Adult Education

I. Ongoing Classes

Shabbat Torah Study ~ A wide-ranging discussion of the weekly Torah portion (parashah) every Saturday at 9 a.m.
Contact: Rabbi Renni Altman, rabbi@vassartemple.org


The World of the Talmud
~
 Ongoing study of selections from the Talmud
Contact:  Rabbi Paul Golomb, rabbigolomb@vassartemple.org

Consult the temple calendar or call the temple office to determine the schedule for upcoming classes

 

2. Vassar Temple Lifelong Learning

The Roots of Reform as Prophetic Judaism

With Rabbi Altman
Wednesdays @ 7:30 p.m.
Jan 24, 31, and Feb 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 and 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 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.

3.  Area programming

Stay tuned.

 


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