The Institute for Jewish Studies
Welcome to the fifth year of Temple Beth El’s Institute for Jewish Studies, designed to create a center for Jewish learning in Northern Westchester that is relevant and meaningful. Under the guidance of Rabbi Joshua Davidson and Director of Education Richard Abrams, our intent is to provide temple members and members of the community with the opportunity to participate in programs and courses on a variety of Jewish topics that are infused with excitement and diversity.
Message from Rabbi Davidson
Dear Friends,
Shanah Tovah! A good and sweet 5768. On these pages you will find exciting information about Temple Beth El’s wonderful Lifelong Learning program for the coming year. We hope you will read them carefully, and then join us throughout the year as we study our sacred texts, immerse ourselves in the richness and beauty of our tradition, and consider those contemporary events that shape our lives as Jews. Jewish learning is a lifetime’s pursuit. Come enjoy it with us.
Rabbi Joshua M. Davidson
Message from Rick Abrams , Director of Education
In Judaism, the value of learning is among the most important. Why? Why do we Jews value “Talmud Torah” so greatly?
The simple answer is that…we study. Through study we honor those who came before us. Through study we learn how to live our lives to their fullest. And through study, we help to insure a strong Jewish future as we pass the value of study on to our children.
The rabbis of the Mishnah taught us this value, and we see proof of this teaching in our Shabbat shacharit/morning service. After laying out a number of mitzvot, such as honoring parents or welcoming the stranger, which are regarded as duties that give us a taste “of the world to come,” the Mishnah concludes that the study of Torah is “equal to them all.”
Make this year the year you come and learn. Our theme this year, “Back to the Sources,” will incorporate many of the sources and wellsprings Judaism has provided for over two thousand years. So whether your interest lies in Hebrew, traditional texts, history or interfaith dialogue, there is something here for you in our 2007-08 Institute for Jewish Studies catalog.
Richard Abrams, M.A.J.E., RJE
Director of Education
