Issues of Jewish identity are a recurring theme through the generations. Who is a Jew? Are Jews a “race”, a “people”, a religious group?” How closely are Jews from different parts of the Diaspora related? Is there evidence that all “Kohanim” descend from a few ancestral priests? Recent advances in population genetics have led many researchers to address these and other questions of Jewish identity at the level of DNA. This presentation was inspired by the book ”Legacy: A Genetic History of the Jewish People”, by Harry Ostrer, a medical geneticist and researcher on the genetics of the Jewish people. We’ll look at some of the research summarized in this book, and some newer studies, to tackle these questions of Jewish identity.
Tikkun Leil Shavu’ot Learning Sessions
May 27, 2020 by templesinai • Continuing Education •
On Thursday, May 28, join Burlington’s Ohavi Zedek Synagogue & Temple Sinai for Tikkun Leil Shavu’ot! Engage in this traditional Shavu’ot study and learning event from our clergy and members.
The evening begins with and opening ritual and Ma’ariv service at 7. Learning sessions begin at 7:30, each comprising 2 consecutive 30-minute presentations. At the conclusion of the final session, about 9:45 pm, there will be a closing ritual and healing prayers lead by all the clergy.
Session 1 - 7:30 - 8:45 pm
How do we prepare both body and mind for an experience of revelation? Adam Bluestein will take participants through a series of yoga poses connected with the Shavuot themes of revelation and receiving. No prior yoga experience necessary.
Session 2 - 8:10 - 8:40
With a multitude of programs and endeavors supporting Jewish pluralism, we are truly coming together. But in some ways, we are more divided, especially between the Orthodox and non-Orthodox streams. How are together and apart?
We will explore three or four modern Hebrew poems by Zach, Ravikovich, Grossman, and Ben Ari that speak to our times through explorations of isolation, distancing, and faith. While we will focus on translations of the poems, we will also consider how the Hebrew brings layers of meaning and allusion to the poems. We will also listen to the poems that have been set to popular Israeli songs.
Session 3 - 8:45 - 9:15
Nat Lew, Bruce Chalmer and Cantor Steve explore the depth and breadth of Jewish music by presenting notable examples, from renaissance composer Salamone Rossi to contemporary Israeli popular composer Yonatan Razel.
We will examine one of the most famous stories in the Talmud, that of Rabbi Eliezer Hagadol and the disagreements over the tanur shel achnai. Although the topic may seem obscure, its resolution is one of the most powerful justifications for rabbinic interpretation of Torah. We will consider the story, its basis in Biblical text, and its echo in contemporary Judaism.
Session 4 - 9:15 - 9:40
What is the role of propaganda — is it ever appropriate or ethical to employ? Is there some fundamental difference between “good” and “bad” propaganda? We will view a six-minute video about Nazi propaganda, and then assess the work of an important Jewish artist, Arthur Szyk, who used his power as an illustrator to fight against the Nazis. Finally, we will briefly consider how propaganda is addressed in the United Nations International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
Cantor Steve will lead a discussion on the way that gender binaries have played out during the Torah service, as well as the many possible adaptations in language to recognize the multiplicity of gender identities.