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April 2012 Nisan 5772
Passover Resources |
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  A Message from Rabbi Rosen:
Welcome to an exciting new venture for Beth El! Our congregation has always been marked by a deep attachment to Jewish learning for all ages. We are blessed with members who care deeply about Jewish knowledge, who attend classes, who ask questions, pursue meaning, and read widely.
This newsletter is an extension of Jewish learning and we hope that you will be both challenged and enriched by it.
Passover is a natural launching point for this venture. Nothing is as essential to the Jewish value system as Exodus and freedom, and all that they entail. The Seder experience is an act of radical empathy and as such we are invited to not only tell the story of freedom, (Click here to continue...) |
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| Why an E-Newsletter? [top] |
Beth Elearning is designed to provide you...
with Jewish learning content that is relevant, stimulating and suitable for people at all stages of learning, from toddlers to advanced learners.
Each issue will feature...
An eclectic assortment of both web-links and original articles
authored by clergy, congregants or members of the community.
If someone needs internet access...
Contact Rabbi Howard Rosenbaum at 860-233-9696 or hrosenbaum@bethelwh.org for free internet access to the newsletter at Beth El or for paper copies.
Your feedback is very important! |
| Young Learners' Corner [top] |
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Conservative Movement Passover Guide [top]
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Conservative Movement Passover Guide
Preparing the kitchen for Passover is a major undertaking. Likewise, the dietary laws of Passover are quite stringent. Here's the definitive guide from the Rabbinical Assembly of the Conservative Movement.
(from rabbinicalassembly.org) |
| The Seder [top] |
Who's Going to Lead the Seder?
How many of us were NOT intimidated when asked to lead a Seder the first time around? Please read Dahlia Lithwick's perceptive essay for important insight into this issue.
(from slate.com) |
Audio Clips from the Hagaddah
For those of us who feel ritually and/or musically challenged: This piece provides audio clips of the major prayers and songs of the Seder, accompanied by the Hebrew (and transliterated) text.
(from sidduraudio.com) |
Don't miss this one: a light-hearted tour of the Seder symbols, set to the tune of Irving Berlin's famous song "Cheek to Cheek." You'll love it!
(from YouTube) |
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 Who Is Elijah?
Everybody knows the song "Eliyahu Hanavi" ("Elijah the Prophet") but how many of us know exactly who he was and what he did? Check out this article by Elimelech David Ha-Levi to learn more.
(from angelfire.com) |
| Interfaith [top] |
Spring Holiday Resources
Holidays may present both challenges and opportunities for interfaith families. We are pleased to present this resource page as a potential bridge.
(from interfaithfamily.com)
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Passover: Social Justice and the Environment [top] |
Pesach: A Season for Justice
A brief piece from the Reform movement which reinforces the Jewish commitment to social justice, and its linkage to Passover.
(from rac.org) |
| Advanced Learning [top] |
Pesach: A Fifth Cup of Wine
For most, it is axiomatic that four cups of wine are requisite for the Seder. However this is actually a matter of some dispute. If you'd like to learn more, read this explication from "Sichos in English".
(from sichosinenglish.org)
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Economic Competition in Jewish Law
By Rabbi Chaim Jachter - Economic competition is a complex area of Halachah and in many instances, Rabbis have expressed divergent opinions. In this article, Rabbi Jachter synopsizes many of the issues and viewpoints. He starts with Talmud, and ends with contemporary applications. (This is included for general interest. It does not discuss Pesach).
(from jlaw.com) |
| Your Feedback is Vital! [top] |
There are Three Ways to Comment:
1. Online Survey
2. beth.elearning@gmail.com
3. Phone 860-233-6668
Please, tell us what you like, and what you don't like. How can we do a better job in helping to fulfill your learning needs? |
| A Message From Rabbi Rosen (continued)... [top] |
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but to feel it in our bones, our taste buds, and our very being. In this way justice is woven into the fabric of Jewish consciousness. And as we read in the Passover Haggadah the more we tell of the Exodus and its meaning, the greater the benefits.
The re-telling of the story calls for pointed questions to help us explore the possibilities of hope, justice, holiness, and God. But these crucial priorities are not only embodied in Passover. The road from Egypt leads to Sinai and as such all of Judaism embodies the same dynamic of text and commentary, of questions and yet more questions. We read our lives into sacred texts, and invite Jewish values into our search for meaning. That is what makes Judaism the dynamic enterprise that it is.
All of life is in this way a Haggadah, a telling. It is the sharing of our personal stories with others accompanied by an open invitation to the Jewish story.
And so, it is time to begin. Please read and respond, listen to the melodies, view the videos and seek that which speaks to you.
Because our sages say Shivim Panin Latorah "the Torah has seventy faces" you will find articles expressing many different perspectives and viewpoints about Passover, Jewish practice, and Jewish law. You will find plenty to inspire and challenge you, enlighten you. And whether you agree or disagree with what you encounter, let it whet your hunger for more nourishment.
Our deepest thanks go to our Lifelong Learning Committee: Dr. Steven Stier & Roz Hahn co-chairs, Lois Koteen and Rabbi Howard Rosenbaum.
Wishing you a Happy, Healthy Passover filled with learning and yearning. [top] |
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We are most appreciative for the guidance provided by Rabbi Rosen,
Rabbi Garber, Rabbi Rosenbaum, Rabbi Sowalsky and Cantor Ness.
Lifelong Learning Committee:
Rabbi Howard Rosenbaum, Roz Hahn, Lois Koteen, and Steven Stier
The Beth Elearning E-Newsletter is available to members and non-members.
To add e-mail addresses or to opt out, send an e-mail request to beth.elearning@gmail.com
Newsletter Editor: Steven Stier
Newsletter layout: Amy Goldman
(Logo design assisted by Leah Goldman)
Beth El Temple, 2626 Albany Avenue,West Hartford, CT 06117
Beth Elearning Phone 860-233-2668, Main Office 860-233-9696 |
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