New Faces of Judaism: Weekly E-Newsletter
Wednesday, December 28, 2005-Tuesday, January 3, 2006
Happy Hanukah!!! 27 Kislev-3 Tevet 5766. (updated 12/26/05)
______________________________________________________________________
Brief Message from Rabbi Gartenberg
This Sunday join me for our Shaarei Tikvah-Gates of Hope-Hanukah celebration for persons with special needs. We will gather at Temple B'nai Torah in Bellevue at on Sunday, January 1st at 4:00pm for fun and fellowship. Shaarei Tikvah is a program that reaches out to persons with special needs, their families, and to the entire community to share the joy of the festivals. This is a joint program of Panim Hadashot, Jewish Family Service, SAJD, and Temple B'nai Torah. Please join us to generously share in the Hanukah spirit.
Hanukah is more than a holiday for kids. It is a fascinating chapter in Jewish history and the history of religion. Matyrdom was introduced to the world by the Jews of this era and conversion as a religious activity emerged in Judaism (and in world religions) during this moment in history. Why? For those of you who would like to explore the meaning of Hanukah in Jewish life and history, I invite you to my home Beit Midrash for a discussion and exploration of texts on Hanukah on Shabbat afternoon, Dec. 31st at 1:15pm. Hanukah will never be the same. LINK
Panim Hadashot Activities This Week:
Sat. 12/31 1:15pm Havruta: Interpersonal Jewish Learning: The Non Jew in Jewish Tradition LINK
Celebration: Jan 1. 4-6pm: Shaarei Tikvah- Gates of Hope Hanukkah Celebration for Developmentally Disabled persons and the community. LINK
Some Upcoming Panim Hadashot Activities
Study: Jan. 19-22nd Rabbi Chaim Seidler-Feller, Bierman Scholar-in-Residence on Jewish Spirituality in Contemporary Judaism. LINK
Rabbiblog: Thought Provoking Pieces from Rabbi Dov Gartenberg
This week: The Big Alef and A Wrestling Community.
Support the Groundbreaking Work of Panim Hadashot. Become a Haver-Friend LINK
_______________________________________________________________________
Panim Hadashot, New Faces of Judaism, is a new endeavor of Jewish learning, celebration, and outreach. Our website is at www.panimhadashot.com. Panim Hadashot is the winner of the Levitan Innovation Award and is endorsed by the Union of Reform Judaism and the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism. Panim Hadashot is a 501c3 non-profit organization. Founder and Rabbi, Dov Gartenberg: rabbidov@panimhadashot.com or 206 525-0648
To contact us: Call 206 280-3715 or email dorothy@panimhadashot.com. To subscribe or unsubscribe, send request to dorothy@panimhadashot.com.
Tuesday, December 20, 2005
Saturday, December 17, 2005
Retrospective on the High Holidays
Retrospective on the High Holidays
From Rabbi Dov Gartenberg
10/17/05
More than 300 persons attended a variety of experiences. These included a groundbreaking Rosh Hashannah Seder, unique interactive learning sessions on the theme of Teshuvah with the Gottmans, a sustained exploration of two great texts, the Binding of Isaac and the Book of Jonah, and a unique Kol Nidre Service for the Ambivalent with a forum on prayer and belief. I know that these experiences departed from the standard offerings of these Days of Awe, so I particularly appreciate that there was so much interest in our groundbreaking approach. We welcome feedback from all of you who attended, since it helps us to refine our approach and strengthen our vision.
I want to share with you briefly the vision that animates what we are doing not only on the High Holidays, but throughout the year. We focus on the great traditions of the Jewish sacred feasts and on the heritage of learning and text study. We believe that gathering people around a table for a Shabbat or festival celebration or linking people together around the study of a great texts enhances a sense of common heritage among Jews. These activities capture what we love about Judaism: joyful sanctification of everyday life , reverence for learning and questioning and serious inquiry on life’s important questions.
With the Rosh Hashannah seder we experienced how a feast can prepare us for the new year. We shared with everyone gathered there a feast for all the senses, grounded in distinctive Sephardic traditions - a joyful welcoming of the new year with family and friends.
We offered the interactive learning sessions on Rosh Hashannah and Yom Kippur exploring the great spiritual themes of these days in direct, thought-provoking, and engaging ways. Many people shared with me how these sessions opened their minds and helped them connect to others through shared study and reflection. For me sharing these texts with you is a mitzvah, for it helps connect all of us to the ongoing conversation of a living tradition that is so full of life, wisdom and relevance. We believe that these sessions engaged minds, but most of all, touched hearts.
Panim Hadashot is an experiment, an attempt to infuse our Jewish lives with new energy and to instill love in people for Judaism’s enduring and greatest traditions and values. We present Judaism with pride and insist on its relevance. We present Judaism with openess, questioning, and humor. We do so with a respect for the diversity of Jewish expression and beliefs. We hope you will continue to support our efforts to engage people with our vital tradition. We invite you to attend our Fall programs, to consider volunteering, or extending financial support by becoming a Haver-a friend of Panim Hadashot.
Please call me with your feedback, ideas, and interest. Please feel free to contact me at rabbidov@panimhadashot.com. or 206 525-0648. We invite you to be on our e-newsletter list through which we send timely announcements and thought provoking pieces. To sign up contact, Dorothy Glass at Dorothy@panimhadashot.com or 206 280-3710.
From Rabbi Dov Gartenberg
10/17/05
More than 300 persons attended a variety of experiences. These included a groundbreaking Rosh Hashannah Seder, unique interactive learning sessions on the theme of Teshuvah with the Gottmans, a sustained exploration of two great texts, the Binding of Isaac and the Book of Jonah, and a unique Kol Nidre Service for the Ambivalent with a forum on prayer and belief. I know that these experiences departed from the standard offerings of these Days of Awe, so I particularly appreciate that there was so much interest in our groundbreaking approach. We welcome feedback from all of you who attended, since it helps us to refine our approach and strengthen our vision.
I want to share with you briefly the vision that animates what we are doing not only on the High Holidays, but throughout the year. We focus on the great traditions of the Jewish sacred feasts and on the heritage of learning and text study. We believe that gathering people around a table for a Shabbat or festival celebration or linking people together around the study of a great texts enhances a sense of common heritage among Jews. These activities capture what we love about Judaism: joyful sanctification of everyday life , reverence for learning and questioning and serious inquiry on life’s important questions.
With the Rosh Hashannah seder we experienced how a feast can prepare us for the new year. We shared with everyone gathered there a feast for all the senses, grounded in distinctive Sephardic traditions - a joyful welcoming of the new year with family and friends.
We offered the interactive learning sessions on Rosh Hashannah and Yom Kippur exploring the great spiritual themes of these days in direct, thought-provoking, and engaging ways. Many people shared with me how these sessions opened their minds and helped them connect to others through shared study and reflection. For me sharing these texts with you is a mitzvah, for it helps connect all of us to the ongoing conversation of a living tradition that is so full of life, wisdom and relevance. We believe that these sessions engaged minds, but most of all, touched hearts.
Panim Hadashot is an experiment, an attempt to infuse our Jewish lives with new energy and to instill love in people for Judaism’s enduring and greatest traditions and values. We present Judaism with pride and insist on its relevance. We present Judaism with openess, questioning, and humor. We do so with a respect for the diversity of Jewish expression and beliefs. We hope you will continue to support our efforts to engage people with our vital tradition. We invite you to attend our Fall programs, to consider volunteering, or extending financial support by becoming a Haver-a friend of Panim Hadashot.
Please call me with your feedback, ideas, and interest. Please feel free to contact me at rabbidov@panimhadashot.com. or 206 525-0648. We invite you to be on our e-newsletter list through which we send timely announcements and thought provoking pieces. To sign up contact, Dorothy Glass at Dorothy@panimhadashot.com or 206 280-3710.
Wednesday, December 14, 2005
Panim Weekly Newsletter: Dec 14, 2005
New Faces of Judaism: Weekly E-Newsletter
Wednesday, December 14, 2005-Tuesday Dec. 20, 2005
13-20 Kislev 5766. ______________________________________________________________________
A Word from Rabbi Dov Gartenberg: Support the Innovative Work of Panim Hadashot
Panim Hadashot-New Faces of Judaism-was formed a little over a year ago to change Jewish life in the Pacific Northwest. Our efforts can be summarized by an explanation of our name, New Faces-Panim Hadashot. In the Talmud the term is used to refer to a new face, a new person who must be invited to a the feast of a bride and groom. The presence of that new face, who was not present at the original huppah (the wedding ceremony), makes it possible to hold the party and to bring joy to the couple.
In Jewish life today we must invite new faces to share in the joy of Judaism. But our Jewish community has often failed in this holy task. The Jewish community is weakened by an astounding rate of disaffiliation and an even greater rate of disengagement. The Jewish community is perceived by disconnected Jews (and many people on the inside) as insular, unresponsive and uninspired.
Panim Hadashot was created to offer an alternative by restoring the role of hospitality, Shabbat in the home, and the love of learning Torah back to the center of Jewish life. Hospitality, in Hebrew-Hachnasat Orchim- is regard for the other and the sharing of the bounty of life with them. Shabbat in the home is the capacity to bring rest and sanctity to our personal lives buffeted by overwork and stress. The love of learning Torah is the capacity to find meaning and spirituality through the great Jewish texts and insights that have inspired Jews for generations.
These three values are reflected in our various programs. Recently I received this letter from a host who participated in our Shabbat around Seattle program:
"Our family struggled for years while the children were growing up to have the kind of Shabbat experience we had the evening you brought Panim Hadashot to our home. Gone were the stress and fights we remember from those years. They were replaced by a sense of joy and peace, singing, laughter, and involvement. You helped create the most beautiful Shabbat experience my family has even known in our home.
I am inspired to recreate the experience on Friday nights in the future. You gave us the roadmap and the tools so that I feel confident that we can achieve that goal.
We are also grateful to you for introducing us to the new faces who joined us at our table that night. It is remarkable how much richness it adds to the experience to also make new friends with people whose background and life experiences are so different from our own. "
I hear this kind of feedback from so many who participate in our programs and outreach. We have also received acclamation from the community through many awards and endorsements including the honor of being the first recipient of the Levitan Innovation award. Our pluralistic approach to Judaism is reflected by the endorsement of the Reform and Conservative movement organizations.
I am writing to all of you to ask you to give a year end donation to help Panim Hadashot continue and expand its work. You may easily and securely do so online at this LINK to our website. Our you may send a donation to Panim Hadashot/ PO Box 15151, Seattle, WA 98115.
We hope you will share our vision and assist us in bringing a 'new face' to Jewish life in Seattle.
Shalom,
Rabbi Dov Gartenberg
Panim Hadashot Activities This Week:
Sat. 12/17 1:15pm Havruta: Interpersonal Jewish Learning: The Non Jew in Jewish Tradition LINK
Sat. 12/17 4:00pm Discussion: Jewish Boundaries with non-Jewish relatives. LINK
Some Upcoming Panim Hadashot Activities
Celebration: Dec. 24th: An Evening of Jewish Song LINK
Celebration: Jan 1st: Shaarei Tikvah- Gates of Hope Hanukkah Celebration for Developmentally Disabled persons and the community. LINK
Study: Jan. 19-22nd Rabbi Chaim Seidler-Feller, Bierman Scholar-in-Residence on Jewish Spirituality in Contemporary Judaism. LINK
Rabbiblog: Thought Provoking Pieces from Rabbi Dov Gartenberg
This week: The Big Alef and A Wrestling Community.
Support the Groundbreaking Work of Panim Hadashot. Become a Haver-Friend LINK
_______________________________________________________________________
Panim Hadashot, New Faces of Judaism, is a new endeavor of Jewish learning, celebration, and outreach. Our website is at http://www.panimhadashot.com/. Panim Hadashot is the winner of the Levitan Innovation Award and is endorsed by the Union of Reform Judaism and the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism. Panim Hadashot is a 501c3 non-profit organization. Founder and Rabbi, Dov Gartenberg: rabbidov@panimhadashot.com or 206 525-0648
To contact us: Call 206 280-3715 or email dorothy@panimhadashot.com. To subscribe or unsubscribe, send request to dorothy@panimhadashot.com.
New Faces of Judaism: Weekly E-Newsletter
Wednesday, December 14, 2005-Tuesday Dec. 20, 2005
13-20 Kislev 5766. ______________________________________________________________________
A Word from Rabbi Dov Gartenberg: Support the Innovative Work of Panim Hadashot
Panim Hadashot-New Faces of Judaism-was formed a little over a year ago to change Jewish life in the Pacific Northwest. Our efforts can be summarized by an explanation of our name, New Faces-Panim Hadashot. In the Talmud the term is used to refer to a new face, a new person who must be invited to a the feast of a bride and groom. The presence of that new face, who was not present at the original huppah (the wedding ceremony), makes it possible to hold the party and to bring joy to the couple.
In Jewish life today we must invite new faces to share in the joy of Judaism. But our Jewish community has often failed in this holy task. The Jewish community is weakened by an astounding rate of disaffiliation and an even greater rate of disengagement. The Jewish community is perceived by disconnected Jews (and many people on the inside) as insular, unresponsive and uninspired.
Panim Hadashot was created to offer an alternative by restoring the role of hospitality, Shabbat in the home, and the love of learning Torah back to the center of Jewish life. Hospitality, in Hebrew-Hachnasat Orchim- is regard for the other and the sharing of the bounty of life with them. Shabbat in the home is the capacity to bring rest and sanctity to our personal lives buffeted by overwork and stress. The love of learning Torah is the capacity to find meaning and spirituality through the great Jewish texts and insights that have inspired Jews for generations.
These three values are reflected in our various programs. Recently I received this letter from a host who participated in our Shabbat around Seattle program:
"Our family struggled for years while the children were growing up to have the kind of Shabbat experience we had the evening you brought Panim Hadashot to our home. Gone were the stress and fights we remember from those years. They were replaced by a sense of joy and peace, singing, laughter, and involvement. You helped create the most beautiful Shabbat experience my family has even known in our home.
I am inspired to recreate the experience on Friday nights in the future. You gave us the roadmap and the tools so that I feel confident that we can achieve that goal.
We are also grateful to you for introducing us to the new faces who joined us at our table that night. It is remarkable how much richness it adds to the experience to also make new friends with people whose background and life experiences are so different from our own. "
I hear this kind of feedback from so many who participate in our programs and outreach. We have also received acclamation from the community through many awards and endorsements including the honor of being the first recipient of the Levitan Innovation award. Our pluralistic approach to Judaism is reflected by the endorsement of the Reform and Conservative movement organizations.
I am writing to all of you to ask you to give a year end donation to help Panim Hadashot continue and expand its work. You may easily and securely do so online at this LINK to our website. Our you may send a donation to Panim Hadashot/ PO Box 15151, Seattle, WA 98115.
We hope you will share our vision and assist us in bringing a 'new face' to Jewish life in Seattle.
Shalom,
Rabbi Dov Gartenberg
Panim Hadashot Activities This Week:
Sat. 12/17 1:15pm Havruta: Interpersonal Jewish Learning: The Non Jew in Jewish Tradition LINK
Sat. 12/17 4:00pm Discussion: Jewish Boundaries with non-Jewish relatives. LINK
Some Upcoming Panim Hadashot Activities
Celebration: Dec. 24th: An Evening of Jewish Song LINK
Celebration: Jan 1st: Shaarei Tikvah- Gates of Hope Hanukkah Celebration for Developmentally Disabled persons and the community. LINK
Study: Jan. 19-22nd Rabbi Chaim Seidler-Feller, Bierman Scholar-in-Residence on Jewish Spirituality in Contemporary Judaism. LINK
Rabbiblog: Thought Provoking Pieces from Rabbi Dov Gartenberg
This week: The Big Alef and A Wrestling Community.
Support the Groundbreaking Work of Panim Hadashot. Become a Haver-Friend LINK
_______________________________________________________________________
Panim Hadashot, New Faces of Judaism, is a new endeavor of Jewish learning, celebration, and outreach. Our website is at http://www.panimhadashot.com/. Panim Hadashot is the winner of the Levitan Innovation Award and is endorsed by the Union of Reform Judaism and the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism. Panim Hadashot is a 501c3 non-profit organization. Founder and Rabbi, Dov Gartenberg: rabbidov@panimhadashot.com or 206 525-0648
To contact us: Call 206 280-3715 or email dorothy@panimhadashot.com. To subscribe or unsubscribe, send request to dorothy@panimhadashot.com.
Tuesday, December 6, 2005
The Big Alef
"He had a dream; a stairway was set on the ground and its tip reached to the sky, and angels of God were going up and down on it." Genesis 28:12, Jacob's dream as he slept on his escape from Esau.
One of the hallmarks of Torah study at Panim Hadashot is to enable people to interact with the text of the Torah. I have two aims when doing this teaching. First, with every passage and verse of Torah that we study, I seek to anchor people in the world of commentary and reflection of Jewish tradition. What did previous generations say about this text? What illuminations or standards of behavior did they see emerging from it? What divided them about how to apply the meaning of the verse?
Second, I seek to give opportunity for people to join in the ongoing conversation about Torah. By giving people a sense of the ongoing conversation on the verse I invite all those who study to join in that conversation, regardless of age or background. This invitation to participate makes the Torah come alive.
