Mondays @ 1 pm
Return to Torah Hosted By: Judaism Unbound
https://www.jewishlive.org/returntotorah
This weekly class is an opportunity to learn from Richard Elliott Friedman, author of the bestselling, most-assigned book on the Bible, Who Wrote the Bible?
Our new knowledge of Torah in this extraordinary generation, thanks to archaeology and new understandings in almost every area of the Bible, can be a comfort in this moment – and for long into the future. Continue reading
Eliezer Ben-Yehuda, the father of modern Hebrew, was born on January 7, 1858 in what is now Belarus. Like many Jewish boys of his time, he was raised to be a rabbi and scholar of traditional Jewish texts. However, he was exposed to the Enlightenment’s modern languages and thought and eventually moved to Palestine. There he put into practice his goal of reviving Hebrew as a spoken language which, he felt, would replace Yiddish and other immigrant languages and unite the Jewish residents of Palestine. Continue reading
Don’t forget to sign up for A Very Jewish Christmas Eve, ( also called Nittel Nacht) a night of discussion, a Chinese cooking demo, trivia, and comedy. Unfortunately, you’ll have to bring your own Chinese food. Sponsored by My Jewish Learning the evening runs from 7-11 p.m. on December 24. Click here to sign up.
My Jewish Learning has thousands of articles, videos and resources on all aspects of jewish life. No matter your knowledge or your practice, there is something for you on this site. It is non-denominational. Continue reading
Hanukkah is almost over, but there’s lots more Jewish fun and learning left for 2020.
If you need some family fun for the last night of Hanukkah, here’s an online game: https://create.kahoot.it/share/hanukkah-trivia/a14d9c72-9108-4177-b6ce-c6cce607b17f
It’s finally here, Hanukkah- a bright spot on the calendar with the flickering candles, the shiny gelt, and the glistening oil for the latkes.
This year, of course, is different. We won’t be sharing as we usually do, but there are lots of things to see and do if you take advantage of the virtual offerings in food, music, art and literature. You can even party online.
And what better time to revive the oldest entertainment around-storytelling: reading aloud as a family. Continue reading
As the classic children’s book Molly’s Pilgrim explains, the Pilgrims got the idea of a harvest holiday of Thanksgiving from the Bible. They modeled their day of thanks after Sukkot. This heart-warming story of Jewish immigrant Molly takes the classic American child’s experience of Thanksgiving and connects it to the Jewish experience. Also available as an Oscar Winning short film (shot in Montclair) Molly’s Pilgrim by Barbara Cohen. Find the film on YouTube.
Looking for some meaningful words with which to start your Thanksgiving? Read Are there Jewish Prayers for Thanksgiving from Jewish Boston. Continue reading
REMINDER: the library is open for borrowing. There are many new books available as well as great older books for readers of all ages including teens. Use the online catalog to choose your books; then email the library (email hidden; JavaScript is required) with your request. The books can be left either in the office or on my porch (open 24/7, address by request). The catalog is very easy to use. There is a link on Shomrei’s home page. Questions or requests: email the librarian at email hidden; JavaScript is required. Continue reading
It’s finally over- the election that is. The months of having our ears to the radio and our eyes on the screens for what seems 24/7 have come to a close. Unglue yourself from CNN, FOX, NPR or whatever is your media of choice.
It’s time to pick up a book and escape from politics at least temporarily.
Here’s a group of books new to the Library that will take you to far off places or times or open your mind to new ideas. Continue reading
As the days get shorter and the nights get longer, we will be inside more than ever. Tear your eyes away from the screen and pick up a real book. Most libraries are open for limited in-person visits or at the very least, offer pick-up service.
The synagogue library will pull books for you and leave them in the office. The library is also open for browsing. Please wear your mask, sanitize your hands and put books in the designated basket. Continue reading
Looking for some ways to fill your time? Here are a few suggestions.
Ruth Wisse, Martin Peretz professor of Yiddish Literature and Professor of Comparative Literature emerita at Harvard has a series of podcasts and webinars produced by the Tikvah Fund. While you may or may not agree with the organization’s politics, Professor Wisse’s lectures are well worth listening to. Continue reading