Upcoming Classes
Learning with Rabbi Sid
The Triumph of Life: The Narrative Theology of Rabbi Yitz Greenberg
A Four-Week course with Rabbi Sid culminating with a Q and A with Rabbi Yitz from Jerusalem on March 15th
Sundays, Feb 22, March 1, March 8 10:30 – 12, and March 22 from 10-12
Rabbi Irving (Yitz) Greenberg is one of the most important Jewish thinkers of the past century. He is credited with launching the field of Holocaust studies in the early 1960’s. In 1974 he founded and served as President of Clal for over 20 years, one of the Jewish community’s most prominent think-tanks. An Orthodox rabbi who has always been deeply committed to Jewish pluralism and women’s equality, Yitz’s books, articles and public lectures have had a profound influence on the shape of American and world Jewry. Now, in his early 90’s, he has published his magnum opus, The Triumph of Life: A Narrative Theology of Judaism.
Rabbi Yitz is also one of Rabbi Sid’s most important mentors. The course will explore the book’s three sections: A Vision of Life in a Redeemed World; Covenant as a Method of World Repair; and The Covenant in the Third Era. Participants will be asked to pre-order the book and so that they can read each section in advance. Rabbi Sid will also help to “translate” Yitz’ theology in a Reconstructionist key. The fourth and last session will be a video Q and A with Rabbi Yitz from Jerusalem.
Martin Buber’s Heart and Mind
A Three-week class with Larry Goldsmith and Rabbi Sandy Rubenstein
Sundays, April 19, 26, and May 3rd
10:30 AM – 12 PM
Martin Buber was one of the most influential Jewish thinkers of the 20th century whose life story and thinking might illuminate our own. What moved him the most and was the basis of his thinking about life were moments of deep connection, moments of deep connection with nature, others, and “callings”. He called such moments, I-Thou encounters. According to Buber, this is how one connects with God or with what he called the Eternal Thou. In this three session class, we will sample some of Buber’s writings that we think best illustrate his intellectual journey. In addition to discussing and digesting his ideas, we will also have a chance to reflect on his meaningful spiritual guidance and insight for our lives today.
LARRY GOLDSMITH
Four decades ago, Larry just had to read Martin Buber. After several years, he taught courses on Buber at the Jewish Study Center. Buber’s thinking has directed his life ever since. During those intensive, youthful times, Larry planned to teach again, decades later, with the benefit of life experience. The kind of seeking that led Larry to Buber, also led him to spiritual direction. He’s co-led two spiritual direction groups at Adat Shalom since 2014, first with Zsuzsi Isaacson and now with Rabbi Sandy. Larry needs and enjoys the intellectual heft Buber gives to the more contemplative Spiritual Direction.
RABBI SANDY RUBENSTEIN
An experienced spiritual care provider, spiritual director, workshop leader, board certified chaplain, and clinical social worker, Sandy works with seekers of all faiths and no faith Through deep listening, compassion and respect, Sandy offers the opportunity for discernment, discovery of inner wisdom, and connection to mystery and the sacred. At Adat Shalom, Sandy most recently co-led the workshop, Teshuva in Action, with
Marla Zipin, co-leads 2 spiritual direction groups with Larry, and co- led healing circles through Makom. Sandy is currently planning a contemplative 6 session class focusing on Buber’s book, The Way of Humanity, in which Buber offers Hasidic stories and his own thinking about these stories that provide fruitful jumping off points for exploring our own spiritual journeys.