The beauty of this approach is that it can bring people closer to the Torah regardless of age. This past Shabbat I led a Shabbat afternoon Torah reading for families. We read the beginning of the new portion, Vayetze (Gen 28:10ff). I asked the parents and the children the meaning of the ladder to heaven. Why were the angels going up and down? Asher, age 7, wanted to offer his view of the ladder amidst the many suggestions. He told us that the ladder was actually the letter alef. Angels were going on one side and down the other.
That big alef of crossing ladders was for me the highlight of the session. I was grateful for hearing a Hiddush-a new insight, and also happy that Asher felt so comfortable to imagine Jacob's ladder. I hope that Asher learned that the Torah is a source for loving creativity and imagination.
Rabbi Dov Gartenberg
December 6. 2005
One of the hallmarks of Torah study at Panim Hadashot is to enable people to interact with the text of the Torah. I have two aims when doing this teaching. First, with every passage and verse of Torah that we study, I seek to anchor people in the world of commentary and reflection of Jewish tradition. What did previous generations say about this text? What illuminations or standards of behavior did they see emerging from it? What divided them about how to apply the meaning of the verse?
Second, I seek to give opportunity for people to join in the ongoing conversation about Torah. By giving people a sense of the ongoing conversation on the verse I invite all those who study to join in that conversation, regardless of age or background. This invitation to participate makes the Torah come alive.
The beauty of this approach is that it can bring people closer to the Torah regardless of age. This past Shabbat I led a Shabbat afternoon Torah reading for families. We read the beginning of the new portion, Vayetze (Gen 28:10ff). I asked the parents and the children the meaning of the ladder to heaven. Why were the angels going up and down? Asher, age 7, wanted to offer his view of the ladder amidst the many suggestions. He told us that the ladder was actually the letter alef. Angels were going on one side and down the other.
That big alef of crossing ladders was for me the highlight of the session. I was grateful for hearing a Hiddush-a new insight, and also happy that Asher felt so comfortable to imagine Jacob's ladder. I hope that Asher learned that the Torah is a source for loving creativity and imagination.
Rabbi Dov Gartenberg
December 6. 2005
A Wrestling Community-Rushkoff's Critique of Contemporary Judaism
Rabbi Dov Gartenberg, Dec. 6, 2005
One of the original visions of Panim Hadashot was the revitalization of the Beit Midrash-the house of study-as a living Jewish institution. Douglas Rushkoff, a media critique, wrote a no holds barred critique of contemporary American Judaism called Nothing Sacred. The first time I read the book I could not stand it. But that was when I was a pulpit rabbi. I reread it last month and found it prophetic and extremely timely. Below is an excerpt which conveys the need for the 'Beit Midrash'.
(p.227)The beit midrash, "house of study," was developed in the Second Temple period as a component of the synagogue. While the function of synagogue was to offer an opportunity for community worship beyond centralized Temple rites, the beit midrash was dedicated exclusively to the study of text. The synagogue liturgy was really just a substitute for sacrifices. The beit midrash gave Jews and, eventually, non-Jews alike direct access to the original source material informing the mythology, halakhah, rituals, and worldview that constitute Judaism. The talmudic sages stressed that Torah study takes precedence over synagogue worship, going so far to say that "if you are new to a town and learn of a synagogue, walk there. If you learn there is a beit midrash, run."
This emphasis held for quite some time, and although the Yiddish word shul acutally means "school," the unique role of the beit midrash was eveentually subordinated to that of the sanctuary. By the modern ere, beit midrash came to mean the library attached to the synagogue, where the most motivated members could seek out the resources they needed for independent study. As Jews lost direct access to Torah and grew increasingly disconnected from the spirit of inquiry, services became more about creating mood than inspiring the quest for knowledge and sense. Well-meaning rabbis were forced to fit morsels of Jewish education into their sermons , which took on the tone of moralizing homilies rather than points of intellectual or spiritual departure. People began to think of synagogues as a place to hear answers instead of a place to find new questions.
In order to fuel a renaissance in participatory Judaism, we will need to reverse this trend and reinvent a beit midrash for our age. If everyone's point of view is to matter, then everyone must be given the basic tools they need to generate an informed opinion. Although the private study of sacred texts and their commentaries can take a person a long way, part of the Jewish mandate is to wrestle not just with 'Torah, but with one another. There is no such thing as personal revelation or individual enlightenment in Judaism....Juduasim does not offer transcendence from the real world or the body through spiritual practice....This is meant not to promote materialism or a fixation on the sensual, but to maintain Judaism's emphasis on life-this life, real life-as the locus of our concern. Study must not be a retreat from community, but a way to forge one. (emphasis mine)
One of the original visions of Panim Hadashot was the revitalization of the Beit Midrash-the house of study-as a living Jewish institution. Douglas Rushkoff, a media critique, wrote a no holds barred critique of contemporary American Judaism called Nothing Sacred. The first time I read the book I could not stand it. But that was when I was a pulpit rabbi. I reread it last month and found it prophetic and extremely timely. Below is an excerpt which conveys the need for the 'Beit Midrash'.
(p.227)The beit midrash, "house of study," was developed in the Second Temple period as a component of the synagogue. While the function of synagogue was to offer an opportunity for community worship beyond centralized Temple rites, the beit midrash was dedicated exclusively to the study of text. The synagogue liturgy was really just a substitute for sacrifices. The beit midrash gave Jews and, eventually, non-Jews alike direct access to the original source material informing the mythology, halakhah, rituals, and worldview that constitute Judaism. The talmudic sages stressed that Torah study takes precedence over synagogue worship, going so far to say that "if you are new to a town and learn of a synagogue, walk there. If you learn there is a beit midrash, run."
This emphasis held for quite some time, and although the Yiddish word shul acutally means "school," the unique role of the beit midrash was eveentually subordinated to that of the sanctuary. By the modern ere, beit midrash came to mean the library attached to the synagogue, where the most motivated members could seek out the resources they needed for independent study. As Jews lost direct access to Torah and grew increasingly disconnected from the spirit of inquiry, services became more about creating mood than inspiring the quest for knowledge and sense. Well-meaning rabbis were forced to fit morsels of Jewish education into their sermons , which took on the tone of moralizing homilies rather than points of intellectual or spiritual departure. People began to think of synagogues as a place to hear answers instead of a place to find new questions.
In order to fuel a renaissance in participatory Judaism, we will need to reverse this trend and reinvent a beit midrash for our age. If everyone's point of view is to matter, then everyone must be given the basic tools they need to generate an informed opinion. Although the private study of sacred texts and their commentaries can take a person a long way, part of the Jewish mandate is to wrestle not just with 'Torah, but with one another. There is no such thing as personal revelation or individual enlightenment in Judaism....Juduasim does not offer transcendence from the real world or the body through spiritual practice....This is meant not to promote materialism or a fixation on the sensual, but to maintain Judaism's emphasis on life-this life, real life-as the locus of our concern. Study must not be a retreat from community, but a way to forge one. (emphasis mine)
Monday, November 28, 2005
Donniel Hartman on Jewish Identity
Rabbi Donniel Hartman gave an outstanding talk on Jewish identity earlier this year in May. There have been many requests to hear this again. He has granted permission to have this talk available. If you are interested in his approach you will find a kindred spirit in Panim Hadashot.
Download donniel_hartman_on_jewish_identity_52005.WMA
Download donniel_hartman_on_jewish_identity_52005.WMA
Panim Hadashot Weekly Email: Dec 7-13, 2005
New Faces of Judaism: Weekly E-Newsletter
Wednesday, December 7, 2005-Tuesday Dec. 13, 2005
6-12 Kislev 5766. ______________________________________________________________________
A Brief Word from Rabbi Dov Gartenberg
Panim Hadashot-New Faces of Judaism continues its groundbreaking efforts in outreach and education. I welcome you to join us for our Shabbat afternoon learning and gatherings. My aim is not only to provide stimulating and meaningful learning, but to also create a community of learners. This week I shared two pieces on rabbiblog about the the experience of learning at Panim Hadashot. The Big Alef and A Wrestling Community. These pieces should stimulate your thinking about the role of learning in contemporary Jewish life. While I will continue to examine contemporary Judaism in the blog, the programs listed below are the concrete efforts to build a new model of Jewish life and to provide new points of access for people to reconnect to Judaism.
I recommend a new book that by the great biblical scholar, Yochanan Muffs, called The Personhood of God. It is published by Jewish Lights: LINK. This is a powerful book which calls for a reencounter with the biblical God to discover the 'humanity of God'. It is beautifully written and extremely thought provoking. I will use it in my study sessions during the month of January and February.
Shabbat Shalom, Rabbi Dov Gartenberg
Panim Hadashot Activities This Week:
Fri. 12/9 6:30pm Shabbat around Seattle in Medina. A Shabbat for adults, singles and couples at the home of Aytan Stromberg with Rabbi Dov Gartenberg. LINK
Sat. 12/10 1:15pm 70 Faces of Torah, Interactive Torah study on Wrestling Jacob LINK
Sat. 12/10 4:00 25th Hour: Topic: December Dillemmas for Intercultural Couples LINK
Some Upcoming Panim Hadashot Activities
Study: The Non Jew in Jewish Tradition LINK
Discussion: Jewish Boundaries with non-Jewish relatives. LINK
Celebration: Dec. 24th: An Evening of Jewish Song LINK
Celebration: Jan 1st: Shaarei Tikvah- Gates of Hope Hanukkah Celebration for Developmentally Disabled persons and the community. LINK
Study: Jan. 19-22nd Rabbi Chaim Seidler-Feller, Bierman Scholar-in-Residence on Jewish Spirituality in Contemporary Judaism. LINK
Support the Groundbreaking Work of Panim Hadashot. Become a Haver-Friend LINK
_______________________________________________________________________
Panim Hadashot, New Faces of Judaism, is a new endeavor of Jewish learning, celebration, and outreach. Our website is at www.panimhadashot.com. Panim Hadashot is the winner of the Levitan Innovation Award and is endorsed by the Union of Reform Judaism and the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism. Panim Hadashot is a 501c3 non-profit organization. Founder and Rabbi, Dov Gartenberg: rabbidov@panimhadashot.com or 206 525-0648
To contact us: Call 206 280-3715 or email dorothy@panimhadashot.com. To subscribe or unsubscribe, send request to dorothy@panimhadashot.com.
Wednesday, December 7, 2005-Tuesday Dec. 13, 2005
6-12 Kislev 5766. ______________________________________________________________________
A Brief Word from Rabbi Dov Gartenberg
Panim Hadashot-New Faces of Judaism continues its groundbreaking efforts in outreach and education. I welcome you to join us for our Shabbat afternoon learning and gatherings. My aim is not only to provide stimulating and meaningful learning, but to also create a community of learners. This week I shared two pieces on rabbiblog about the the experience of learning at Panim Hadashot. The Big Alef and A Wrestling Community. These pieces should stimulate your thinking about the role of learning in contemporary Jewish life. While I will continue to examine contemporary Judaism in the blog, the programs listed below are the concrete efforts to build a new model of Jewish life and to provide new points of access for people to reconnect to Judaism.
I recommend a new book that by the great biblical scholar, Yochanan Muffs, called The Personhood of God. It is published by Jewish Lights: LINK. This is a powerful book which calls for a reencounter with the biblical God to discover the 'humanity of God'. It is beautifully written and extremely thought provoking. I will use it in my study sessions during the month of January and February.
Shabbat Shalom, Rabbi Dov Gartenberg
Panim Hadashot Activities This Week:
Fri. 12/9 6:30pm Shabbat around Seattle in Medina. A Shabbat for adults, singles and couples at the home of Aytan Stromberg with Rabbi Dov Gartenberg. LINK
Sat. 12/10 1:15pm 70 Faces of Torah, Interactive Torah study on Wrestling Jacob LINK
Sat. 12/10 4:00 25th Hour: Topic: December Dillemmas for Intercultural Couples LINK
Some Upcoming Panim Hadashot Activities
Study: The Non Jew in Jewish Tradition LINK
Discussion: Jewish Boundaries with non-Jewish relatives. LINK
Celebration: Dec. 24th: An Evening of Jewish Song LINK
Celebration: Jan 1st: Shaarei Tikvah- Gates of Hope Hanukkah Celebration for Developmentally Disabled persons and the community. LINK
Study: Jan. 19-22nd Rabbi Chaim Seidler-Feller, Bierman Scholar-in-Residence on Jewish Spirituality in Contemporary Judaism. LINK
Support the Groundbreaking Work of Panim Hadashot. Become a Haver-Friend LINK
_______________________________________________________________________
Panim Hadashot, New Faces of Judaism, is a new endeavor of Jewish learning, celebration, and outreach. Our website is at www.panimhadashot.com. Panim Hadashot is the winner of the Levitan Innovation Award and is endorsed by the Union of Reform Judaism and the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism. Panim Hadashot is a 501c3 non-profit organization. Founder and Rabbi, Dov Gartenberg: rabbidov@panimhadashot.com or 206 525-0648
To contact us: Call 206 280-3715 or email dorothy@panimhadashot.com. To subscribe or unsubscribe, send request to dorothy@panimhadashot.com.
Tuesday, November 22, 2005
Panim Hadashot Weekly Newsletter: Nov. 21, 2006
New Faces of Judaism: Weekly E-Newsletter
Monday, November 21, 2005-Sunday November 27, 2005
Happy Thanksgiving 19-25 Heshvan 5766. ______________________________________________________________________
Panim Hadashot Activities This Week:
Fri. 11/25 6:00pm A Jewish Thanksgiving: It's called Shabbat. Join Rabbi Dov Gartenberg for a Shabbat feast at his home. LINK
Sat. 11/26 1-2:30pm. Havruta: Interpersonal Jewish Learning: Theme: A Non-Fundamentalist God. LINK See HIGHLIGHT below for a description of this unique Shabbat learning activity.
Some Upcoming Panim Hadashot Activities
Fri. 12/2 Shabbat Dinner for Interfaith, Intercultural Couples and Families LINK
Sat. 12/3 Shabbat Afternoon Together: 1st Shabbat of the Month Open House for Families
Sat. 12/3 1:15pm. 70 Faces of Torah for Families: LINK
Sat. 12/3 4:00pm Shabbas Stew. A Shabbat Ending Celebration for Families. LINK
Sat. 12/9 6:30pm Shabbat around Seattle in Medina. A Shabbat for adults, singles and couples at the home of Aytan Stromberg with Rabbi Dov Gartenberg. LINK
Support the Groundbreaking Work of Panim Hadashot. Become a Haver-Friend LINK
HIGHLIGHT
Havruta: Interpersonal Jewish Learning
Rabbi Gartenberg believes that Jewish study is all about searching, questioning, digging for meaning and insight. Jewish learning is not an academic exercise, but rather it is a spiritual practice that is a form of worship, a way of relating to God. The method of Jewish learning is about relating to others: Traditional Jewish learning is interpersonal and social. The sacred text (whether it be Bible, Talmud, Midrash, etc.) is studied not alone but with at least one other person. This shared learning is called Havruta and the person who studies with us is called Havruta-Friend. Our Havruta program then has two goals: Studying the great Jewish texts and themes with the guidance of a skilled rabbi and engaging in these texts with others so that we create a shared experience.
Rabbi Gartenberg chooses one or two texts for each session. The themes are announced in the calendar. For more information on this approach to Jewish learning go to Rabbiblog at www.panimhadashot.com. where Rabbi Gartenberg has posted a piece on this.
Who is invited: Panim Hadashot welcomes all Jews, secular and religious and all those in between. We welcome interfaith and intercultural couples, and non-Jews who are drawn to a Judaism that prizes learning, questioning, open mindedness, and concern about the world. We welcome anyone who wants to engage Judaism through its great texts and ancient conversations.
_______________________________________________________________________
Panim Hadashot, New Faces of Judaism, is a new endeavor of Jewish learning, celebration, and outreach. Our website is at www.panimhadashot.com. Panim Hadashot is the winner of the Levitan Innovation Award and is endorsed by the Union of Reform Judaism and the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism.
Panim Hadashot is a 501c3 non-profit organization.
Founder and Rabbi, Dov Gartenberg: rabbidov@panimhadashot.com or 206 525-0648
To contact us: Call 206 280-3715 or email dorothy@panimhadashot.com.
To subscribe or unsubscribe, send request to dorothy@panimhadashot.com.
Monday, November 21, 2005-Sunday November 27, 2005
Happy Thanksgiving 19-25 Heshvan 5766. ______________________________________________________________________
Panim Hadashot Activities This Week:
Fri. 11/25 6:00pm A Jewish Thanksgiving: It's called Shabbat. Join Rabbi Dov Gartenberg for a Shabbat feast at his home. LINK
Sat. 11/26 1-2:30pm. Havruta: Interpersonal Jewish Learning: Theme: A Non-Fundamentalist God. LINK See HIGHLIGHT below for a description of this unique Shabbat learning activity.
