Upcoming in May 2024:
(click each item for details)
Saturdays at 2:00 pm - HaMatmid - Susan Schorr (ZOOM ONLY)
HaMatmid meets at 2 pm every Saturday.
Although it began as a way to study the books of the Tanach beyond the Torah, over the past decade we have studied many other topics. These have included how a Torah scroll is created, pre-High Holy Day workshops, deep dives into the Sh’ma and the prayers around the Sh’ma, and everything you need to know about counting the Omer.
(Online, at the same link as services, unless otherwise announced.)
Thurs May 2 and Thurs May 23 at 7:30pm - The Evolving & Expanding God in Our Day (ZOOM ONLY)
How did Jews in the 20th century understand God? Or, to put it another way, how have our understandings of God continued to evolve and expand? Join WES member Susan Schorr for an exploration of multiplied and multi-layered modern Jewish ideas about God. We will hear from philosophers and theologians, rabbis and teachers.
Please check your newsletter or contact admin [at] westendsynagogue.org (Joan) for Zoom link access.
This month - Two Thursdays at 7:30pm - you are welcome to attend all, or any individual sessions.
Thurs May 9 at 7:00pm - HAND IN HAND (ZOOM ONLY)
Over 99% of Jewish and Arab children in Israel study in separate schools and research shows that prejudice and socialization toward conflict begins as early as 2 years of age. It is Hand in Hand's contention that Israel's divided educational system perpetuates the existing prejudice and alienation between these two groups.
Hand in Hand pioneers a transformational alternative through integrated, bilingual schools for Jewish and Arab students. A network of six schools reaches over 2,000 students from diverse communities across the country. Each of these schools is bolstered by a vibrant, multicultural adult community and by partnerships with local municipalities that expand its impact beyond the school walls. Communities currently participating in this program are located in Jerusalem, Haifa, the Galilee, Wadi Ara, Tel Aviv-Jaffa and Kfar Saba.
Tues May 14 and Tues May 28 at 7:30pm - Torah on Tuesdays with Susan Schorr (ZOOM ONLY)
All are welcome to join our ongoing study of the Torah. We read the text in English and consider it from the perspectives of literature, sacred text, religious mythology, family lore, psychology, drama, history, pop culture, and more.
Drop in and join the conversation, or just listen and enjoy! No prior background or knowledge required. Usually the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month.
For Zoom access, please contact admin [at] westendsynagogue.org (Joan).
Thurs May 16 at 7:00pm - Jewish Short Stories from North Africa
Dan Van Doren will moderate an evening of three Jewish Short Stories from Morocco and Ethiopia, read aloud by three members from WES, followed by discussion. Tonight's stories will focus on the problems of Jews from Morocco and Ethiopia: The Fire Keepers by Gabriel Bensimhon, Black by Avner Mandelman, and Home by Zeeva Bukai.
We will also be celebrating the rabbinical ordination of Shoshannah Nambi.
Refreshments will be sponsored by Ken Klein.
This event will be at West End Synagogue and also LIVESTREAMED. Please check your newsletter or contact admin [at] westendsynagogue.org (Joan) for Zoom link access.
Mon May 20 at 7:30pm - Middah on Monday (ZOOM ONLY)
All WES members are invited to join our study of West End’s Middah (ethical value/character trait) of the month. Monthly, third Monday of each month.
Discussions are text-based using materials from both ours and other spiritual traditions, as well as insights from modern authors, pop culture and more. Led by Susan Schorr.
For the link, please check the weekly newsletter or contact admin [at] westendsynagogue.org (Joan).
View our 2023-2024 Adult Education brochure for all upcoming programming. Be sure to check our website calendar for updates.
West End Synagogue is committed to adult study of Jewish sources, history, and cultural expression in its many forms. Adult education programs and activities focus on the vital areas of education, community, and outreach:
- Education: Working to deepen the congregation’s Jewish knowledge at all levels.
- Community: Involving members, enhancing interaction among WES populations, and enriching the communal life of the congregation.
- Outreach: Providing opportunities for the community at large to enhance Jewish life and promote the values of Reconstructionism.
Activities sponsored by Adult Education include:
- Single-session lectures and courses, as well as longer series on selected topics by our rabbi, cantor, and invited speakers.
- A variety of musical, theatrical, and literary programs.
- Scholar-in-Residence and Artist-in-Residence programs that bring prominent figures in Jewish thought and culture to West End Synagogue.
Most of these events are in person in our synagogue, starting at 7:00 pm. In a few cases the programs on Zoom may start at 7:30. Please check before setting out. For more information contact the office [at] westendsynagogue.org (WES Office).
