Shabbat Gathering: Judaism’s Ten Best Ideas.

Gud Shabbos Khaveyrim, as is our custom, we will gather tonight at 5.45p ct to welcome Shabbat. These are the coordinates:

Zoom
Meeting ID: 883 8469 4181
Password: 822665
Phone: +1 312 626 6799

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Here we go.

The group I study with has made short work of our current selection, Judaism’s Ten Best Ideas: A Brief Guide for Seekers by Arthur Green. As one might suppose from the title, the book has just ten chapters and they’re short. We’ve been covering two chapters a week and the book is only 100 pages long. I’ve enjoyed reading this book and want to pass along to you why I like it.

First, Arthur Green is a renowned theologian. He was president of the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College in Philadelphia, long associated with Brandeis, and was one of the founders of the chavurah movement. He has intellectual breadth and depth. And he’s a good writer.

Second, the content is relevant to any reader interested in Judaism. These are the ten best ideas from the book:

1. Simhah: Joy: Happiness as a Religious Precept.
2. Tzelem Elohim: Creation in God’s Image: What Are We Doing Here?
3. Halakhah: Walking the Path: A Community of Doers.
4. Tikkun Olam: Repairing the World: Being God’s Partner.
5. Shabbat: Getting Off the Treadmill: The Secret of Shabbat.
6. Teshuvah: Returning: Faith in Human Change.
7. Torah: The People and the Book: Text and Interpretation.
8. Talmud Torah: Teach Them to Your Children: The Role of Education.
9. L’Hayyim: To Life: Accepting Death, Affirming Life.
10. Ehad: Hear O Israel: There is Only One.

Third, the book has helped re-center me on my Jewish practice and re-consider the basics. This is an engaging back-to-basics book and I highly recommend it to you no matter where you are on your Jewish path.

And may it be for all of us a blessing.

See you tonight!
Mit vareme grusn,
(With warm regards,)

All my love,
brian.

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