Some Upcoming Panim Hadashot Activities
Fri. 12/2 Shabbat Dinner for Interfaith, Intercultural Couples and Families LINK
Sat. 12/3 Shabbat Afternoon Together: 1st Shabbat of the Month Open House for Families
Sat. 12/3 1:15pm. 70 Faces of Torah for Families: LINK
Sat. 12/3 4:00pm Shabbas Stew. A Shabbat Ending Celebration for Families. LINK
Sat. 12/9 6:30pm Shabbat around Seattle in Medina. A Shabbat for adults, singles and couples at the home of Aytan Stromberg with Rabbi Dov Gartenberg. LINK
Support the Groundbreaking Work of Panim Hadashot. Become a Haver-Friend LINK
HIGHLIGHT
Havruta: Interpersonal Jewish Learning
Rabbi Gartenberg believes that Jewish study is all about searching, questioning, digging for meaning and insight. Jewish learning is not an academic exercise, but rather it is a spiritual practice that is a form of worship, a way of relating to God. The method of Jewish learning is about relating to others: Traditional Jewish learning is interpersonal and social. The sacred text (whether it be Bible, Talmud, Midrash, etc.) is studied not alone but with at least one other person. This shared learning is called Havruta and the person who studies with us is called Havruta-Friend. Our Havruta program then has two goals: Studying the great Jewish texts and themes with the guidance of a skilled rabbi and engaging in these texts with others so that we create a shared experience.
Rabbi Gartenberg chooses one or two texts for each session. The themes are announced in the calendar. For more information on this approach to Jewish learning go to Rabbiblog at www.panimhadashot.com. where Rabbi Gartenberg has posted a piece on this.
Who is invited: Panim Hadashot welcomes all Jews, secular and religious and all those in between. We welcome interfaith and intercultural couples, and non-Jews who are drawn to a Judaism that prizes learning, questioning, open mindedness, and concern about the world. We welcome anyone who wants to engage Judaism through its great texts and ancient conversations.
_______________________________________________________________________
Panim Hadashot, New Faces of Judaism, is a new endeavor of Jewish learning, celebration, and outreach. Our website is at www.panimhadashot.com. Panim Hadashot is the winner of the Levitan Innovation Award and is endorsed by the Union of Reform Judaism and the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism.
Panim Hadashot is a 501c3 non-profit organization.
Founder and Rabbi, Dov Gartenberg: rabbidov@panimhadashot.com or 206 525-0648
To contact us: Call 206 280-3715 or email dorothy@panimhadashot.com.
To subscribe or unsubscribe, send request to dorothy@panimhadashot.com.
Wednesday, November 16, 2005
New Faces of Judaism: Weekly E-Newsletter
Wednesday, November 16 2005-Sunday November 20, 2005
14-18 Heshvan 5766. ______________________________________________________________________
Panim Hadashot Activities This Week:
Sat. 11/19 1-2:30pm. Havruta: Interpersonal Jewish Learning: Theme: The Different Faces of God. LINK See HIGHLIGHT below for a description of this unique Shabbat learning activity.
Sun. 11/20 9:00-11:00am Shalom Hartman Long Distance Video-Conference Seminar on "Religion, Ethics, and Violence" for Jewish Community Leaders. Please contact Rabbi Gartenberg for more information.
Some Upcoming Panim Hadashot Activities after Nov. 13th
Fri. 12/2 Shabbat Dinner for Interfaith, Intercultural Couples and Families LINK
Update on Other Programs on the Calendar
Call Rabbi Gartenberg 206 525-0648 if you are interested in the Shabbat around Seattle on Capital Hill on Fri. 11/18.
Shabbas Stew, scheduled for 11/19 has been moved to December 3rd. In the future this will take place on the 1st Shabbat of the month.
Support the Groundbreaking Work of Panim Hadashot. Become a Haver-Friend LINK
HIGHLIGHT
Havruta: Interpersonal Jewish Learning
Rabbi Gartenberg believes that Jewish study is all about searching, questioning, digging for meaning and insight. Jewish learning is not an academic exercise, but rather it is a spiritual practice that is a form of worship, a way of relating to God. The method of Jewish learning is about relating to others: Traditional Jewish learning is interpersonal and social. The sacred text (whether it be Bible, Talmud, Midrash, etc.) is studied not alone but with at least one other person. This shared learning is called Havruta and the person who studies with us is called Havruta-Friend. Our Havruta program then has two goals: Studying the great Jewish texts and themes with the guidance of a skilled rabbi and engaging in these texts with others so that we create a shared experience.
Rabbi Gartenberg chooses one or two texts for each session. The themes are announced in the calendar. For more information on this approach to Jewish learning go to Rabbiblog at www.panimhadashot.com. where Rabbi Gartenberg has posted a piece on this.
Who is invited: Panim Hadashot welcomes all Jews, secular and religious and all those in between. We welcome interfaith and intercultural couples, and non-Jews who are drawn to a Judaism that prizes learning, questioning, open mindedness, and concern about the world. We welcome anyone who wants to engage Judaism through its great texts and ancient conversations.
_______________________________________________________________________
Panim Hadashot, New Faces of Judaism, is a new endeavor of Jewish learning, celebration, and outreach. Our website is at www.panimhadashot.com. Panim Hadashot is the winner of the Levitan Innovation Award and is endorsed by the Union of Reform Judaism and the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism.
Panim Hadashot is a 501c3 non-profit organization.
Founder and Rabbi, Dov Gartenberg: rabbidov@panimhadashot.com or 206 525-0648
To contact us: Call 206 280-3715 or email dorothy@panimhadashot.com.
To subscribe or unsubscribe, send request to dorothy@panimhadashot.com.
Wednesday, November 16 2005-Sunday November 20, 2005
14-18 Heshvan 5766. ______________________________________________________________________
Panim Hadashot Activities This Week:
Sat. 11/19 1-2:30pm. Havruta: Interpersonal Jewish Learning: Theme: The Different Faces of God. LINK See HIGHLIGHT below for a description of this unique Shabbat learning activity.
Sun. 11/20 9:00-11:00am Shalom Hartman Long Distance Video-Conference Seminar on "Religion, Ethics, and Violence" for Jewish Community Leaders. Please contact Rabbi Gartenberg for more information.
Some Upcoming Panim Hadashot Activities after Nov. 13th
Fri. 12/2 Shabbat Dinner for Interfaith, Intercultural Couples and Families LINK
Update on Other Programs on the Calendar
Call Rabbi Gartenberg 206 525-0648 if you are interested in the Shabbat around Seattle on Capital Hill on Fri. 11/18.
Shabbas Stew, scheduled for 11/19 has been moved to December 3rd. In the future this will take place on the 1st Shabbat of the month.
Support the Groundbreaking Work of Panim Hadashot. Become a Haver-Friend LINK
HIGHLIGHT
Havruta: Interpersonal Jewish Learning
Rabbi Gartenberg believes that Jewish study is all about searching, questioning, digging for meaning and insight. Jewish learning is not an academic exercise, but rather it is a spiritual practice that is a form of worship, a way of relating to God. The method of Jewish learning is about relating to others: Traditional Jewish learning is interpersonal and social. The sacred text (whether it be Bible, Talmud, Midrash, etc.) is studied not alone but with at least one other person. This shared learning is called Havruta and the person who studies with us is called Havruta-Friend. Our Havruta program then has two goals: Studying the great Jewish texts and themes with the guidance of a skilled rabbi and engaging in these texts with others so that we create a shared experience.
Rabbi Gartenberg chooses one or two texts for each session. The themes are announced in the calendar. For more information on this approach to Jewish learning go to Rabbiblog at www.panimhadashot.com. where Rabbi Gartenberg has posted a piece on this.
Who is invited: Panim Hadashot welcomes all Jews, secular and religious and all those in between. We welcome interfaith and intercultural couples, and non-Jews who are drawn to a Judaism that prizes learning, questioning, open mindedness, and concern about the world. We welcome anyone who wants to engage Judaism through its great texts and ancient conversations.
_______________________________________________________________________
Panim Hadashot, New Faces of Judaism, is a new endeavor of Jewish learning, celebration, and outreach. Our website is at www.panimhadashot.com. Panim Hadashot is the winner of the Levitan Innovation Award and is endorsed by the Union of Reform Judaism and the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism.
Panim Hadashot is a 501c3 non-profit organization.
Founder and Rabbi, Dov Gartenberg: rabbidov@panimhadashot.com or 206 525-0648
To contact us: Call 206 280-3715 or email dorothy@panimhadashot.com.
To subscribe or unsubscribe, send request to dorothy@panimhadashot.com.
Verses for Children
This posting is for Families participating in the 70 Faces of Torah for Families on December 3rd:
Voice Recordings of Verses for Study are posted here. Please study the Hebrew first, then practice the verse. Rabbi Dov G and Gavy Stern will coach you before the session.
For Naomi Savin Download naomi_savin_gen_2811.WMA
For Daniel Kipnis Download daniel_kipnis_gen_2812.WMA
Voice Recordings of Verses for Study are posted here. Please study the Hebrew first, then practice the verse. Rabbi Dov G and Gavy Stern will coach you before the session.
For Naomi Savin Download naomi_savin_gen_2811.WMA
For Daniel Kipnis Download daniel_kipnis_gen_2812.WMA
An Introduction to Havruta Study
An Introduction to Havruta Study:
Classical Form of Jewish Learning in Pairs and Small Groups
A World of Interpretations
Our tradition has understood Torah as multi-vocal and open to a world of interpretation. Rabbi Marc-Alain Ouaknin has written that while most of Western thought is primarily concerned with the ‘Answer’, Jewish thought is preoccupied with the ‘Question’. Judaism, through the study of our sacred texts, affirms the dialectic, a search for clarification in a world of uncertainty. Jewish study is all about struggle, searching and questioning.
The Methodology of Jewish Learning
1. Contrast the Greek notion of the university with the Jewish notion of the Beit Midrash (the study hall). In the university, a student is lectured on the Truth. In the Beit Midrash, students argue over a text that has many opinions. The truth emerges for Jews only out of the dialectic of the argument, only from the debates between students, and between students and teachers. Think of how important questions are in our tradition. The Talmud itself begins with a question ("At what time may one recite the shema?") The Passover seder can only take place in response to the four questions ("Why is this night different from all other nights?"). Even two Jews who know all the laws of Passover are obligated to recite the four questions, because the rabbis understood that questioning is the only way we learn.
2. “Torah is acquired only in a group.” (Babylonian Talmud Berakhot 63b). In a tradition that honors multiple interpretations it makes sense that the same tradition honors and encourages cooperative learning in pairs and small groups. This interpersonal learning is called Havruta.
Havruta comes from the word, ‘Haver’, which in Hebrew means friend. A famous rabbinic texts states: “Hence, say the sages, a person should acquire a ‘Haver’ for everything: for reading Scripture with him, studying Mishnah with him, eating with him, drinking with him, and disclosing all his secrets to him. (Sifre Deuteronomy #305) Studying together is one of ways we build friendship and fellowship in Jewish tradition. The tradition of group text study fosters the exchange of ideas, insights, and knowledge as well informal sharing and trust building.
How do We Study a Jewish Text?
Our first approach might be to determine what we can learn from the text. Even those texts which reflect an historical reality different from our own will have something to teach us about our lives.
Second, What is the most straightforward way of understanding this text in its original context? Transport yourself to the time which produced these words. Try to reconstruct the life of our people who produced this text. Look at the language of the text.
Third, look at the text existentially. How does it have meaning? How might this text apply to your life? Does it contain wisdom that illuminates or insight that clarifies? Does the text move you or trouble you? Does the text raise more questions?
Fourth, does the text lead to or influence action? Are you moved to respond? Would you change your behavior or priorities because of this text?
Classical Form of Jewish Learning in Pairs and Small Groups
A World of Interpretations
Our tradition has understood Torah as multi-vocal and open to a world of interpretation. Rabbi Marc-Alain Ouaknin has written that while most of Western thought is primarily concerned with the ‘Answer’, Jewish thought is preoccupied with the ‘Question’. Judaism, through the study of our sacred texts, affirms the dialectic, a search for clarification in a world of uncertainty. Jewish study is all about struggle, searching and questioning.
The Methodology of Jewish Learning
1. Contrast the Greek notion of the university with the Jewish notion of the Beit Midrash (the study hall). In the university, a student is lectured on the Truth. In the Beit Midrash, students argue over a text that has many opinions. The truth emerges for Jews only out of the dialectic of the argument, only from the debates between students, and between students and teachers. Think of how important questions are in our tradition. The Talmud itself begins with a question ("At what time may one recite the shema?") The Passover seder can only take place in response to the four questions ("Why is this night different from all other nights?"). Even two Jews who know all the laws of Passover are obligated to recite the four questions, because the rabbis understood that questioning is the only way we learn.
2. “Torah is acquired only in a group.” (Babylonian Talmud Berakhot 63b). In a tradition that honors multiple interpretations it makes sense that the same tradition honors and encourages cooperative learning in pairs and small groups. This interpersonal learning is called Havruta.
Havruta comes from the word, ‘Haver’, which in Hebrew means friend. A famous rabbinic texts states: “Hence, say the sages, a person should acquire a ‘Haver’ for everything: for reading Scripture with him, studying Mishnah with him, eating with him, drinking with him, and disclosing all his secrets to him. (Sifre Deuteronomy #305) Studying together is one of ways we build friendship and fellowship in Jewish tradition. The tradition of group text study fosters the exchange of ideas, insights, and knowledge as well informal sharing and trust building.
How do We Study a Jewish Text?
Our first approach might be to determine what we can learn from the text. Even those texts which reflect an historical reality different from our own will have something to teach us about our lives.
Second, What is the most straightforward way of understanding this text in its original context? Transport yourself to the time which produced these words. Try to reconstruct the life of our people who produced this text. Look at the language of the text.
Third, look at the text existentially. How does it have meaning? How might this text apply to your life? Does it contain wisdom that illuminates or insight that clarifies? Does the text move you or trouble you? Does the text raise more questions?
Fourth, does the text lead to or influence action? Are you moved to respond? Would you change your behavior or priorities because of this text?
- Find a Havruta partner. Do not form groups larger than four to maximize participation.
- Jewish tradition places high value on the oral reading of texts. Thus in Havruta it is preferable to read the texts out loud to each other. Turns are taken as one reads through the materials.
- Any Havruta partner can raise questions at any time.
- The Rabbi of the Beit Midrash is always present during Havruta study for questions and clarification.
- If you finish early, join another group in progress and share your wisdom. At the end of Havruta study the larger group will convene for a shiur-a lesson by the Rabbi or teacher. This is a time to test your reading with that of the teacher. It is appropriate to challenge the teacher’s reading and to ask further questions on the text.
Terms:
Beit Midrash: House of Study or House of the Book
Havruta: Study of Holy Texts in Pairs or Small Study Groups
Torah she’Bichtav: Written Tradition (5 Books of Moses)
Torah She’ba’al Peh: Oral Tradition (Rabbinical Literature)
Shi’ur: Teaching by the Rabbi or Educator that follows Havruta study Seder: The period of Havruta learning for that precedes a Shi’ur.
Tuesday, November 8, 2005
A Roadmap to Eternity
Dear Rabbiblog readers,
After an absence of a couple of weeks, I am back at the blog. I share with you a lovely letter of praise from one of our hosts of the Shabbat around Seattle program of Panim Hadashot, New Faces of Judaism. I bring this letter to your attention because the writer expresses so clearly what the approach I am taking to sharing Judaism and to modeling a Jewish life. I will conclude with a few observations at the conclusion of the letter.
Rabbi,
Our family struggled for years while the children were growing up to have the kind of Shabbat experience we had the evening you brought Panim Hadashot to our home. Gone were the stress and the fights we remember from those years. They were replaced by a sense of joy and peace, singing, laughter and involvement. You helped create the most beautiful Shabbat experience my family has ever known in our home.
I am inspired now to try to recreate the experience on Friday nights in the future. You gave us the roadmap and the tools so that I feel confident that we can achieve that goal. We are also grateful to you for introducing us to the new faces who joined us for dinner. It is remarkable how much richness it adds to the experience to also make new friends with people whose background and life experiences is so different from our own!
Finally, the wisdom you shared and the contributions of the others to the discussion of the evening's topic, living with religious differences, were awesome! I feel that the ideas and views that were shared will impact me and my family for a long time, As I mentioned when I asked that this be the topic, our family, like most of the other families present that night, has struggled with the issue, found ways to accommodate, but still struggle. I now have a sense that the path to Shalom Bayit, peace in the house, is clearer for all of us.Again, thank you and Panim Hadashot for a truly wonderful and moving Shabbat!
*******
This letter helps to confirm for me the value of the original idea of Panim Hadashot: If Judaism is to become meaningful again for many Jews, connected or disconnected, from Jewish life, it has to start at home. I realized after 20 years in the congregational pulpit that sermons rarely change people, but going into Jewish homes to share the loveliness of Shabbat would deeply touch those around the table. It isn't even enough to invite people to the rabbi's home. A rabbi should be willing to teach and model Judaism in the home of other Jews. In this way, Jews will begin to imagine the roadmap to restoring a joyous Shabbat in their homes.
This realization meant a radical rethinking of the role and activities of the rabbi. It led me to question the effectiveness of the modern synagogue as it is now constituted. It led me to question the expectations put on contemporary rabbis which are so destructive to the rabbinate and the communities rabbi's serve. It led me to question the over emphasis on communal worship in big sanctuaries Heschel wrote that modern Jews are totally focused on the ephemeral and have abandoned the eternal. I believe deeply that Shabbat is the Jewish expression of eternity. Like any spiritual practice, it requires attention and mentoring. How could we dare neglect the greatest spiritual resource and teaching in our tradition. This understanding forced me to focus on a model of the rabbinate that would allow me to teach, mentor, and model a taste of eternity.
