Adult Programs for May-June 2008
May 4: The Paradoxical “Likeness of God.” During a recent Adult Education session, we were exposed to an impressive line from the great 20th century Jewish thinker Abraham Joshua Heschel: "Man's dignity consists in his having been created in the likeness of God." But what is the "likeness of God”? How can human beings know it? And how can we, who are mortal and corporeal, be said to be “created in the likeness” of one that our tradition appears to regard as eternal and infinite? Rabbi Art Blecher will lead us in an exploration of these challenging questions and present a midrash that offers one possible resolution of the contradictions they suggest. Note: In line with the day’s Open House schedule, Adult Education will start at 10:30 rather than the usual 10:15.
May 10: Mother's Day. No adult program.
May 18: Please watch weekly email bulletin for topic. At press time, we had yet to settle on an Adult Ed topic for this date. But those consulting the weekly email bulletin should find out well in advance what the session will be devoted to. Note: As is customary on the last day of Sunday School for the year, the time after 11 a.m. will be devoted to class presentations. Adult Education will convene from 10:15-11 a.m. only.
May 25: Memorial Day weekend. No adult program.
June 1: Community workday. No adult program.
June 8: Receiving Torah at Sinai -- Its Meaning Then and Now
In a special program led by guest speaker Rabbi Leila Gal Berner, we will explore with the help of midrash what happened on Shavuot, the day on which the people of Israel arrived at Mount Sinai and received the Torah. After looking at how events unfolded then, and what they might have meant and felt like to our ancestors, we will discuss the relevance that "receiving Torah" may have for members of Beth Chai and for those who come after us. Note: Adult Ed will take place from 10:15-11 am only.