CBI COMMUNITY SCHOLARS
Opening the Gates - Ways into Judaism

We live in a time of unprecedented access to the intellectual and spiritual treasures of Jewish tradition.  And yet, for most of us, the first step is the most daunting.  Our 5770 Community Scholars Series, “Pitchu Li: Opening the Gates, Ways into Judaism,” invites us to experience the depth and wisdom of Jewish study and practice, filtered through contemporary lenses focusing on individual experience. 

This year, we are blessed to welcome Rabbis Nancy Flam, Ed Feld and Sheila Peltz Weinberg and Professor Lawrence Fine as our presenters.  In addition to being master teachers with national and international reputations, our scholars make their home in the Pioneer Valley.  While their work takes them many places, they speak uniquely to us.

Our presentations for this year will probe the life of prayer, the practice of meditation, the illuminating perspective of the Kabbalah, and the spiritual depth of ancient wisdom.  In addition, we will have opportunities to study in preparation for each of our scholars. Join us for one, or join us for all to experience the excitement of learning and the warmth of community. All are welcome.

With best wishes for a year of health and joy, I look forward to participating with you in our learning community of 5770.

B’shalom,

Rabbi Justin David

Please join Rabbi Justin David as he leads four study sessions to provide context for each of our Community Scholars.  These "seder (preparation)" sessions will take place after morning services on Shabbat on these dates:  October 17, November 21, March 6, May 8.

RABBI NANCY FLAM

“God Wants the Heart”

Cultivating the Art of Personal and Public Prayer.

How do we learn how to pray?  In what ways might we cultivate our own, authentic prayer practice?  What is the relationship between our private and communal prayer experience?  These are the underlying questions that will animate the teachings, texts and discussion this Shabbat.

Rabbi Nancy Flam is a pioneer in contemporary Jewish communal life.  She co-founded the National Center for Jewish Healing and the Institute for Jewish Spirituality, for which she is now Co-Director of Programs. Nancy is the editor for the Jewish Lights inspirational series Lifelights, and she publishes and teaches widely on Judaism, healing, prayer, spirituality and social justice.

Friday, October 23, 2009 at 8:00 pm
Following Shira Chadasha Kabbalat Shabbat Evening Service at 7:00 pm
Shabbat, October 24 at 12:30 pm after Kiddush

 

PROFESSOR LAWRENCE FINE

Kabbalah for the Spiritual Seeker

Without its exotic or fashionable associations, Kabbalah encompasses a range of texts and ideas that challenge us all to reassess our view of daily life and our spiritual foundations.  Perplexing and illuminating, Kabbalah invites us all to view our experience more expansively.  Join us for this opportunity to study Kabbalah with the guidance of Professor Lawrence Fine, a scholar and master teacher who will help us turn a thoughtful lens on the text and on ourselves.

Lawrence Fine, Ph.d., is Irene Kaplan Leiwant Professor of Jewish Studies, and professor of Religion at Mount Holyoke College, where he is chair of the Jewish Studies Program. He is author of a number of books on Jewish mysticism, with special interests in mystical practice and contemplative experience, ritual life and intentional community. Larry is active in The Center for Contemplative Mind in Society, and teaches widely in the Jewish community. 

 Friday, December 4, 2009 at 8:00 pm
Following Kabbalat Shabbat Service at 7:00 pm
Shabbat, December 5 at 12:30 pm after Kiddush

RABBI EDWARD FELD

Wisdom in Times of Change: From the Bible to the Rabbis

Our Sages 2000 years ago witnessed and grappled with the destruction of their world.  In an age without divine revelation, what do we do in order to find wisdom?  Do we see ourselves in the struggles of the Rabbis?  Please join us as Rabbi Feld shows us how we can look to ancient texts as a mirror for our spiritual questions and struggles.

Rabbi Edward Feld is a noted teacher and author and is currently the editor of the new Rabbinical Assembly (Conservative) High Holy Day Mahzor to be published in 2010.  For the past seven years he has served as Rabbi-in-Residence at the Jewish Theological Seminary of America where he has been an advisor and mentor to rabbinical students and has just stepped down as Educational Director of Rabbis for Human Rights—North America having developed a curriculum for teaching human rights and a new interactive web site.

 Friday, March 12, 2010 at 8:00 pm
Following Kabbalat Shabbat Services at 7:00 pm
Shabbat, March 13 at 12:30 pm after Kiddush

RABBI SHEILA WEINBERG

 Awakening the Heart: Mindfulness as a Jewish Practice

Over the last decade, the spiritual practice of mindfulness has found expression in a range of fields including health, psychology and education.  In the Jewish world, mindfulness practice has led many people to approach Jewish spirituality and practice with renewed vigor and perspective.  On this Shabbat, Rabbi Weinberg will have us consider how mindfulness can add a new dimension of depth and inspiration to Jewish life and community.

Rabbi Sheila Peltz Weinberg has gained a national reputation for teaching mindfulness in Jewish settings.  She is the Rabbi Emerita of the Jewish Community of Amherst, which she served for 13 years, and is now the Outreach Director for the Institute for Jewish Spirituality. She publishes and teaches widely on the intersection of spirituality and social justice.

Friday, May 14, 2010 at 8:00 pm
Following Kabbalat Shabbat Services at 7:00 pm
Shabbat, May 15 at 12:30 pm after Kiddush

ADULT EDUCATION
COMMITTEE

 John Clayton, Chair

Jane Brodwyn

Jeff Caplan

Maxine Stein

Rabbi Justin David

Janis Levy