Panim Hadashot means new faces. The host wrote of the joy of having new faces at her table. I am deeply committed to restoring the centrality of Hachnasat Orchim-hospitality to Jewish life. Hospitality is not about serving cookies. It is a spiritual and philosophical openness to the other. This is expressed in Judaism by the act of sharing our Shabbat tables not only with our family and friends, but with acquaintances and strangers. A commitment to hospitality engenders a regard for the other, a respect for human diversity, a tolerance for difference, and ultimately a 'ahavat haberiot' a love for people. I consider the act of inviting a stranger to the Shabbat table a fulfillment of the Torah's command, "Love your neighbor as yourself."
Contemporary Judaism suffers from many different forms of insularity: the separateness inherited from the tradition that insisted we distance ourselves from non-Jews; the pervasive social cliquishness of many Jewish communities; the inflated elitism of many committed Jews who look down on those who know or do less. While we can be proud that our tradition does not insist on saving the souls of every non-believer, we should not be proud of a pervasive insularity that has so diminished the value of true hospitality in our tradition. I have set as my goal to bring back this openness and graciousness to Jewish life. Shabbat is our door into eternity. How could we not share it with others?
Rabbi Dov Gartenberg 11/8/05 - 6 Heshvan 5766
After an absence of a couple of weeks, I am back at the blog. I share with you a lovely letter of praise from one of our hosts of the Shabbat around Seattle program of Panim Hadashot, New Faces of Judaism. I bring this letter to your attention because the writer expresses so clearly what the approach I am taking to sharing Judaism and to modeling a Jewish life. I will conclude with a few observations at the conclusion of the letter.
Rabbi,
Our family struggled for years while the children were growing up to have the kind of Shabbat experience we had the evening you brought Panim Hadashot to our home. Gone were the stress and the fights we remember from those years. They were replaced by a sense of joy and peace, singing, laughter and involvement. You helped create the most beautiful Shabbat experience my family has ever known in our home.
I am inspired now to try to recreate the experience on Friday nights in the future. You gave us the roadmap and the tools so that I feel confident that we can achieve that goal. We are also grateful to you for introducing us to the new faces who joined us for dinner. It is remarkable how much richness it adds to the experience to also make new friends with people whose background and life experiences is so different from our own!
Finally, the wisdom you shared and the contributions of the others to the discussion of the evening's topic, living with religious differences, were awesome! I feel that the ideas and views that were shared will impact me and my family for a long time, As I mentioned when I asked that this be the topic, our family, like most of the other families present that night, has struggled with the issue, found ways to accommodate, but still struggle. I now have a sense that the path to Shalom Bayit, peace in the house, is clearer for all of us.Again, thank you and Panim Hadashot for a truly wonderful and moving Shabbat!
*******
This letter helps to confirm for me the value of the original idea of Panim Hadashot: If Judaism is to become meaningful again for many Jews, connected or disconnected, from Jewish life, it has to start at home. I realized after 20 years in the congregational pulpit that sermons rarely change people, but going into Jewish homes to share the loveliness of Shabbat would deeply touch those around the table. It isn't even enough to invite people to the rabbi's home. A rabbi should be willing to teach and model Judaism in the home of other Jews. In this way, Jews will begin to imagine the roadmap to restoring a joyous Shabbat in their homes.
This realization meant a radical rethinking of the role and activities of the rabbi. It led me to question the effectiveness of the modern synagogue as it is now constituted. It led me to question the expectations put on contemporary rabbis which are so destructive to the rabbinate and the communities rabbi's serve. It led me to question the over emphasis on communal worship in big sanctuaries Heschel wrote that modern Jews are totally focused on the ephemeral and have abandoned the eternal. I believe deeply that Shabbat is the Jewish expression of eternity. Like any spiritual practice, it requires attention and mentoring. How could we dare neglect the greatest spiritual resource and teaching in our tradition. This understanding forced me to focus on a model of the rabbinate that would allow me to teach, mentor, and model a taste of eternity.
Panim Hadashot means new faces. The host wrote of the joy of having new faces at her table. I am deeply committed to restoring the centrality of Hachnasat Orchim-hospitality to Jewish life. Hospitality is not about serving cookies. It is a spiritual and philosophical openness to the other. This is expressed in Judaism by the act of sharing our Shabbat tables not only with our family and friends, but with acquaintances and strangers. A commitment to hospitality engenders a regard for the other, a respect for human diversity, a tolerance for difference, and ultimately a 'ahavat haberiot' a love for people. I consider the act of inviting a stranger to the Shabbat table a fulfillment of the Torah's command, "Love your neighbor as yourself."
Contemporary Judaism suffers from many different forms of insularity: the separateness inherited from the tradition that insisted we distance ourselves from non-Jews; the pervasive social cliquishness of many Jewish communities; the inflated elitism of many committed Jews who look down on those who know or do less. While we can be proud that our tradition does not insist on saving the souls of every non-believer, we should not be proud of a pervasive insularity that has so diminished the value of true hospitality in our tradition. I have set as my goal to bring back this openness and graciousness to Jewish life. Shabbat is our door into eternity. How could we not share it with others?
Rabbi Dov Gartenberg 11/8/05 - 6 Heshvan 5766
Monday, November 7, 2005
New Faces of Judaism: Weekly E-Newsletter
Monday, November 7-Sunday November 13, 2005
5 Heshvan 5766. Portion of the Week: Lech Lecha Genesis 12
______________________________________________________________________
Panim Hadashot Activities This Week:
Sat. 11/12 1-2:30pm. NEW Time 70 Faces of Torah (for adults) Interactive Torah Reading: LINK
Sat. 11/12 4-5:30pm. Handling Old Baggage: Discussion-"Jewish Identity in a Confusing Age' led by Rabbi Gartenberg LINK
Sun. 11/13 11am-12. Rabbi Gartenberg brings Torah to Barnes and Noble, Downtown Bellevue. LINK
Some Upcoming Panim Hadashot Activities after Nov. 13th
Sat. 11/19 NEW Havruta-Interpersonal Jewish Learning. "Different Faces of God" LINK
Fri. 12/2 Shabbat Dinner for Interfaith Couples and Families LINK
Support the Groundbreaking Work of Panim Hadashot. Become a Haver-Friend LINK
_______________________________________________________________________
Panim Hadashot, New Faces of Judaism, is a new endeavor of Jewish learning, celebration, and outreach. Our website is at www.panimhadashot.com. Panim Hadashot is the winner of the Levitan Innovation Award and is endorsed by the Union of Reform Judaism and the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism.
Panim Hadashot is a 501c3 non-profit organization.
Founder and Rabbi, Dov Gartenberg: rabbidov@panimhadashot.com or 206 525-0648
To contact us: Call 206 280-3715 or email dorothy@panimhadashot.com.
To subscribe or unsubscribe, send request to dorothy@panimhadashot.com.
Monday, November 7-Sunday November 13, 2005
5 Heshvan 5766. Portion of the Week: Lech Lecha Genesis 12
______________________________________________________________________
Panim Hadashot Activities This Week:
Sat. 11/12 1-2:30pm. NEW Time 70 Faces of Torah (for adults) Interactive Torah Reading: LINK
Sat. 11/12 4-5:30pm. Handling Old Baggage: Discussion-"Jewish Identity in a Confusing Age' led by Rabbi Gartenberg LINK
Sun. 11/13 11am-12. Rabbi Gartenberg brings Torah to Barnes and Noble, Downtown Bellevue. LINK
Some Upcoming Panim Hadashot Activities after Nov. 13th
Sat. 11/19 NEW Havruta-Interpersonal Jewish Learning. "Different Faces of God" LINK
Fri. 12/2 Shabbat Dinner for Interfaith Couples and Families LINK
Support the Groundbreaking Work of Panim Hadashot. Become a Haver-Friend LINK
_______________________________________________________________________
Panim Hadashot, New Faces of Judaism, is a new endeavor of Jewish learning, celebration, and outreach. Our website is at www.panimhadashot.com. Panim Hadashot is the winner of the Levitan Innovation Award and is endorsed by the Union of Reform Judaism and the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism.
Panim Hadashot is a 501c3 non-profit organization.
Founder and Rabbi, Dov Gartenberg: rabbidov@panimhadashot.com or 206 525-0648
To contact us: Call 206 280-3715 or email dorothy@panimhadashot.com.
To subscribe or unsubscribe, send request to dorothy@panimhadashot.com.
Monday, October 31, 2005
Panim Hadshot Weekly Enewsletter Oct 31-Nov 6, 2006
Panim Hadshot Weekly Enewsletter Oct 31-Nov 6, 2006
Weekly Panim E-Newsletter: Monday, Oct. 31, 2005
New Faces of Judaism
E-Newsletter: Weekly Update on the Activities of Panim Hadashot
Monday, October 31, 2005; 21 Tishrei 2005; Portion of the Week, Noach
_______________________________________________
Having trouble reading this email? Find it online at our news page.
Panim Hadashot, New Faces of Judaism is a new Jewish endeavor of learning, celebration, and outreach. Panim Hadashot is the winner of the Levitan Innovation Award and is endorsed by the Union for Reform Judaism and the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism. Panim Hadashot is a 501c3 non-profit organization. For general information go to www.panimhadashot.com.
Contact us: Program and event information:
Dorothy Glass at 206 280-3715, and dorothy@panimhadashot.com.
Learning, Exploring, Questioning Judaism call our Founder and Rabbi, Dov Gartenberg rabbidov@panimhadashot.com. 206 525-0648.
Email Recipients: Please send correspondence, subscribe and unsubcribe requests to dorothy@panimhadashot.com.
In Brief:
1. Changes Coming in the Panim Hadashot Program: A Brief Message from Rabbi Gartenberg (see below)
Shabbat Around Seattle continues to grow, Shabbat Afternoon Programs are next.
Announcing Havruta: Interpersonal Jewish Learning
70 Faces of Torah moves to the afternoon
2. This Coming Shabbat at Panim Hadashot Shabbat afternoon*, Nov. 5th:
Jews by Choice Discuss Their Journeys, Sat. 2-3:30pm
70 Faces of Torah Interactive Torah Reading for Families; Sat. 4-5:30pm
*Shabbat around Seattle is full on Nov. 4th.
3. Special Programs During the Month of November
Check out opportunities for learning, feasting, and fellowship with Panim Hadashot in November
4. Support Panim Hadashot's Innovative Community Wide and Innovative Approach to Jewish Life.
_________________________________________________
1. Changes Coming in the Panim Hadashot Program: A Brief Message from Rabbi Gartenberg
To friends at Panim Hadashot,
As our activities and our impact grow we continue to receive feedback from people touched by our approach. In the programatic front I have learned a couple of lessons.
First, there is a real hunger for a rich Shabbat home experience. That is the reason why our Shabbat around Seattle program continues to be popular and expanding as more people ask Panim Hadashot to host a Shabbat feast at their homes. We will continue to refine Shabbat around Seattle and will offer more wonderful festival feasts like the Rosh Hashannah seder we held at Talaris on the first night of Rosh Hashannah.
Second, Panim has offered both Shabbat morning and Shabbat afternoon programs during the past year. We have concluded that Panim Hadashot's unique approach would best serve the community by concentrating our unique gatherings of learning and sacred feasts on Shabbat afternoon. Later this week we will unveil our new programming schedule that will show a concentration of programs and events on Shabbat afternoons. On the High Holiday our Rosh Hashannah and Yom Kippur afternoon programs received very positive feedback. So we have applied the lesson from those days to our Shabbat afternoon program, offering simular interactive and interpersonal learning experiences on themes and texts that show Judaism's greatness, depth, and enduring relevance. 70 Faces of Torah, our unique interactive Torah reading will move to once a month on Shabbat afternoons. New learning programs that emphasize interpersonal study and theme based study will be introduced.
We recognize that many people involved in Panim Hadashot attend synagogue on Shabbat mornings, attending Bar and Bat Mitzvahs and enjoying the diversity of prayer services our community offers. We honor and support that commitment. We will focus on growing our Shabbat afternoon experience which enables us to focus on learning and the unique celebrations that end the Shabbat.
We are in the last stages of refining our revised program emphasis. The new program descriptions will be posted on our web site later this week.
Weekly Panim E-Newsletter: Monday, Oct. 31, 2005
New Faces of Judaism
E-Newsletter: Weekly Update on the Activities of Panim Hadashot
Monday, October 31, 2005; 21 Tishrei 2005; Portion of the Week, Noach
_______________________________________________
Having trouble reading this email? Find it online at our news page.
Panim Hadashot, New Faces of Judaism is a new Jewish endeavor of learning, celebration, and outreach. Panim Hadashot is the winner of the Levitan Innovation Award and is endorsed by the Union for Reform Judaism and the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism. Panim Hadashot is a 501c3 non-profit organization. For general information go to www.panimhadashot.com.
Contact us: Program and event information:
Dorothy Glass at 206 280-3715, and dorothy@panimhadashot.com.
Learning, Exploring, Questioning Judaism call our Founder and Rabbi, Dov Gartenberg rabbidov@panimhadashot.com. 206 525-0648.
Email Recipients: Please send correspondence, subscribe and unsubcribe requests to dorothy@panimhadashot.com.
In Brief:
1. Changes Coming in the Panim Hadashot Program: A Brief Message from Rabbi Gartenberg (see below)
Shabbat Around Seattle continues to grow, Shabbat Afternoon Programs are next.
Announcing Havruta: Interpersonal Jewish Learning
70 Faces of Torah moves to the afternoon
2. This Coming Shabbat at Panim Hadashot Shabbat afternoon*, Nov. 5th:
Jews by Choice Discuss Their Journeys, Sat. 2-3:30pm
70 Faces of Torah Interactive Torah Reading for Families; Sat. 4-5:30pm
*Shabbat around Seattle is full on Nov. 4th.
3. Special Programs During the Month of November
Check out opportunities for learning, feasting, and fellowship with Panim Hadashot in November
4. Support Panim Hadashot's Innovative Community Wide and Innovative Approach to Jewish Life.
_________________________________________________
1. Changes Coming in the Panim Hadashot Program: A Brief Message from Rabbi Gartenberg
To friends at Panim Hadashot,
As our activities and our impact grow we continue to receive feedback from people touched by our approach. In the programatic front I have learned a couple of lessons.
First, there is a real hunger for a rich Shabbat home experience. That is the reason why our Shabbat around Seattle program continues to be popular and expanding as more people ask Panim Hadashot to host a Shabbat feast at their homes. We will continue to refine Shabbat around Seattle and will offer more wonderful festival feasts like the Rosh Hashannah seder we held at Talaris on the first night of Rosh Hashannah.
Second, Panim has offered both Shabbat morning and Shabbat afternoon programs during the past year. We have concluded that Panim Hadashot's unique approach would best serve the community by concentrating our unique gatherings of learning and sacred feasts on Shabbat afternoon. Later this week we will unveil our new programming schedule that will show a concentration of programs and events on Shabbat afternoons. On the High Holiday our Rosh Hashannah and Yom Kippur afternoon programs received very positive feedback. So we have applied the lesson from those days to our Shabbat afternoon program, offering simular interactive and interpersonal learning experiences on themes and texts that show Judaism's greatness, depth, and enduring relevance. 70 Faces of Torah, our unique interactive Torah reading will move to once a month on Shabbat afternoons. New learning programs that emphasize interpersonal study and theme based study will be introduced.
We recognize that many people involved in Panim Hadashot attend synagogue on Shabbat mornings, attending Bar and Bat Mitzvahs and enjoying the diversity of prayer services our community offers. We honor and support that commitment. We will focus on growing our Shabbat afternoon experience which enables us to focus on learning and the unique celebrations that end the Shabbat.
We are in the last stages of refining our revised program emphasis. The new program descriptions will be posted on our web site later this week.
Sunday, October 23, 2005
Weekly Panim E-Newsletter: Monday, Oct. 23, 2005
Weekly Panim E-Newsletter: Monday, Oct. 23, 2005
New Faces of Judaism
E-Newsletter: Weekly Update on the Activities of Panim Hadashot
Monday, October 23, 2005; 21 Tishrei 2005; Eve of Shemini Atzeret-Simchat Torah
________________________________________________
In this E-Newsletter
Refuse to Succumb to Compassion Fatigue
A Wonderful Piece on Shabbat on NPR
Shabbat Around Seattle, South Bellevue, Fri. Oct. 28th
70 Faces of Torah. Shabbat Morning. Shabbat Oct. 29
Family Program: Shabbas Stew, Shabbat Aft. Oct 29th
Panim Hadashot in the News
Details
1. Refuse to Succumb to Compassion Fatigue
We continue to witness a world plagued with natural and man made disasters. The Kashmir earthquake and the genocide in Darfur continue to remind us that we live in a broken world. Here is a way to help. LINK
2. A Wonderful Piece on Shabbat on NPR
3. Shabbat Around Seattle, South Bellevue, Fri. Oct. 28th 6:30 PM LINK
Theme: Living with Differences: How to Approach Differences over Judaism with Families and Relationships. Click link for details and rsvp information. The dinner is filling up so rsvp asap.
