Adult Education

A Sunday morning class with Rabbi Eliana
Sundays 10:00 -11:30am
Nov 3, 10, 17, & 24, Dec 8 & 15
In the Rabbi's Study

Register for The Kabbalist's Shabbat here

Join us for an exciting six-session journey into the mystical heart of Shabbat, where we’ll dive into the rich spiritual world of the 16th-century Kabbalists from Safed. Together, we’ll uncover the hidden layers of Shabbat rituals, explore the deep meaning behind the mystical liturgy of Friday night and Saturday morning services, and discover how Shabbat shapes Jewish spirituality. Whether you’re familiar with the traditions or just curious to learn more, this class will offer fresh insights into the transformative power of Shabbat.

Second Thursdays | Nov 14, Dec 12, Jan 9
7:00-8:30 PM on Zoom RSVP for the Loving Our Own Bones Book Discussion here

Penina Weinberg, TBB's Disability Visibility Advocate, will lead a discussion of Julia Watts Belser’s new book, Loving Our Own Bones. Through fresh and unexpected readings of the Bible, Loving Our Own Bones paints a luminous portrait of what it means to be disabled and one of God’s beloved. Belser delves deep into sacred literature, braiding the insights of disabled, feminist, Black, and queer thinkers with her own experiences as a queer disabled Jewish feminist. Her book also contemplates the ways in which places of worship — and society in general — could be more inclusive to all types of bodies.

Discussion will be on Zoom and we will make every effort to make the meetings as accessible as possible.  Auto-generated live transcript is available and participants are free to be on or off camera as they feel comfortable. We request that participants do not make use of moving or shifting backgrounds, sharp lights, or overhead fans. Please let Penina know of any specific requirements when you register.  

Having your own copy of the book is recommended, but not required.   Chapters to be discussed at each meeting will be announced in advance.  Book can be ordered from your regular book-seller or borrowed from your library.

Link to ordering book as Ebook, spoken word and alternate formats for blind, low vision, and print disabled people. 

Penina has a Masters Degree in Jewish Studies from Hebrew college and has been leading adult Hebrew bible study classes and workshops for over 16 years.  She brings to bear a good knowledge of the Hebrew text and a focus on literary, feminist, queer, and modern commentary, with a particular interest in disability and trans torah.   She hopes those who study with her will bring their own knowledge of life and their keen interest in interacting with others over text.

Julia Watts Belser (she/her) is a rabbi, scholar, and spiritual teacher who works at the intersections of disability studies, queer feminist Jewish ethics, and environmental justice.  She is a professor of Jewish Studies at Georgetown University, Senior Research Fellow at the Berkley Center for Religion, Peace, and World Affairs, and core faculty in Georgetown’s Disability Studies Program. She’s a passionate wheelchair hiker, an avid gardener, and a lover of wild places.

description from jewishbookcouncil.org (abridged)