holocaust Museum in Washington D.C. in the spring.

We call ourselves "practicing Jews." A thesaurus states alternative words for practicing - they are: working, active, involved, committed and enthusiastic. Someone once said that Judaism is not a religion for the lazy; it is a religion that requires us to work and constantly seek answers. With discussion and presentation we will explore together what Judaism has to say. While the next generation is learning the basics of Judaism in Religious School, we can participate in parallel learning to understand who we are, how we arrived here and hopefully gain a better understanding of our own role in the world and the inner meaning of being a Jew.

We will begin on Sunday, October 15 at 11:00am in Room 205. The cost will be $180.00. Please contact either Rabbi Rob or Marcia Berkow if you have any questions. We look forward to seeing you on Sunday mornings as we share our ideas and learn together about being Jews.