4. 70 Faces of Torah: Shabbat Oct. 29 11-12pm LINK
Join us for engaging learning on the Garden of Eden story. Panim Hadashot Beit Midrash. Kiddush follows. See link for details.
5. Family Program: Shabbas Stew, Saturday afternoon: October 29. LINK
A wonderful Shabbat ending experience for young families. Click the link for details and rsvp.
6. Panim Hadashot in the News
Here are links to two articles in the local press about Panim Hadashot's High Holiday Activities. JT News Article on the PH Rosh Hashannah Seder. Seattle PI article on Panim Hadashot. I have also included a letter to the editor to show the first public controversy around Panim Hadashot. What do you think?
Also, the latest news is just fresh off the press. Rabbi Gartenberg has been invited to be a part of the Synagogue 3000 Leadership Network (a nationally recognized organization committed to synagogue renewal)and will be joining the Working Group on Emergent Sacred Communities, a select group of Jewish leaders from around the country who are "committed to the establishment of transformative spiritual communities unbound by conventional expectations about what a synagogue is 'supposed' to be." Synagogue 3000's invitation is another indication that Panim Hadashot is being noticed for its innovative approach to Jewish life. This honor and consultation will also enable us to share our ideas with a wider circle and learn new approaches being tried around the country.
New Faces of Judaism
E-Newsletter: Weekly Update on the Activities of Panim Hadashot
Monday, October 23, 2005; 21 Tishrei 2005; Eve of Shemini Atzeret-Simchat Torah
________________________________________________
In this E-Newsletter
Refuse to Succumb to Compassion Fatigue
A Wonderful Piece on Shabbat on NPR
Shabbat Around Seattle, South Bellevue, Fri. Oct. 28th
70 Faces of Torah. Shabbat Morning. Shabbat Oct. 29
Family Program: Shabbas Stew, Shabbat Aft. Oct 29th
Panim Hadashot in the News
Details
1. Refuse to Succumb to Compassion Fatigue
We continue to witness a world plagued with natural and man made disasters. The Kashmir earthquake and the genocide in Darfur continue to remind us that we live in a broken world. Here is a way to help. LINK
2. A Wonderful Piece on Shabbat on NPR
3. Shabbat Around Seattle, South Bellevue, Fri. Oct. 28th 6:30 PM LINK
Theme: Living with Differences: How to Approach Differences over Judaism with Families and Relationships. Click link for details and rsvp information. The dinner is filling up so rsvp asap.
4. 70 Faces of Torah: Shabbat Oct. 29 11-12pm LINK
Join us for engaging learning on the Garden of Eden story. Panim Hadashot Beit Midrash. Kiddush follows. See link for details.
5. Family Program: Shabbas Stew, Saturday afternoon: October 29. LINK
A wonderful Shabbat ending experience for young families. Click the link for details and rsvp.
6. Panim Hadashot in the News
Here are links to two articles in the local press about Panim Hadashot's High Holiday Activities. JT News Article on the PH Rosh Hashannah Seder. Seattle PI article on Panim Hadashot. I have also included a letter to the editor to show the first public controversy around Panim Hadashot. What do you think?
Also, the latest news is just fresh off the press. Rabbi Gartenberg has been invited to be a part of the Synagogue 3000 Leadership Network (a nationally recognized organization committed to synagogue renewal)and will be joining the Working Group on Emergent Sacred Communities, a select group of Jewish leaders from around the country who are "committed to the establishment of transformative spiritual communities unbound by conventional expectations about what a synagogue is 'supposed' to be." Synagogue 3000's invitation is another indication that Panim Hadashot is being noticed for its innovative approach to Jewish life. This honor and consultation will also enable us to share our ideas with a wider circle and learn new approaches being tried around the country.
Monday, October 17, 2005
Retrospective on the High Holidays
Retrospective on the High Holidays
From Rabbi Dov Gartenberg
More than 300 persons attended a variety of experiences. These included a groundbreaking Rosh Hashannah Seder, unique interactive learning sessions on the theme of Teshuvah with the Gottmans, a sustained exploration of two great texts, the Binding of Isaac and the Book of Jonah, and a unique Kol Nidre Service for the Ambivalent with a forum on prayer and belief. I know that these experiences departed from the standard offerings of these Days of Awe, so I particularly appreciate your openness to this approach. We welcome feedback from all of you who attended, since it helps us to refine our approach and strengthen our vision.
I want to share with you briefly the vision that animates what we are doing not only on the High Holidays, but throughout the year. We focus on the great traditions of the Jewish sacred feasts and on the heritage of learning and text study. We believe that gathering people around a table for a Shabbat or festival celebration or linking people together around the study of a great text enhances a sense of common heritage among Jews. These activities capture what we love about Judaism: joyful sanctification of everyday life , reverence for learning and questioning and serious inquiry on life’s important questions.
With the Rosh Hashannah seder we experienced how a feast can prepare us for the new year. We shared with you a feast for all the senses, grounded in distinctive Sephardic traditions - a joyful welcoming of the new year with family and friends.
We offered the interactive learning sessions on Rosh Hashannah and Yom Kippur exploring the great spiritual themes of these days in direct, thought-provoking, and engaging ways. Many people shared with me how these sessions opened their minds and helped them connect to others through shared study and reflection. For me sharing these texts with you is a mitzvah, for it helps connect all of us to the ongoing conversation of a living tradition that is so full of life, wisdom and relevance. We hope that these sessions engaged your mind, but most of all, touched your heart.
Panim Hadashot is an experiment, an attempt to infuse our Jewish lives with new energy and to instill love in people for Judaism’s enduring and greatest traditions and values. We present Judaism with pride and insist on its relevance. We do so with a respect for the diversity of Jewish expression and beliefs. We hope you will continue to support our efforts to engage people with our vital tradition. We invite you to attend our Fall programs, to consider volunteering, or extending financial support by becoming a Haver-a friend of Panim Hadashot.
Please call me with your feedback, ideas, and interest. Please feel free to contact me at rabbidov@panimhadashot.com. or 206 525-0648. We invite you to be on our e-newsletter list through which we send timely announcements and thought provoking pieces. To sign up contact, Dorothy Glass at Dorothy@panimhadashot.com or 206 280-3710.
From Rabbi Dov Gartenberg
More than 300 persons attended a variety of experiences. These included a groundbreaking Rosh Hashannah Seder, unique interactive learning sessions on the theme of Teshuvah with the Gottmans, a sustained exploration of two great texts, the Binding of Isaac and the Book of Jonah, and a unique Kol Nidre Service for the Ambivalent with a forum on prayer and belief. I know that these experiences departed from the standard offerings of these Days of Awe, so I particularly appreciate your openness to this approach. We welcome feedback from all of you who attended, since it helps us to refine our approach and strengthen our vision.
I want to share with you briefly the vision that animates what we are doing not only on the High Holidays, but throughout the year. We focus on the great traditions of the Jewish sacred feasts and on the heritage of learning and text study. We believe that gathering people around a table for a Shabbat or festival celebration or linking people together around the study of a great text enhances a sense of common heritage among Jews. These activities capture what we love about Judaism: joyful sanctification of everyday life , reverence for learning and questioning and serious inquiry on life’s important questions.
With the Rosh Hashannah seder we experienced how a feast can prepare us for the new year. We shared with you a feast for all the senses, grounded in distinctive Sephardic traditions - a joyful welcoming of the new year with family and friends.
We offered the interactive learning sessions on Rosh Hashannah and Yom Kippur exploring the great spiritual themes of these days in direct, thought-provoking, and engaging ways. Many people shared with me how these sessions opened their minds and helped them connect to others through shared study and reflection. For me sharing these texts with you is a mitzvah, for it helps connect all of us to the ongoing conversation of a living tradition that is so full of life, wisdom and relevance. We hope that these sessions engaged your mind, but most of all, touched your heart.
Panim Hadashot is an experiment, an attempt to infuse our Jewish lives with new energy and to instill love in people for Judaism’s enduring and greatest traditions and values. We present Judaism with pride and insist on its relevance. We do so with a respect for the diversity of Jewish expression and beliefs. We hope you will continue to support our efforts to engage people with our vital tradition. We invite you to attend our Fall programs, to consider volunteering, or extending financial support by becoming a Haver-a friend of Panim Hadashot.
Please call me with your feedback, ideas, and interest. Please feel free to contact me at rabbidov@panimhadashot.com. or 206 525-0648. We invite you to be on our e-newsletter list through which we send timely announcements and thought provoking pieces. To sign up contact, Dorothy Glass at Dorothy@panimhadashot.com or 206 280-3710.
Weekly Panim E-Newsletter: Monday, Oct. 17, 2005
Weekly Panim E-Newsletter: Monday, Oct. 17, 2005
New Faces of Judaism
E-Newsletter: Weekly Update on the Activities of Panim Hadashot
Monday, October 17, 2005; 14 Tishrei 2005; Eve of Succot-Erev Succot
________________________________________________
In this E-Newsletter
Panim Hadashot Succot Activities
Shabbat Around Seattle, South Bellevue, Fri. Oct. 28th
Family Program: Shabbas Stew, October 29th
Panim Hadashot in the News
Rabbiblog: A Retrospective on the High Holidays
Details
Panim Hadashot Succot Activities
Rabbi Dov welcomes you into his spacious and colorful succah. Here is a quick listing of events: Please let us know you are coming to the first two by sending a rsvp@panimhadashot.com. or calling Rabbi Dov at 206 525-0648. The Open Sukkah does not need rsvp. Just come.
The Succah is located at 3827 NE 90th St. Seattle.
Succot dairly potluck feast for families, Sunday 10/23 1-3pm.
Friday evening Shabbat-Succot dinner (adults, including teens) on 10/21 at 6:30pm.
Open Succah: Drop in, shmooze with Rabbi Dov: Sunday 10/23 3-6pm.
2. Shabbat Around Seattle, South Bellevue, Fri. Oct. 28th
Shabbat around Seattle is Panim Hadashot's award winning program in which we bring Shabbat to neighborhoods all around Seattle. Our next Shabbat Around Seattle will take place on the East Side, in Factoria on Friday night October 28th hosted by the Plum Family. This Friday night will be for adults and older families. If you would like to join Rabbi Dov for a wonderful Friday evening and a beautiful Shabbat experience, please call Dorothy Glass at 206 280-3715 for details.
3. Family Program: Shabbas Stew, October 29th
Shabbat afternoon 10/29 4:30-6:00pm at Rabbi Dov's Beit Midrash. This is a lovely time for younger families to gather and celebrate the end of Shabbat with story, song, and the traditional food of Shabbat, cholent. This is also a way to meet other families and share in a really uplifting Shabbat experience. Because of limited space, please contact contact rsvp@panimhadashot.com or call Rabbi Dov at 206 525-0648.
4. Panim Hadashot in the News
Here are links to two articles in the local press about Panim Hadashot's High Holiday Activities. JT News Article on the PH Rosh Hashannah Seder. Seattle PI article on Panim Hadashot. I have also included a letter to the editor to show the first public controversy around Panim Hadashot. What do you think?
Also, the latest news is just fresh off the press. Rabbi Gartenberg has been invited to be a part of the Synagogue 3000 Leadership Network (a nationally recognized organization committed to synagogue renewal)and will be joining the Working Group on Emergent Sacred Communities, a select group of Jewish leaders from around the country who are "committed to the establishment of transformative spiritual communities unbound by conventional expectations about what a synagogue is 'supposed' to be." Synagogue 3000's invitation is another indication that Panim Hadashot is being noticed for its innovative approach to Jewish life. This honor and consultation will also enable us to share our ideas with a wider circle and learn new approaches being tried around the country.
5. A Retrospective on the High Holidays
Rabbi Dov has written a short and thoughtful piece about the inaugural Panim Hadashot High Holidays program. You may read it on the rabbiblog. We welcome feedback on the High Holidays and all our programs. Please write Rabbi Dov Gartenberg at rabbidov@panimhadashot.com.
Hag Same'ah-A Joyous Festival
**********************************************************************************
Panim Hadashot, New Faces of Judaism is a new Jewish endeavor of learning, celebration, and outreach. Panim Hadashot is the winner of the Levitan Innovation Award and is endorsed by the Union for Reform Judaism and the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism. Panim Hadashot is a 501c3 non-profit organization.
For general information go to www.panimhadashot.com.
Contact us: General Information: Dorothy Glass at 206 280-3715, dorothy@panimhadashot.com
or Rabbi Dov Gartenberg rabbi@panimhadashot.com. 206 525-0648
Email Recipients: Please send correspondence, subscribe and unsubcribe requests to dorothy@panimhadashot.com.
New Faces of Judaism
E-Newsletter: Weekly Update on the Activities of Panim Hadashot
Monday, October 17, 2005; 14 Tishrei 2005; Eve of Succot-Erev Succot
________________________________________________
In this E-Newsletter
Panim Hadashot Succot Activities
Shabbat Around Seattle, South Bellevue, Fri. Oct. 28th
Family Program: Shabbas Stew, October 29th
Panim Hadashot in the News
Rabbiblog: A Retrospective on the High Holidays
Details
Panim Hadashot Succot Activities
Rabbi Dov welcomes you into his spacious and colorful succah. Here is a quick listing of events: Please let us know you are coming to the first two by sending a rsvp@panimhadashot.com. or calling Rabbi Dov at 206 525-0648. The Open Sukkah does not need rsvp. Just come.
The Succah is located at 3827 NE 90th St. Seattle.
Succot dairly potluck feast for families, Sunday 10/23 1-3pm.
Friday evening Shabbat-Succot dinner (adults, including teens) on 10/21 at 6:30pm.
Open Succah: Drop in, shmooze with Rabbi Dov: Sunday 10/23 3-6pm.
2. Shabbat Around Seattle, South Bellevue, Fri. Oct. 28th
Shabbat around Seattle is Panim Hadashot's award winning program in which we bring Shabbat to neighborhoods all around Seattle. Our next Shabbat Around Seattle will take place on the East Side, in Factoria on Friday night October 28th hosted by the Plum Family. This Friday night will be for adults and older families. If you would like to join Rabbi Dov for a wonderful Friday evening and a beautiful Shabbat experience, please call Dorothy Glass at 206 280-3715 for details.
3. Family Program: Shabbas Stew, October 29th
Shabbat afternoon 10/29 4:30-6:00pm at Rabbi Dov's Beit Midrash. This is a lovely time for younger families to gather and celebrate the end of Shabbat with story, song, and the traditional food of Shabbat, cholent. This is also a way to meet other families and share in a really uplifting Shabbat experience. Because of limited space, please contact contact rsvp@panimhadashot.com or call Rabbi Dov at 206 525-0648.
4. Panim Hadashot in the News
Here are links to two articles in the local press about Panim Hadashot's High Holiday Activities. JT News Article on the PH Rosh Hashannah Seder. Seattle PI article on Panim Hadashot. I have also included a letter to the editor to show the first public controversy around Panim Hadashot. What do you think?
Also, the latest news is just fresh off the press. Rabbi Gartenberg has been invited to be a part of the Synagogue 3000 Leadership Network (a nationally recognized organization committed to synagogue renewal)and will be joining the Working Group on Emergent Sacred Communities, a select group of Jewish leaders from around the country who are "committed to the establishment of transformative spiritual communities unbound by conventional expectations about what a synagogue is 'supposed' to be." Synagogue 3000's invitation is another indication that Panim Hadashot is being noticed for its innovative approach to Jewish life. This honor and consultation will also enable us to share our ideas with a wider circle and learn new approaches being tried around the country.
5. A Retrospective on the High Holidays
Rabbi Dov has written a short and thoughtful piece about the inaugural Panim Hadashot High Holidays program. You may read it on the rabbiblog. We welcome feedback on the High Holidays and all our programs. Please write Rabbi Dov Gartenberg at rabbidov@panimhadashot.com.
Hag Same'ah-A Joyous Festival
**********************************************************************************
Panim Hadashot, New Faces of Judaism is a new Jewish endeavor of learning, celebration, and outreach. Panim Hadashot is the winner of the Levitan Innovation Award and is endorsed by the Union for Reform Judaism and the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism. Panim Hadashot is a 501c3 non-profit organization.
For general information go to www.panimhadashot.com.
Contact us: General Information: Dorothy Glass at 206 280-3715, dorothy@panimhadashot.com
or Rabbi Dov Gartenberg rabbi@panimhadashot.com. 206 525-0648
Email Recipients: Please send correspondence, subscribe and unsubcribe requests to dorothy@panimhadashot.com.
Saturday, October 8, 2005
Yom Kippur Schedule
Schedule of Yom Kippur Program of Panim Hadashot
Kol Nidre Wednesday Eve 10/12
This evening will take place at the Meadowbrook Community Center
Meadowbrook Community Center 10517 35th Ave. NE, Seattle 98125 (206)684-7522 Directions
6:15-7:15 Kol Nidre A Service for the Spiritually Ambivalent: Services Led by Fay Gartenberg , Sara Itkin, and Rabbi Gartenberg
7:15-8:45 Forum. Why Pray When I Struggle to Believe in God led by Rabbi Gartenberg
Yom Kippur Thursday 10/13
Our Yom Kippur day program is learning centered, featuring dynamic and interactive sessions led by skilled and dynamic teachers. We add specific elements of the Yom Kippur service, but do not offer a complete prayer service. We hold our programs in the afternoon so people may attend local synagogues for morning services. All day programs will take place at the Talaris Conference Center , Cedar Room .
