Temple Beth El has announced its September continuing education series.
Jewish Holidays 101: Celebrating As Interfaith, with Florence Roffman
Thursday, Sept. 19 at 7:30-9:30PM
In this introduction to the Jewish Holidays, we will explore the history and meaning of the holidays and learn how and why we celebrate them. This class is geared toward those who are new (or “newish” to Judaism), either through personal journey or marriage.
This first class will cover Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur and Sukkot
Subsequent classes include:
Shabbat – November 14
Chanukah – December 5
Purim – February 27
Passover – March 19
Yom HaShoah and Yom Ha’atzmaut – April 9
Programs are free and open to all.
All materials and recipes will be provided, and light refreshments will be served.
RSVP to Lisa Tricomi at 631-421-5835 x206 or email [email protected]
Life Through A Satiric and Humorous Lens, with NPR Broadcaster and Author David Bouchier
Thursday, Sept. 12 at 7:30PM
David Bouchier will discuss the sensitive business of trying to be funny when focusing on serious topics. His own discovery, loss and rediscovery of humor as a way of explaining the world has convinced him that devices like satire and irony do capture the attention of readers and even change their minds, though perhaps at some cost to the writer’s reputation as a serious person. By way of illustration, David will read examples of funny passages from both his critical writings and his whimsical essays on such sensitive topics as politics, patriotism, money, and self-esteem.
Tiffany: Artistic Genius, Mansion Designer and Cultural Event Host, With Historic Preservationist and Author Monica Randall
Thursday, Sept. 19 at 7:30PM
Laurelton Hall, Tiffany’s self-designed 100-room mansion, was an Art Nouveau showplace, a retreat for artists and intellectuals, and the setting for the most dazzling parties in the country. Huge walls of stained glass gave the rooms a daring theatrical glow. Lagoons and fountains flowed both inside the house and out into the lush gardens. Many of the images presented are from a rare private collection belonging to Tiffany’s granddaughter, Louis L. Platt. Learn about the extraordinary mansion, the personalities, and its tragic fate.
Women of Power: The four Matriarchs, With Rabbi Stephen Karol
Thursday, Sept. 26 at 7:30PM
The founding mothers had a tremendous impact on the founding principles of Judaism and the Hebrew Bible. Yet, the Bible was written by men and emphasizes the words and actions of our patriarchs – especially Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The Jews, however, are also descendants of the matriarchs, and without them, our people’s history would be much different.
Sarah, Rebekah, Leah, and Rachel are featured as powerful characters, with strong personalities who influenced the attitudes and decisions of their husbands with whom they lived and conferred. Rabbi Karol will explore how women are treated in the Bible with a focus on the substantial impact these women had on their husbands, children, and us.
RSVP to [email protected] or 631-421-5835 x200