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I. Ongoing Classes
Shabbat Torah Study ~ 9 a.m. every Saturday
Contact: rabbi@vassartemple.org
Talmud: Modern Ideas from an Ancient Text ~
Mondays, 12:00 p.m. – 1:30 a.m. – for upcoming dates
Contact office@vassartemple.org
II. Special Events
The Roots of Reform as Prophetic Judaism
with Rabbi Altman
Wednesdays @ 7:30 p.m.
January 24, 31 and February 7
Describing the ancient Israelite prophets, Abraham Joshua Heschel wrote: “Prophecy is the
voice that God has lent to the silent agony, a voice to the plundered poor, to the profaned
riches of the world. It is a form of living, a crossing point of God and man. God is raging in the
prophet’s words.” The prophets raged against injustice, demanded ethical and righteous
behavior. With its emphasis on social justice and a universal call to strive for the betterment of
humanity, it is no wonder that when Reform Judaism began in America it was grounded in the
teachings of the prophets and even referred to as “Prophetic Judaism.” This three-part series
will touch upon the teachings of some of the early prophets and the major literary prophets.
Jan 24 – The Early Prophets: We know Elijah from the Passover seder; in this session, we will
explore some of the stories about Elijah in the Bible as well as other early prophets such as
Nathan and Elisha.
Jan 31 – Isaiah: Though there is one book called Isaiah, it is clearly a work reflecting multiple
authors and spanning the time from the fall of the Northern Kingdom of Israel to the Assyrians
through the destruction of the Temple and conquest by the Babylonians.
Feb 7 – Jeremiah and Ezekiel: Jeremiah prophesied through the Babylonian conquest,
foretelling the destruction, yet promising ultimate redemption. Ezekiel is the prophet of the
exile, mourning the destruction of the Temple and loss of Jerusalem with the exiles in
Babylonia, yet inspiring the people’s hope that God has not abandoned them and that they will
return and rebuild.
III. Mini-Courses
Stay tuned …
Contact: adulted@vassartemple.org or rabbi@vassartemple.org
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