Talaris Conference Center 4000 NE 41st StreetSeattle, WA 98105206-268-7000 Directions
2:00-2:45 Yizkor Led by Rabbi Gartenberg
2:45-4:30 Interactive Haftarah Reading-The Book of Jonah, chapter 4: Rabbi Gartenberg will guide people through one of the great chapters in the Bible.
4:45-6:30 Teshuvah and the Transformation of Relationships. Reconcilation with God and Ourselves. Rabbi Gartenberg, Drs. John and Julie Gottman
6:30-7:10 Neilah-Closing Service and the final Shofar Blast
All are welcome. We do ask people to RSVP so we can assure everyone a seat. Please call Dorothy at 206 280-3715 or email here at dorothy@panimhadashot.com. Rabbi Gartenberg is also available to answer questions and tell you more about the growing activities of Panim Hadashot-New Faces of Judaism. Go to our website at www.panimhadashot.com to catch the excitement.
Kol Nidre Wednesday Eve 10/12
This evening will take place at the Meadowbrook Community Center
Meadowbrook Community Center 10517 35th Ave. NE, Seattle 98125 (206)684-7522 Directions
6:15-7:15 Kol Nidre A Service for the Spiritually Ambivalent: Services Led by Fay Gartenberg , Sara Itkin, and Rabbi Gartenberg
7:15-8:45 Forum. Why Pray When I Struggle to Believe in God led by Rabbi Gartenberg
Yom Kippur Thursday 10/13
Our Yom Kippur day program is learning centered, featuring dynamic and interactive sessions led by skilled and dynamic teachers. We add specific elements of the Yom Kippur service, but do not offer a complete prayer service. We hold our programs in the afternoon so people may attend local synagogues for morning services. All day programs will take place at the Talaris Conference Center , Cedar Room .
Talaris Conference Center 4000 NE 41st StreetSeattle, WA 98105206-268-7000 Directions
2:00-2:45 Yizkor Led by Rabbi Gartenberg
2:45-4:30 Interactive Haftarah Reading-The Book of Jonah, chapter 4: Rabbi Gartenberg will guide people through one of the great chapters in the Bible.
4:45-6:30 Teshuvah and the Transformation of Relationships. Reconcilation with God and Ourselves. Rabbi Gartenberg, Drs. John and Julie Gottman
6:30-7:10 Neilah-Closing Service and the final Shofar Blast
All are welcome. We do ask people to RSVP so we can assure everyone a seat. Please call Dorothy at 206 280-3715 or email here at dorothy@panimhadashot.com. Rabbi Gartenberg is also available to answer questions and tell you more about the growing activities of Panim Hadashot-New Faces of Judaism. Go to our website at www.panimhadashot.com to catch the excitement.
Thursday, October 6, 2005
Panim Hadashot Weekly Enewsletter
Panim Hadashot Weekly Enewsletter
New Faces of Judaism
E-Newsletter: Weekly Update on the Activities of Panim Hadashot
Thursday, October 6, 2005, 3 Tishrei 5766. Volume 2, Issue 13
A seder plate from Panim Hadashot's Rosh Hashannah Seder. For more photos and an account of our Rosh Hashannah experience, click on Rodancha.
Announcing a new Panim Hadashot Outreach Program in Jewish learning.
Torah at Barnes and Noble. Downtown Bellevue, Sunday at 10/9/05, 2005 Click to get more details. Below is the announcement from Barnes and Noble.
Downtown Bellevue Barnes & Noble will begin hosting a new monthly Book Group, The Art of Jewish Reading, beginning on Sunday, October 9th at 11:00 am. Facilitated by Rabbi Dov Gartenberg of Panim Hadashot, New Faces of Judaism, this book group will meet the second Sunday of each month to unveil the rich universe of rabbinic biblical commentary, Talmudic story and more. It is said that Jewish culture cultivated the art of deep reading, of plumbing the classical texts with imaginative and perceptive questioning - this book group is in honor of such tradition, and all are welcome.
Barnes and Noble Booksellers
626 106th Ave. NE
Downtown Bellevue
425 451-8463
What is Happening at Panim Hadashot this Shabbat and Coming Week? (Click on link for location and details. Open events unless indicated otherwise)
Shabbat: 10/8 10:45am welcome. 11-12pm 70 Faces of Torah: Feel connected to a living and vital Judaism. Followed by Shabbat Kiddush with singing of Zemirot-table songs and Shirim-popular Jewish songs. Location: Panim Hadashot Beit Midrash. For details, click here
Kol Nidre Wednesday Eve 10/12
This evening will take place at the Meadowbrook Community Center
Meadowbrook Community Center10517 35th Ave. NE,Seattle 98125 (206)684-7522 Directions
6:15-7:15 Kol Nidre A Service for the Ambivalent Services Led by Fay Gartenberg and Rabbi Gartenberg
7:15-8:45 Forum. Why Pray When I Struggle to Believe in God led by Rabbi Gartenberg
Yom Kippur Thursday 10/13
All programs will take place at the Talaris Conference Center
2:00-2:45 Yizkor with the Unetaneh Tokef Prayer Led by Rabbi Gartenberg
2:45-4:30 Interactive Haftarah Reading-The Book of Jonah, chapter 4: Rabbi Gartenberg will teach on God's Displeasure with Vindictive People.
4:45-6:30 Teshuvah and the Transformation of Relationships. Rabbi Gartenberg, Drs. John and Julie Gottman
6:30-7:10 Neilah-Closing Service and Shofar Blast
For more details click here.
Sign up now. There is still space!!!
When is the Next Shabbat Around Seattle Program?
October 21: Shabbat in the Succah! North End. Adult and Adolescents
October 28: Shabbat in Bellevue: Adult oriented
November 4: Shabbat in Queen Anne: Young Family
Classes and Learning is Panim offering for adults?
Living the Jewish Year: Close Encounters with the Jewish Way of Life. Open Enrollment Now
Bring Shabbat to Your Home: A Hands On Workshop. Starting 11/2
Family programs and parenting programs?
Will be announced in next week's newsletter.
How can I support the groundbreaking work of Panim Hadashot?
Learn How to Become a Haver-a Friend of Panim Hadashot
Become an outreach or oganizational volunteer partner-Shutaf
How can I learn more about the unique approach and ideas behind the creation of Panim Hadahsot-New Faces of Judaism?
Check out Rabbi Dov's Rabbiblog for writings and reflections on Panim and other matters.
______________________________________________________________________
Panim Hadashot, New Faces of Judaism is a new Jewish endeavor of learning, celebration, and outreach. Panim Hadashot is the winner of the Levitan Innovation Award and is endorsed by the Union for Reform Judaism and the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism. Panim Hadashot is a 501c3 non-profit organization. For general information go to www.panimhadashot.com.
Contact us: General Information: Dorothy Glass at 206 280-3715, dorothy@panimhadashot.com
or Rabbi Dov Gartenberg rabbi@panimhadashot.com. 206 525-0648
Email Recipients: Please send correspondence, subscribe and unsubcribe requests to dorothy@panimhadashot.com. Having trouble reading this email? Find it online at our news page
New Faces of Judaism
E-Newsletter: Weekly Update on the Activities of Panim Hadashot
Thursday, October 6, 2005, 3 Tishrei 5766. Volume 2, Issue 13
A seder plate from Panim Hadashot's Rosh Hashannah Seder. For more photos and an account of our Rosh Hashannah experience, click on Rodancha.
Announcing a new Panim Hadashot Outreach Program in Jewish learning.
Torah at Barnes and Noble. Downtown Bellevue, Sunday at 10/9/05, 2005 Click to get more details. Below is the announcement from Barnes and Noble.
Downtown Bellevue Barnes & Noble will begin hosting a new monthly Book Group, The Art of Jewish Reading, beginning on Sunday, October 9th at 11:00 am. Facilitated by Rabbi Dov Gartenberg of Panim Hadashot, New Faces of Judaism, this book group will meet the second Sunday of each month to unveil the rich universe of rabbinic biblical commentary, Talmudic story and more. It is said that Jewish culture cultivated the art of deep reading, of plumbing the classical texts with imaginative and perceptive questioning - this book group is in honor of such tradition, and all are welcome.
Barnes and Noble Booksellers
626 106th Ave. NE
Downtown Bellevue
425 451-8463
What is Happening at Panim Hadashot this Shabbat and Coming Week? (Click on link for location and details. Open events unless indicated otherwise)
Shabbat: 10/8 10:45am welcome. 11-12pm 70 Faces of Torah: Feel connected to a living and vital Judaism. Followed by Shabbat Kiddush with singing of Zemirot-table songs and Shirim-popular Jewish songs. Location: Panim Hadashot Beit Midrash. For details, click here
Kol Nidre Wednesday Eve 10/12
This evening will take place at the Meadowbrook Community Center
Meadowbrook Community Center10517 35th Ave. NE,Seattle 98125 (206)684-7522 Directions
6:15-7:15 Kol Nidre A Service for the Ambivalent Services Led by Fay Gartenberg and Rabbi Gartenberg
7:15-8:45 Forum. Why Pray When I Struggle to Believe in God led by Rabbi Gartenberg
Yom Kippur Thursday 10/13
All programs will take place at the Talaris Conference Center
2:00-2:45 Yizkor with the Unetaneh Tokef Prayer Led by Rabbi Gartenberg
2:45-4:30 Interactive Haftarah Reading-The Book of Jonah, chapter 4: Rabbi Gartenberg will teach on God's Displeasure with Vindictive People.
4:45-6:30 Teshuvah and the Transformation of Relationships. Rabbi Gartenberg, Drs. John and Julie Gottman
6:30-7:10 Neilah-Closing Service and Shofar Blast
For more details click here.
Sign up now. There is still space!!!
When is the Next Shabbat Around Seattle Program?
October 21: Shabbat in the Succah! North End. Adult and Adolescents
October 28: Shabbat in Bellevue: Adult oriented
November 4: Shabbat in Queen Anne: Young Family
Classes and Learning is Panim offering for adults?
Living the Jewish Year: Close Encounters with the Jewish Way of Life. Open Enrollment Now
Bring Shabbat to Your Home: A Hands On Workshop. Starting 11/2
Family programs and parenting programs?
Will be announced in next week's newsletter.
How can I support the groundbreaking work of Panim Hadashot?
Learn How to Become a Haver-a Friend of Panim Hadashot
Become an outreach or oganizational volunteer partner-Shutaf
How can I learn more about the unique approach and ideas behind the creation of Panim Hadahsot-New Faces of Judaism?
Check out Rabbi Dov's Rabbiblog for writings and reflections on Panim and other matters.
______________________________________________________________________
Panim Hadashot, New Faces of Judaism is a new Jewish endeavor of learning, celebration, and outreach. Panim Hadashot is the winner of the Levitan Innovation Award and is endorsed by the Union for Reform Judaism and the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism. Panim Hadashot is a 501c3 non-profit organization. For general information go to www.panimhadashot.com.
Contact us: General Information: Dorothy Glass at 206 280-3715, dorothy@panimhadashot.com
or Rabbi Dov Gartenberg rabbi@panimhadashot.com. 206 525-0648
Email Recipients: Please send correspondence, subscribe and unsubcribe requests to dorothy@panimhadashot.com. Having trouble reading this email? Find it online at our news page
Resistance to Prayer: Reflections as We Stumble Toward Yom Kippur
Resistance to Prayer: Reflections as We Stumble Toward Yom Kippur
Shannah Tovah to all my blog readers,
Panim Hadashot had a nice piece about it in the Seattle Post Intelligencer on Monday, 10/3. Click here to read it. The reporter, John Iwasaki, captured one of the unique approaches I have taken with Panim Hadashot. My approach to Judaism is to openly acknowledge ambivalence while presenting a rich Jewish menu of learning and celebration that engages people in dimensions of Judaism that are rich in meaning replete with joy. As you can see by the interviews, the message is getting through. I welcome your comments about the article.
Now my focus in on Yom Kippur. On Kol Nidre I am doing something I have never done before: Confront the problem of prayer on the paradigmatic day of prayer-Yom Kippur. I have taught Jewish prayer for many years in the context of learner's minyans, classes, and from the pulpit. I have found that while some Jews love prayer and resonate to the music and form of prayer, most Jews are very confused about the theology and meaning of prayer.
Over the next few days I want to share with you a wonderful piece I discovered back in the late 70s on resistance to prayer. The writer of this piece is a rabbi at the peak of his career reflecting on what he has learned about his congregants views on prayer. It is a startlingly honest and perceptive piece. I would like to bring it to the blog for your reflection as we enter this most holy phase of the Jewish calendar.
RESISTANCE TO PRAYER
Albert A. Goldman
No subject is more difficult to discuss than resistance to prayer. The reasons for the modern negation of the validity of prayer are multitudinous and it is difficult to pinpoint with any accuracy the real and true reasons why men find prayer either awkward or meaningless. Certainly we who had thought that a modern approach to prayer would have alleviated traditional resistance now find ourselves in much the same dilemma as our traditional brethren, the problem cuts across all denominations. None of us has discovered a formula which appeals or applies.
I know of no single study which could guide us in this matter. We can only collate a number of statements and complaints, and attempt to discover some pattern in these objections. Perhaps we also ought to realize that in every age few men have been truly spiritual or motivated by so—called religious feelings. Only a sensitive minority ever has responded to the meaning of prayer as an activity and movement of the soul complete in itself. Perhaps our chief fault is that we expect all men to be qualitatively religious. Since we assume everyone is religious to some extent, we are lead to believe that all men necessarily must respond in the same way. We suffer from our own pathological assumptions, and it might do us well to remember that only the few are so attuned, as only the few develop either aesthetic or poetic sensibilities. Yet we have a mass congregation and we expect the larger number to respond to our appeal. Some may be suffering from the delusion that there was an age not so long ago in which all men were religiously motivated.
I doubt if this were true of the shtetl; and if Isaac Bashevis Singers portrayal of that east European community has validity, I would question the oft-romanticized spirituality of the world of the fiddler on the roof. Of course religion was a strong communal force and an inner bond; yet that world had to give birth to Hasidism to save itself from arid spirituality. There are times when prayer and worship are not consequential. Certainly the Bible would indicate sparse participation by the people at worship. It would be intriguing to study further Y. Kaufmanns characterization of the ancient cult as a cult of silence, where the priest acted but did not speak.
RDG: Since this was written, Israel Knoll, has written a brilliant book on this very subject called the Sanctuary of Silence that explores the cult of silence in the earliest priestly strands of the Torah. The tradition of prayer according to Knoll is a later development of the Torah and is most evident in the Book of Deuteronomy. Knoll argues that a great dispute is embedded in the Torah over the role of prayer and that this dispute has continued in one form or another through Jewish history and thought.
The system of liturgy which we have developed finds itself challenged by a growing indifferentism and by a childish immaturity. Most of what follows is based on many discussions with congregants; conversations held on various levels but without really coming to the nub of the problem. I am sadly impressed by the primitivism of most of our people. They are without sophistication in matters spiritual, and generally reflect ideas which remain on the kindergarten level. For the most part our people would like to believe that their prayers are heard by a personal God and answered by Him: Prayer is literal. There is little sense in attempting to explain it to them on a metaphorical basis. The prayers mean what they say; and yet they suspect that we do not mean what we say and they retreat more often than not into confusion.
We ought to remember that there is a great deal of difference between our public theologies and our constituents’ private theologies or wishes. They wish for a God who is a man, or who is personal in the sense that He will guarantee answers to their prayers. Descriptions of God as spirit, force, process——are really meaningless. These can only betray their fears and their anxieties; and the fatherhood of God means that He will not be indifferent to them.....
There is another private, yet not so private, theology that God is indifferent to human needs and little knows of their presence nor even cares. What are these projecting if not some sense of a lack of worth, or the residue of a scientific age which sees only natural law, cold and unrelated to the needs of men? Certainly, there is little in the education of our people, who by now are becoming a post college generation, to induce feelings of reverence or further their insights into the meaning an purpose of religion. Most men believe that the universe holds no basic meaning. It simply behaves in accordance with its in—built laws and these have no basic relationship to their inner lives.
RDG: Reflecting on this 25 years later I would essentially agree with Goldman's observations that most Jews remain very confused and inarticulate about prayer. Those who do it, generally don't want to think about it. I found this to be true over many years of teaching prayer in a synagogue setting. The form and the melody became very important, but the meaning of the prayers were of little interest. Disputes over prayer in the synagogue setting focused on conduct of the service, decorum, and the people leading the service and rarely engaged in substantive theological issues.
To me the it was a situation of the emperor not wearing clothes, and everyone keeping mum. Most of the people would privately confess to a agnosticism or even an athiesm. The great majority of the Bnai Mitzvah kids wrote in their essays how they did not experience God in their lives. Yet the educational approach focused on the kids mastering prayers they did not believe. Over the years I found that more and more odd and again accepted by all as the norm.
Tomorrow, I will bring more of the Goldman article for you to chew on. Feel free to comment on what I have posted so far.
