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Late September/October 2012                             Tishrei 5773
Sukkot, Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah
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In This Issue:
Beth Elearning's mission: to provide you with an eclectic assortment of
 web-based Jewish learning content and original articles that are relevant, stimulating and suitable for people at all stages of learning.
About this Issue

 

We are fast approaching the completion of another cycle of major Jewish holidays. In the meantime, take a deep breath (ahhhhh...) and maybe even a few moments to learn about Sukkot, Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah.

Many thanks to Beth El congregant Rabbi Steve Chatinover, author of our lead article this month. If you've been looking to get rid of some of the clutter in your life, you'll find his advice edifying.  

 

Beth Elearning is also pleased to feature an interview with our very own Rabbi Ilana Garber which was published nationally on the popular Jewish parenting website, Kveller.com.  

 

We hope you'll enjoy this potpourri of educational and interesting materials.
   
-Lifelong Learning Committee
onlineclassOnline Weekly Torah Portion Class
Register now! 

Wouldn't it be great to learn about the weekly Torah portion right from the comfort of your home?

 

Each Wednesday at 1:30 p.m., starting October 3,  Rabbi Sowalsky

will present a 15-20 minute synopsis of the weekly Torah portion. After that there will be time for questions and discussion.


Class members will sign in remotely, and may participate either over the Internet, or by telephone.
(There will be no actual class in the Beth El Temple building) This class is free. 

 

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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, Amy Goldman, Roz Hahn, Lois Koteen, and Steven Stier

 

The Beth Elearning 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)

 

Congregant
 
What Do We Really Need?
By RABBI STEVE CHATINOVER
 

We love having stuff, and, at times, we can't imagine not having all of our stuff. This approach to life is epitomized in a bumper sticker I once saw: "He who dies with the most toys, wins". Really?! Is life nothing more than a game of 'keeping up with the Schwartzes' (my apologies to anyone named Schwartz)?  

click to continue...

parenting
Jewish Parenting  [top] 
 
Rabbi Garber speaks candidly and thoughtfully about about her son Yaron's recent diagnosis with Fragile X Syndrome and her motivation to improve genetic screenings for mothers-to-be. 
(from Kveller.com) 
YoungYoung Learners' Corner  [top] 
 
What makes a Sukkah "kosher"?  See a 32ft tall Sukkah, a Sukkah on a boat and more and learn in this amusing video clip! Appropriate for all ages.
(from RebbetzinTap on youtube.com)
SukkotSukkot   [top] 
 
An interesting and easy-to-read look into the symbolism, ritual and care of the lulav and the etrog.
(from mazornet.com)

Head over to the closest do-it-yourself store after reading this guide for building your own Sukkah! Includes where to build it, what materials are needed, required dimensions and more.  
(from chabad.org)


An insightful Torah commentary by Rabbi Irwin Wiener of Sun Lakes Jewish Congregation in Phoenix, Arizona. 
(from jewishaz.com)


A witty and thoughtful commentary about Sukkot by Abigail Treu, rabbinic fellow and director of Planned Giving, Jewish Theological Seminary. 
(from jtsa.edu)

 
According to the Zohar (Jewish book of mysticism) the Sukkah's spiritual energy invites the souls of Judaism's seven great leaders to partake in the divine light on Earth.  Read more in this very interesting article.
(from aish.com)

SimchatShemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah       [top]

A terrific article with all the basics of Shemini Atzeret, Simchat Torah and more.

advanced
Advanced Learning    
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Two versions of the Talmud-the Bavli and Yerushalmi-have much in common but also reflect differences in language, length, and cultural context. Read more in this authoritative article bRabbi Jill Jacobs.