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Adult
Rabbi's
Class - Cantor's
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Rabbi's Class
The Biblical book of Samuel II - The Making of The President King Tuesday Mornings – 10:00-11:45 AM
From pre-schools to summer camps to sacred moments, Jews continue to sing David melekh Yisrael chai, chai v’kayom 3,000 years after David’s rule.
What was the “magic” of David’s kingship that we sing and, perhaps “yearn” for it?
*We will look at the Second Book of Samuel as the chronicle of King David.
*We will view the text in a search for apology, and even promotion of this idealized King of Israel.
* Part of our search will be the contrast of the public David vs. the private David.
BRING YOUR QUESTIONS. A READING KNOWLEDGE OF HEBREW IS NOT REQUIRED.
Nov 16, 23, 30 * Dec 7, 21, 2010 * Jan 4, 18, 25 * Feb 1, 15 * Mar 1, 15, 22, 29 * Apr 5 * May 3, 17, 24, 31, 2011 Can We Deconstruct The Shabbat Morning Service?
Thursday Evenings – 7:45-9:00 PM
Who says that the Shabbat morning service needs to be the length, have the order, or spoken/sung/meditated the way we do?
* We will follow the threads of the Shabbat morning service: When and by whom was it composed?
* We will examine it segments to explore the underlying messages and step back to see the path of the sumtotal of the parts.
* How bound are we to a traditional text? May we edit changes?
BRING YOUR QUESTIONS. A READING KNOWLEDGE OF HEBREW IS NOT REQUIRED.
Dec 2, 9, 16, 2010 * Jan 6, 13, 20 * Feb 3, 10, 17 * Mar 3, 10, 17, 31 * Apr 7, 14 * May 5, 12, 19, 2011
Could Adult Bat or Bar Mitzvah Be In Your Future ?Adult Bat or Bar Mitzvah. Some may ask what does that mean ? We tell each Bar and Bat Mitzvah that they have become an adult in the eyes of the Jewish community; but what about those who study for B Mitzvah as adults ?
Our congregation has had, in years past, classes for adults to come to the Bimah as a Bat or Bar Mitzvah. I, also, have taught adult B Mitzvah classes to students whose ages have ranged from in their 20's to those in their 70's. After some years of hiatus, we plan to offer the opportunity to members once again.
Who can join the program ? Any Jew 13 years old or older can become Bar or Bat Mitzvah. (Some would claim that every Jew 13 years old or older has become a B Mitzvah.) But not everyone has had the opportunity to study and master a text to allow them to do what most 13 year olds do at PBJC. (Adult) students would learn a selection from the Torah or from the Biblical prophets (Haftarah) to chant at the B Mitzvah service. Students would also learn certain basic prayers, Jewish history, customs and ceremonies. Students need to be PBJC members.
Why didn't someone have a B Mitzvah at 13 years old ?
Perhaps one's family wasn't connected to a synagogue. Perhaps one grew up in an Orthodox synagogue that didn't offer Bat Mitzvah. Perhaps it was a case of economics: one's family could not afford it. In addition we are blessed in the contemporary Jewish community with Jews by Choice who have linked their destiny to that of the Jewish people. They joined the Jewish people as adults, but still want to enhance their Jewish lives with what many born Jews experience as teenagers.
Can I study if I have already been B Mitzvah ? Of course; perhaps your first B Mitzvah was more parent driven. This time you bring a maturity to the learning process.
Can I join the program if I do not want to go to the Bimah on the "big day" ? Again, of course; perhaps you are shy. Perhaps you want to learn these skills for a child's upcoming B Mitzvah, and you want to focus on your child's B Mitzvah, not your own.
Will the B Mitzvah make a difference in my life ? I would hope so. Each student should take away knowledge and an accompanying sense of confidence that comes with a significant leap in learning. Skills learned serve to demystify every service and many Jewish customs and ceremonies. It should bring a sense of accomplishment; and, who knows, you may get gifts from friends and family.
Where do I find out more about the program ? There will be an informational meeting Wednesday evening, May 18th at 7:45 PM at the synagogue. If you are unable to attend, please call Rabbi Finkel to still be part of the program. If you are planning to attend the meeting, please RSVP to the synagogue office: (973) 244-9800.
Looking forward to seeing you to discuss celebrating your B Mitzvah,
Rabbi Finkel
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