Rabbi Dov Gartenberg
Thursday, 10/6/05
Shannah Tovah to all my blog readers,
Panim Hadashot had a nice piece about it in the Seattle Post Intelligencer on Monday, 10/3. Click here to read it. The reporter, John Iwasaki, captured one of the unique approaches I have taken with Panim Hadashot. My approach to Judaism is to openly acknowledge ambivalence while presenting a rich Jewish menu of learning and celebration that engages people in dimensions of Judaism that are rich in meaning replete with joy. As you can see by the interviews, the message is getting through. I welcome your comments about the article.
Now my focus in on Yom Kippur. On Kol Nidre I am doing something I have never done before: Confront the problem of prayer on the paradigmatic day of prayer-Yom Kippur. I have taught Jewish prayer for many years in the context of learner's minyans, classes, and from the pulpit. I have found that while some Jews love prayer and resonate to the music and form of prayer, most Jews are very confused about the theology and meaning of prayer.
Over the next few days I want to share with you a wonderful piece I discovered back in the late 70s on resistance to prayer. The writer of this piece is a rabbi at the peak of his career reflecting on what he has learned about his congregants views on prayer. It is a startlingly honest and perceptive piece. I would like to bring it to the blog for your reflection as we enter this most holy phase of the Jewish calendar.
RESISTANCE TO PRAYER
Albert A. Goldman
No subject is more difficult to discuss than resistance to prayer. The reasons for the modern negation of the validity of prayer are multitudinous and it is difficult to pinpoint with any accuracy the real and true reasons why men find prayer either awkward or meaningless. Certainly we who had thought that a modern approach to prayer would have alleviated traditional resistance now find ourselves in much the same dilemma as our traditional brethren, the problem cuts across all denominations. None of us has discovered a formula which appeals or applies.
I know of no single study which could guide us in this matter. We can only collate a number of statements and complaints, and attempt to discover some pattern in these objections. Perhaps we also ought to realize that in every age few men have been truly spiritual or motivated by so—called religious feelings. Only a sensitive minority ever has responded to the meaning of prayer as an activity and movement of the soul complete in itself. Perhaps our chief fault is that we expect all men to be qualitatively religious. Since we assume everyone is religious to some extent, we are lead to believe that all men necessarily must respond in the same way. We suffer from our own pathological assumptions, and it might do us well to remember that only the few are so attuned, as only the few develop either aesthetic or poetic sensibilities. Yet we have a mass congregation and we expect the larger number to respond to our appeal. Some may be suffering from the delusion that there was an age not so long ago in which all men were religiously motivated.
I doubt if this were true of the shtetl; and if Isaac Bashevis Singers portrayal of that east European community has validity, I would question the oft-romanticized spirituality of the world of the fiddler on the roof. Of course religion was a strong communal force and an inner bond; yet that world had to give birth to Hasidism to save itself from arid spirituality. There are times when prayer and worship are not consequential. Certainly the Bible would indicate sparse participation by the people at worship. It would be intriguing to study further Y. Kaufmanns characterization of the ancient cult as a cult of silence, where the priest acted but did not speak.
RDG: Since this was written, Israel Knoll, has written a brilliant book on this very subject called the Sanctuary of Silence that explores the cult of silence in the earliest priestly strands of the Torah. The tradition of prayer according to Knoll is a later development of the Torah and is most evident in the Book of Deuteronomy. Knoll argues that a great dispute is embedded in the Torah over the role of prayer and that this dispute has continued in one form or another through Jewish history and thought.
The system of liturgy which we have developed finds itself challenged by a growing indifferentism and by a childish immaturity. Most of what follows is based on many discussions with congregants; conversations held on various levels but without really coming to the nub of the problem. I am sadly impressed by the primitivism of most of our people. They are without sophistication in matters spiritual, and generally reflect ideas which remain on the kindergarten level. For the most part our people would like to believe that their prayers are heard by a personal God and answered by Him: Prayer is literal. There is little sense in attempting to explain it to them on a metaphorical basis. The prayers mean what they say; and yet they suspect that we do not mean what we say and they retreat more often than not into confusion.
We ought to remember that there is a great deal of difference between our public theologies and our constituents’ private theologies or wishes. They wish for a God who is a man, or who is personal in the sense that He will guarantee answers to their prayers. Descriptions of God as spirit, force, process——are really meaningless. These can only betray their fears and their anxieties; and the fatherhood of God means that He will not be indifferent to them.....
There is another private, yet not so private, theology that God is indifferent to human needs and little knows of their presence nor even cares. What are these projecting if not some sense of a lack of worth, or the residue of a scientific age which sees only natural law, cold and unrelated to the needs of men? Certainly, there is little in the education of our people, who by now are becoming a post college generation, to induce feelings of reverence or further their insights into the meaning an purpose of religion. Most men believe that the universe holds no basic meaning. It simply behaves in accordance with its in—built laws and these have no basic relationship to their inner lives.
RDG: Reflecting on this 25 years later I would essentially agree with Goldman's observations that most Jews remain very confused and inarticulate about prayer. Those who do it, generally don't want to think about it. I found this to be true over many years of teaching prayer in a synagogue setting. The form and the melody became very important, but the meaning of the prayers were of little interest. Disputes over prayer in the synagogue setting focused on conduct of the service, decorum, and the people leading the service and rarely engaged in substantive theological issues.
To me the it was a situation of the emperor not wearing clothes, and everyone keeping mum. Most of the people would privately confess to a agnosticism or even an athiesm. The great majority of the Bnai Mitzvah kids wrote in their essays how they did not experience God in their lives. Yet the educational approach focused on the kids mastering prayers they did not believe. Over the years I found that more and more odd and again accepted by all as the norm.
Tomorrow, I will bring more of the Goldman article for you to chew on. Feel free to comment on what I have posted so far.
Rabbi Dov Gartenberg
Thursday, 10/6/05
Saturday, October 1, 2005
High Holiday Schedule for Panim Hadshot
Panim Hadashot High Holiday Schedule.
For reservations, please call Dorothy at 206 280-3715 or dorothy@panimhadashot.com.
For more information about programs and services go to www.panimhadashot.com. Go to the High Holidays tab.
Monday 10/3 6:00-9:00pm Rosh Hashannah Seder. Kosher Dietary Laws observed. Talaris Conference Center
Talaris Conference Center
4000 NE 41st Street
Seattle, WA 98105206-268-7000 Directions
10/4 All Tuesday events take place at Talaris Conference Center
12:30:12:45 Shofar Blowing
12:45-2:30pm Learning Forum on Teshuvah and the Transformation of Relationships with the Rabbi Dov Gartenberg and Drs. John and Julie Gottman
2:45-4:15pm Interactive Torah Reading on the Binding of Isaac: Obedience vs. Protest in Jewish Tradition. Rabbi Dov Gartenberg. Kaddish will be chanted after this session.
4:15-4:30pm Tashlich-Casting
4:45-6:15pm Shaarei Tikvah-Gates of Hope Special Service for special needs persons, their families, and the community. Cosponsored with Jewish Family Service, Temple Bnai Torah and SAJD. (Shofar blowing and Tashlich included)
Kol Nidre Wednesday Eve 10/12
This evening will take place at the Meadowbrook Community Center
Meadowbrook Community Center
10517 35th Ave. NE,
Seattle 98125
(206)684-7522Directions
6:15-7:15 Kol Nidre A Service for the Ambivalent Services Led by Fay Gartenberg and Rabbi Gartenberg
7:15-8:45 Forum. Why Pray When I Struggle to Believe in God led by Rabbi Gartenberg
Yom Kippur Thursday 10/13
All programs will take place at the Talaris Conference Center
2:00-2:45 Yizkor Led by Rabbi Gartenberg
2:45-4:30 Interactive Haftarah Reading-The Book of Jonah, chapter 4: Rabbi Gartenberg will teach on God's Displeasure with Vindictive People.
4:45-6:30 Teshuvah and the Transformation of Relationships. Rabbi Gartenberg, Drs. John and Julie Gottman
6:30-7:10 Neilah-Closing Service and Shofar Blast
For reservations, please call Dorothy at 206 280-3715 or dorothy@panimhadashot.com.
For more information about programs and services go to www.panimhadashot.com. Go to the High Holidays tab.
Monday 10/3 6:00-9:00pm Rosh Hashannah Seder. Kosher Dietary Laws observed. Talaris Conference Center
Talaris Conference Center
4000 NE 41st Street
Seattle, WA 98105206-268-7000 Directions
10/4 All Tuesday events take place at Talaris Conference Center
12:30:12:45 Shofar Blowing
12:45-2:30pm Learning Forum on Teshuvah and the Transformation of Relationships with the Rabbi Dov Gartenberg and Drs. John and Julie Gottman
2:45-4:15pm Interactive Torah Reading on the Binding of Isaac: Obedience vs. Protest in Jewish Tradition. Rabbi Dov Gartenberg. Kaddish will be chanted after this session.
4:15-4:30pm Tashlich-Casting
4:45-6:15pm Shaarei Tikvah-Gates of Hope Special Service for special needs persons, their families, and the community. Cosponsored with Jewish Family Service, Temple Bnai Torah and SAJD. (Shofar blowing and Tashlich included)
Kol Nidre Wednesday Eve 10/12
This evening will take place at the Meadowbrook Community Center
Meadowbrook Community Center
10517 35th Ave. NE,
Seattle 98125
(206)684-7522Directions
6:15-7:15 Kol Nidre A Service for the Ambivalent Services Led by Fay Gartenberg and Rabbi Gartenberg
7:15-8:45 Forum. Why Pray When I Struggle to Believe in God led by Rabbi Gartenberg
Yom Kippur Thursday 10/13
All programs will take place at the Talaris Conference Center
2:00-2:45 Yizkor Led by Rabbi Gartenberg
2:45-4:30 Interactive Haftarah Reading-The Book of Jonah, chapter 4: Rabbi Gartenberg will teach on God's Displeasure with Vindictive People.
4:45-6:30 Teshuvah and the Transformation of Relationships. Rabbi Gartenberg, Drs. John and Julie Gottman
6:30-7:10 Neilah-Closing Service and Shofar Blast
Thursday, September 29, 2005
Weekly Panim E-Newsletter: Sept 29, 2005
Weekly Panim E-Newsletter
New Face(t)s of Judaism
E-Newsletter: Weekly Update on the Activities of Panim Hadashot
Thursday, September 22, 2005, 18 Elul 5765. Volume 2, Issue 11
Panim Hadashot, New Faces of Judaism is a new Jewish endeavor of learning, celebration, and outreach. Panim Hadashot is the winner of the Levitan Innovation Award and is endorsed by the Union for Reform Judaism and the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism.
Panim Hadashot is a 501c3 non-profit organization. For general information go to www.panimhadashot.com.
Contact us: General Information: Dorothy Glass at 206 280-3715, dorothy@panimhadashot.com
or Rabbi Dov Gartenberg rabbi@panimhadashot.com. 206 525-0648
Email Recipients: Please send correspondence, subscribe and unsubcribe requests to dorothy@panimhadashot.com.
Having trouble reading this email? Find it online at our news page.
What is Happening at Panim Hadashot this Shabbat and Coming Week? (Click on link for location and details. Open events unless indicated otherwise)
Shabbat: 10/1 70 Faces of Torah: - Dig Deep, Shed Light, Learn Torah 11am-12. Check out the topic for the morning.
What is Happening at High Holidays with Panim Hadashot?
Rosh Hashannah New Years Feast and Seder Mon. 10/3 6:00pm at the Talaris Conference Center.
Plumbing the Meaning of Teshuvah Tues. 10:4 12:30pm with Rabbi Dov and the Gottmans. Talaris
Gates of Hope-Shaarei Tikvah: Rosh Hashannah Service for Jews with Special Needs. 10/4 4:45pm Families, and Community
A Kol Nidre Service for the Ambivalent. Wed. 10/12 6:15pm Meadowbrook Community Center
Plumbing the Meaning of Teshuvah part 2 Thur. 10/13 2:30pm with Rabbi Dov and the Gottmans, Talaris
Sign up now because we can only accomodate 150!!!
When is the Next Shabbat Around Seattle Program?
October 21: Shabbat in the Succah! North End. Adult and Adolescents
October 28: Shabbat in Bellevue: Adult oriented
November 4: Shabbat in Queen Anne: Young Family
Classes and Learning is Panim offering for adults?
Learning Torah at Barnes and Noble. Downtown Bellevue, 10/9/05
Living the Jewish Year: Close Encounters with the Jewish Way of Life. Open Enrollment Now
Bring Shabbat to Your Home: A Hands On Workshop. Starting 11/2
Family programs and parenting programs?
Will be announced in next week's newsletter.
How can I support the groundbreaking work of Panim Hadashot?
Learn How to Become a Haver-a Friend of Panim Hadashot
Become an outreach or oganizational volunteer partner-Shutaf
How can I learn more about the unique approach and ideas behind the creation of Panim Hadahsot-New Faces of Judaism?
Check out Rabbi Dov's Rabbiblog for writings and reflections on Panim and other matters.
New Face(t)s of Judaism
E-Newsletter: Weekly Update on the Activities of Panim Hadashot
Thursday, September 22, 2005, 18 Elul 5765. Volume 2, Issue 11
Panim Hadashot, New Faces of Judaism is a new Jewish endeavor of learning, celebration, and outreach. Panim Hadashot is the winner of the Levitan Innovation Award and is endorsed by the Union for Reform Judaism and the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism.
Panim Hadashot is a 501c3 non-profit organization. For general information go to www.panimhadashot.com.
Contact us: General Information: Dorothy Glass at 206 280-3715, dorothy@panimhadashot.com
or Rabbi Dov Gartenberg rabbi@panimhadashot.com. 206 525-0648
Email Recipients: Please send correspondence, subscribe and unsubcribe requests to dorothy@panimhadashot.com.
Having trouble reading this email? Find it online at our news page.
What is Happening at Panim Hadashot this Shabbat and Coming Week? (Click on link for location and details. Open events unless indicated otherwise)
Shabbat: 10/1 70 Faces of Torah: - Dig Deep, Shed Light, Learn Torah 11am-12. Check out the topic for the morning.
What is Happening at High Holidays with Panim Hadashot?
Rosh Hashannah New Years Feast and Seder Mon. 10/3 6:00pm at the Talaris Conference Center.
Plumbing the Meaning of Teshuvah Tues. 10:4 12:30pm with Rabbi Dov and the Gottmans. Talaris
Gates of Hope-Shaarei Tikvah: Rosh Hashannah Service for Jews with Special Needs. 10/4 4:45pm Families, and Community
A Kol Nidre Service for the Ambivalent. Wed. 10/12 6:15pm Meadowbrook Community Center
Plumbing the Meaning of Teshuvah part 2 Thur. 10/13 2:30pm with Rabbi Dov and the Gottmans, Talaris
Sign up now because we can only accomodate 150!!!
When is the Next Shabbat Around Seattle Program?
October 21: Shabbat in the Succah! North End. Adult and Adolescents
October 28: Shabbat in Bellevue: Adult oriented
November 4: Shabbat in Queen Anne: Young Family
Classes and Learning is Panim offering for adults?
Learning Torah at Barnes and Noble. Downtown Bellevue, 10/9/05
Living the Jewish Year: Close Encounters with the Jewish Way of Life. Open Enrollment Now
Bring Shabbat to Your Home: A Hands On Workshop. Starting 11/2
Family programs and parenting programs?
Will be announced in next week's newsletter.
How can I support the groundbreaking work of Panim Hadashot?
Learn How to Become a Haver-a Friend of Panim Hadashot
Become an outreach or oganizational volunteer partner-Shutaf
How can I learn more about the unique approach and ideas behind the creation of Panim Hadahsot-New Faces of Judaism?
Check out Rabbi Dov's Rabbiblog for writings and reflections on Panim and other matters.
Dignity and Meritocracy
Dignity an Meritocracy
Rabbi Dov Gartenberg
My oldest son entered Johns Hopkins University this fall. At the parent orientation in Baltimore we each received a "I am a Proud John's Hopkins Parent" bumbersticker to put on our vehicles. The bumpersticker soon went on the toyota I putter around in, serving as a marker of our familiy's place in the meritocracy.
The day after the bumbersticker found its way on its way onto my car, I went to my other son's IEP, the assessment and goal setting meeting, required for disabled students in the public schools. Mori is severely autisitic. He is in a transition program that aims to impart independent living skills for special needs adolescents. Mori will never live independently, but he may be able to work in a sheltered workshop. At the IEP the teachers proudly told us that Mori successfully cleans busses for the Kent school district each day. He stays on task and cleans the bus wiping windows, clearing debris, and dusting seats. The teachers made him a business card which he could leave in the bus each day. I was so excited for Mori and his accomplishment.
As I returned to my car I realized that I needed a second bumpersticker. "I am a proud Outreach Transition Parent"(that is the name of Mori's program. My son was cleaning buses and I was overjoyed. As I thought about marking Mori's achievement I realized how shame insinuates itself into the mind of a parent of a disabled child. In have raised children of widely different capacities and abilities. It is natural and culturally reinforced to celebrate certain types of merit, but to hide the fact of disability. Would I go around telling people how my son is a superb bus cleaner and another son is a freshman at an elite university? I decided that the right thing to do was just that.
