 In This Issue: |
A Message from
Rabbi Rosen
Dear Friends:
As we are about to enter a New Year, we inevitably think about beginnings. In the world of Jewish Learning, there is always an opening to deepen our knowledge of our tradition, values and practices that can be so enriching to our lives.
You will find in this edition a variety of articles that provide many gateways into Jewish ideas and ideals. Some review of the basics of the Days of Awe...The meaning of Israel to one of our families... a very literal journey that has touched them in their Jewish pathways.
You will also find an old/new pathway towards ethical growth known as Mussar. The rejuvenation of an old and cherished tradition of introspection and challenge is itself a gift of todays sensitive Jewish seekers.
We've included material on what makes food kosher, Mitzvot more than good deeds and the role of the recitation of blessings in Jewish life. We do so to provide some new viewpoints but to also call attention to the possibility of seeing these ideas broadly in society. The idea of something being kosher or appropriate applies to so many aspects of life. The idea of appreciation and noticing our world emerges in the practice of blessing recitiation. And the concept of Mitzvah as obligation raises a question many face, to whom do we see ourselves responsible in life? What do we allow to guide us in our decision making?
And just in case you need further challenge, some significant exploration into the world of Talmud, the most central Jewish text after the Bible. Of course with an invitation to attend our Wednesday Talmud class...
Enjoy and have a sweet and healthy New Year... [top]
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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.
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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 Co-Editors:
Steven Stier
Amy Goldman
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This trio of articles will share all the basics (and a bit more!) about Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur and Sukkot.
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The Trip of a Lifetime That Almost Didn't Happen
BY LISA ROLAND
(at left, Roland family in Israel)
Israel has always been a big part of my life. My parents took my sisters and me to Israel during the 1973 war for the first time because they believed that going to Israel during the war was the best way to show our support. Phil and I took our children to Israel for the first time during the summer of 2011 with Rabbi Rosen. We hoped to inspire our children as much as my trips to Israel had inspired me, in the past.
*Editors' Note: Two Beth El Israel trips are being planned.
Family trip: February 12-23, 2014
Adult trip: April 27- May 9, 2014
Contact Rabbi Howard Sowalsky for more information.
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 What is Mussar?
by LEN FELSON
The first time I learned about the Jewish spiritual practice called Mussar was at a weeknight talk at Beth El Temple some ten years ago. I was only vaguely familiar with the discipline, when someone named Alan Morinis came to speak after writing a book about his own journey called Climbing Jacob's Ladder. (Thanks to Rabbi Rosen who had invited Morinis to speak.)
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Originally developed in 19th-century Lithuania, Mussar is now being embraced by many congregations across the country. Learn more in this informative piece by Leonard Felson.
(from reformjudaismmagazine.org)
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This fascinating article by Leonard Felson shows how the study of Mussar is providing hope, awareness and inspiration to incarcerated women.
(from tabletmag.org)
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This piece, by Michael H. Zaransky, illuminates how he personally chose to deepen his connection with Judaism through the observation of Kashruth.
(from jewishmag.com)
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The literal definition of the word "mitzvah" is not "good deed" but "commandment". How comfortable are we with this? This article provides an interesting perspective about mitzvot to contemplate.
(from myjewishlearning.com)
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Rabbi Marci Bellows shares an interesting read of a portion of Talmud that encourages us to be more grateful. A good source of inspiration for us all...give it a read!
(from thejewishweek.com)
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This article is part of literary critic Adam Kirsch's blog about his personal study of Talmud. Kirsch is a self described secular jew who is engaged in The Daf Yomi program of Talmud study. Daf yomi means "page" (daf) "a day" (yomi).
(from tabletmag.org)
If you're interested in Talmud, but not ready to commit to Daf Yomi, consider attending the weekly Talmud Study with Eliot Barron every Wednesday morning from 10-11:30. Sign up is not required and you may join the class at any time.
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