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.
Monday, October 31, 2005
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
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