I recently read in the Atlantic monthly a brief review about a book that criticized the dark side of American meritocracy. Meritocracy in America boasts of its ideal of the "equality of opportunity, in which power and the good life are increasingly reserved for the most talented and most able regardless of race, gender, or sexual preference." But meritocracy awards the talented but neglects the ordinary. I would add that our meritocratic culture neglects and leaves behind those who are disabled. The review ends with an insightful quote, "Opportunities to rise are no substitute for a general diffusion of the means of civilization and of the dignity and culture needed by all whether they rise or not. "
Do we extend dignity to all in our culture, our do we only honor those certain types of achievement. American Jewry, more than any community in this country, has embraced the meritocracy. We are immensely successful and have entered the elite colleges in huge, impactful numbers. We are a community that proudly places the names of elite colleges on our cars and celebrates the success of our children in every manner. But what about those who do not achieve in this way? How do we relate to those who do not rise to the top of the meritocracy?
During these High Holidays we have before us the images of the suffering in New Orleans which reminds us of the dangers of when a society fails to extend dignity to others and neglects its needy. The people who suffered greatly after Katrina were the poor, the elderly, and the disabled. I try to imagine what it would have been like to have lived in New Orleans with Mori and worrying about getting him out before the storm. Mori had someone to worry for him. But so many did not, or who had others worrying for them who were powerless to help their loved ones.
Last year I started Shaarei Tikvah-Gates of Hope, special Jewish holiday celebrations for persons with special needs and their families. One of my goals in creating this program was to demonstrate a way our community can confer dignity and love for those in our community who will not succeed in conventional ways, who will not have bumberstickers on their parent's cars, who will clean buses, work in sheltered workshops, live in group homes.
Shaarei Tikvah is a celebration in which dignity and honor is spread around generously and abundantly. It is not only a celebration for families with loved ones dealing with special needs. It is an opportunity for our commnity to celebrate with those who are often hidden and out of sight. There is no need for the hiddeness and shame. I am a proud Shaarei Tikvah parent. Please join us for our Rosh Hashannah service. For information, see below. Click on Directions to the Talaris conference center.
Shaarei Tikvah-Gates of Hope: Rosh Hashannah Service for Persons with Special Needs and Their Families
Tuesday, October 4th, 2005
Service 4:45-5:30 pm
Tashlich and Refreshment 5:30-6:15 pm
Talaris Conference Center – Cedar Room
A community wide non-denominational service for persons with developmental disabilities or mental illness, their families, and supporters in the Jewish community cosponsored by the Jewish Family Service. The service will be led by Rabbi Dov Gartenberg and Cantor Serkin-Poole of Temple B’nai Torah.
Because of space constraints, email reservations are required for this free program. Please respond to rsvp@panimhadashot.com. In the subject line include "ST" and note the number of people in your party.
Rabbi Dov Gartenberg
My oldest son entered Johns Hopkins University this fall. At the parent orientation in Baltimore we each received a "I am a Proud John's Hopkins Parent" bumbersticker to put on our vehicles. The bumpersticker soon went on the toyota I putter around in, serving as a marker of our familiy's place in the meritocracy.
The day after the bumbersticker found its way on its way onto my car, I went to my other son's IEP, the assessment and goal setting meeting, required for disabled students in the public schools. Mori is severely autisitic. He is in a transition program that aims to impart independent living skills for special needs adolescents. Mori will never live independently, but he may be able to work in a sheltered workshop. At the IEP the teachers proudly told us that Mori successfully cleans busses for the Kent school district each day. He stays on task and cleans the bus wiping windows, clearing debris, and dusting seats. The teachers made him a business card which he could leave in the bus each day. I was so excited for Mori and his accomplishment.
As I returned to my car I realized that I needed a second bumpersticker. "I am a proud Outreach Transition Parent"(that is the name of Mori's program. My son was cleaning buses and I was overjoyed. As I thought about marking Mori's achievement I realized how shame insinuates itself into the mind of a parent of a disabled child. In have raised children of widely different capacities and abilities. It is natural and culturally reinforced to celebrate certain types of merit, but to hide the fact of disability. Would I go around telling people how my son is a superb bus cleaner and another son is a freshman at an elite university? I decided that the right thing to do was just that.
I recently read in the Atlantic monthly a brief review about a book that criticized the dark side of American meritocracy. Meritocracy in America boasts of its ideal of the "equality of opportunity, in which power and the good life are increasingly reserved for the most talented and most able regardless of race, gender, or sexual preference." But meritocracy awards the talented but neglects the ordinary. I would add that our meritocratic culture neglects and leaves behind those who are disabled. The review ends with an insightful quote, "Opportunities to rise are no substitute for a general diffusion of the means of civilization and of the dignity and culture needed by all whether they rise or not. "
Do we extend dignity to all in our culture, our do we only honor those certain types of achievement. American Jewry, more than any community in this country, has embraced the meritocracy. We are immensely successful and have entered the elite colleges in huge, impactful numbers. We are a community that proudly places the names of elite colleges on our cars and celebrates the success of our children in every manner. But what about those who do not achieve in this way? How do we relate to those who do not rise to the top of the meritocracy?
During these High Holidays we have before us the images of the suffering in New Orleans which reminds us of the dangers of when a society fails to extend dignity to others and neglects its needy. The people who suffered greatly after Katrina were the poor, the elderly, and the disabled. I try to imagine what it would have been like to have lived in New Orleans with Mori and worrying about getting him out before the storm. Mori had someone to worry for him. But so many did not, or who had others worrying for them who were powerless to help their loved ones.
Last year I started Shaarei Tikvah-Gates of Hope, special Jewish holiday celebrations for persons with special needs and their families. One of my goals in creating this program was to demonstrate a way our community can confer dignity and love for those in our community who will not succeed in conventional ways, who will not have bumberstickers on their parent's cars, who will clean buses, work in sheltered workshops, live in group homes.
Shaarei Tikvah is a celebration in which dignity and honor is spread around generously and abundantly. It is not only a celebration for families with loved ones dealing with special needs. It is an opportunity for our commnity to celebrate with those who are often hidden and out of sight. There is no need for the hiddeness and shame. I am a proud Shaarei Tikvah parent. Please join us for our Rosh Hashannah service. For information, see below. Click on Directions to the Talaris conference center.
Shaarei Tikvah-Gates of Hope: Rosh Hashannah Service for Persons with Special Needs and Their Families
Tuesday, October 4th, 2005
Service 4:45-5:30 pm
Tashlich and Refreshment 5:30-6:15 pm
Talaris Conference Center – Cedar Room
A community wide non-denominational service for persons with developmental disabilities or mental illness, their families, and supporters in the Jewish community cosponsored by the Jewish Family Service. The service will be led by Rabbi Dov Gartenberg and Cantor Serkin-Poole of Temple B’nai Torah.
Because of space constraints, email reservations are required for this free program. Please respond to rsvp@panimhadashot.com. In the subject line include "ST" and note the number of people in your party.
Monday, September 26, 2005
About Panim's Rosh Hashannah Seder
About Panim's Rosh Hashannah Seder
About the Seder Rosh Hashannah of Panim Hadashot:
It is still not to late to join us for an amazing Panim Hadashot Rosh Hashannah Seder organized and ordered by Mary Engel. Mary has written a description of the seder. Below I have written out the seder-the order- of rituals so you can get a sense of how special this evening will be. The seder will be at the Talaris Conference Center in Laurelhurst on Monday, October 3rd at 6:00pm. To reserve a place, please call Dorothy Glass at 206 280-3715 or dorothy@panimhadashot.com.
"Our multi-dimensional seder will follow the three elements of the traditional Sephardi and Mizrahi Rosh Hashanah seder: chanting a series of verses from the Torah, making impassioned requests to God, and reciting blessings over eight beautiful and delicious foods that symbolize our prayers for peace, righteousness, safety, love, and other gifts It will also incorporating adaptations that honor women and culture-specific additions such as the Moroccan blessing over moonwater. Paced with lots of singing and rhythm, poetry, activities for children, teaching, and discussion, it will be a stirring experience, full of joy! Come bless and sing in the New Year with us!"
Seder Rosh Hashannah
Chanting the Book-Lshir Hasefer
Requests-Bakashot
Sanctification-Kiddush
Handwashing-Rochtzah
Blessing over Bread-Motzi
Apple-Tapu'ach
Pumpkin-Kara
Leek-Karti
Beans/Fenugreek-Rubia
Beet-Selek
Pomegranate-Rimon
Date-Tamar
Head of Fish- Rosh Dag
Dinner-Shulhan Orekh
Moon Water-Tzafun
Blessings After Meal-Barech
Conclusion-Nirtzah
About the Seder Rosh Hashannah of Panim Hadashot:
It is still not to late to join us for an amazing Panim Hadashot Rosh Hashannah Seder organized and ordered by Mary Engel. Mary has written a description of the seder. Below I have written out the seder-the order- of rituals so you can get a sense of how special this evening will be. The seder will be at the Talaris Conference Center in Laurelhurst on Monday, October 3rd at 6:00pm. To reserve a place, please call Dorothy Glass at 206 280-3715 or dorothy@panimhadashot.com.
"Our multi-dimensional seder will follow the three elements of the traditional Sephardi and Mizrahi Rosh Hashanah seder: chanting a series of verses from the Torah, making impassioned requests to God, and reciting blessings over eight beautiful and delicious foods that symbolize our prayers for peace, righteousness, safety, love, and other gifts It will also incorporating adaptations that honor women and culture-specific additions such as the Moroccan blessing over moonwater. Paced with lots of singing and rhythm, poetry, activities for children, teaching, and discussion, it will be a stirring experience, full of joy! Come bless and sing in the New Year with us!"
Seder Rosh Hashannah
Chanting the Book-Lshir Hasefer
Requests-Bakashot
Sanctification-Kiddush
Handwashing-Rochtzah
Blessing over Bread-Motzi
Apple-Tapu'ach
Pumpkin-Kara
Leek-Karti
Beans/Fenugreek-Rubia
Beet-Selek
Pomegranate-Rimon
Date-Tamar
Head of Fish- Rosh Dag
Dinner-Shulhan Orekh
Moon Water-Tzafun
Blessings After Meal-Barech
Conclusion-Nirtzah
Thursday, September 22, 2005
New Faces of Judaism
E-Newsletter: Weekly Update on the Activities of Panim Hadashot
Thursday, September 22, 2005, 18 Elul 5765. Volume 2, Issue 11
Panim Hadashot, New Faces of Judaism is a new Jewish endeavor of learning, celebration, and outreach. Panim Hadashot is the winner of the Levitan Innovation Award and is endorsed by the Union for Reform Judaism and the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism. Panim Hadashot is a 501c3 non-profit organization. For general information go to www.panimhadashot.com.
Contact us: General Information: Dorothy Glass at 206 280-3715,
dorothy@panimhadashot.com
or Rabbi Dov Gartenberg rabbi@panimhadashot.com. 206 525-0648
Email Recipients: Please send correspondence, subscribe and unsubcribe requests to dorothy@panimhadashot.com. Having trouble reading this email? Find it online at our news page.
What is Happening at Panim Hadashot this Shabbat and Coming Week? (Click on link for location and details. Open events unless indicated otherwise)
Shabbat: 9/24 70 Faces of Torah: - Dig Deep, Shed Light, Learn Torah 11am-12.
Sunday 9/25: Changing Your Life: Teshuvah Workshop at Tree of Life Bookstore, Bellevue
Tuesday 9/27: Join Emily Moore, noted chef and Rabbi Dov at the High Holidays Foods and Info Booth: Whole Foods, Roosevelt Store. 4:30-7:00pm
Wednesday 9/28: Jewish Day School in Bellevue. Going Meshugene: An Educational Romp Through the Fall Festivals. 8:45am
What is Happening at High Holidays with Panim Hadashot?
Rosh Hashannah New Years Feast and Seder Mon. 10/3 6:00pm at the Talaris Conference Center.
Plumbing the Meaning of Teshuvah Tues. 10:4 12:30pm with Rabbi Dov and the Gottmans. Talaris
Gates of Hope-Shaarei Tikvah: Rosh Hashannah Service for Jews with Special Needs. 10/4 4:45pm Families, and Community
A Kol Nidre Service for the Ambivalent. Wed. 10/12 6:15pm Meadowbrook Community Center
Plumbing the Meaning of Teshuvah part 2 Thur. 10/13 2:30pm with Rabbi Dov and the Gottmans, Talaris
Sign up now because we can only accomodate 150!!!
When is the Next Shabbat Around Seattle Program?
October 21: Shabbat in the Succah! North End. Adult and Adolescents
October 28: Shabbat in Bellevue: Adult oriented
November 4: Shabbat in Queen Anne: Young Family
Classes and Learning is Panim offering for adults?
Living the Jewish Year: Close Encounters with the Jewish Way of Life. Open Enrollment Now
Learning Torah at Barnes and Noble. Downtown Bellevue, 10/9/05
Bring Shabbat to Your Home: A Hands On Workshop. Starting 11/2
Family programs and parenting programs?
Going Meshugeneh: An Educational Romp Through the Fall Festivals for Parents. Wed. 9/28
Shabbas Stew: Celebrating the End of Shabbat for Young Families. Shabbat 10/1
Special Gatherings and Interest Groups?
"Handling New Baggage": A dialogue group for Jews by Choice for support, study, and growth. Open house Shabbat dinner, 9/23.
How can I support the groundbreaking work of Panim Hadashot?
Learn How to Become a Haver-a Friend of Panim Hadashot
Become an outreach or oganizational volunteer partner-Shutaf
How can I learn more about the unique approach and ideas behind the creation of Panim Hadahsot-New Faces of Judaism?
Check out Rabbi Dov's Rabbiblog for writings and reflections on Panim and other matters.
E-Newsletter: Weekly Update on the Activities of Panim Hadashot
Thursday, September 22, 2005, 18 Elul 5765. Volume 2, Issue 11
Panim Hadashot, New Faces of Judaism is a new Jewish endeavor of learning, celebration, and outreach. Panim Hadashot is the winner of the Levitan Innovation Award and is endorsed by the Union for Reform Judaism and the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism. Panim Hadashot is a 501c3 non-profit organization. For general information go to www.panimhadashot.com.
Contact us: General Information: Dorothy Glass at 206 280-3715,
dorothy@panimhadashot.com
or Rabbi Dov Gartenberg rabbi@panimhadashot.com. 206 525-0648
Email Recipients: Please send correspondence, subscribe and unsubcribe requests to dorothy@panimhadashot.com. Having trouble reading this email? Find it online at our news page.
What is Happening at Panim Hadashot this Shabbat and Coming Week? (Click on link for location and details. Open events unless indicated otherwise)
Shabbat: 9/24 70 Faces of Torah: - Dig Deep, Shed Light, Learn Torah 11am-12.
Sunday 9/25: Changing Your Life: Teshuvah Workshop at Tree of Life Bookstore, Bellevue
Tuesday 9/27: Join Emily Moore, noted chef and Rabbi Dov at the High Holidays Foods and Info Booth: Whole Foods, Roosevelt Store. 4:30-7:00pm
Wednesday 9/28: Jewish Day School in Bellevue. Going Meshugene: An Educational Romp Through the Fall Festivals. 8:45am
What is Happening at High Holidays with Panim Hadashot?
Rosh Hashannah New Years Feast and Seder Mon. 10/3 6:00pm at the Talaris Conference Center.
Plumbing the Meaning of Teshuvah Tues. 10:4 12:30pm with Rabbi Dov and the Gottmans. Talaris
Gates of Hope-Shaarei Tikvah: Rosh Hashannah Service for Jews with Special Needs. 10/4 4:45pm Families, and Community
A Kol Nidre Service for the Ambivalent. Wed. 10/12 6:15pm Meadowbrook Community Center
Plumbing the Meaning of Teshuvah part 2 Thur. 10/13 2:30pm with Rabbi Dov and the Gottmans, Talaris
Sign up now because we can only accomodate 150!!!
When is the Next Shabbat Around Seattle Program?
October 21: Shabbat in the Succah! North End. Adult and Adolescents
October 28: Shabbat in Bellevue: Adult oriented
November 4: Shabbat in Queen Anne: Young Family
Classes and Learning is Panim offering for adults?
Living the Jewish Year: Close Encounters with the Jewish Way of Life. Open Enrollment Now
Learning Torah at Barnes and Noble. Downtown Bellevue, 10/9/05
Bring Shabbat to Your Home: A Hands On Workshop. Starting 11/2
Family programs and parenting programs?
Going Meshugeneh: An Educational Romp Through the Fall Festivals for Parents. Wed. 9/28
Shabbas Stew: Celebrating the End of Shabbat for Young Families. Shabbat 10/1
Special Gatherings and Interest Groups?
"Handling New Baggage": A dialogue group for Jews by Choice for support, study, and growth. Open house Shabbat dinner, 9/23.
How can I support the groundbreaking work of Panim Hadashot?
Learn How to Become a Haver-a Friend of Panim Hadashot
Become an outreach or oganizational volunteer partner-Shutaf
How can I learn more about the unique approach and ideas behind the creation of Panim Hadahsot-New Faces of Judaism?
Check out Rabbi Dov's Rabbiblog for writings and reflections on Panim and other matters.
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