Beth El University 2007-February 9-10
“Nefesh, Finding the Soul of the American Jew”
The committee for Beth El University, chaired by Olga Pizov, has planned an inspiring and stimulating Shabbaton for the weekend of Friday, February 9th and Saturday, February 10th. All services and study sessions are offered at no charge and are open to everyone.
Reservations for the Shabbat dinner must be pre-paid by January 26th. Underwritten by a donor, the cost is $10 for adults and children under age 12 and free for children 5 and under. Reservations for the Wine Tasting/Live Jazz event paid by January 26th are $15 per person; after that date, the charge is $20 per person.
Friday, February 9th: American Jewish Ruach
• 6:00 p.m. Shabbat Dinner
• 7:15 p.m. Shabbat Services: A fun and warm participatory musical experience using melodies from American Jewish composers, featuring Judy Grundfast and Sarah Bricklin
• Followed by Oneg Shabbat and the “Jewpardy Game” led by Ed Schneider
Saturday Morning and Afternoon, February 10th
• 9:15 a.m Shabbat morning services (Babysitting will be available)
• 11:30 a.m. Study Session I (choose one)
1. “Exploring Voices from American Jewish Writings” – Esther Cohen Hexter
The soul of a people is often revealed through its writings. This session will discuss some themes explored by American Jewish writers through excerpts from selected works, emphasizing what is uniquely American and Jewish about the views of the authors and how we relate to these themes.
2. “Your Soul and You: Two Sides to the Same Coin” – Nammie Ichilov
Have you ever questioned why you go to synagogue? When you’re there do you feel out of place/ Do you even go to synagogue, and if so, what is your impetus for attending? This class will address some of the challenges of being an American Jew in the 21st century, as well as initiate a dialogue as to how one listens to his/her inner voice – without being thrown into a padded cell as a result!
3. “Jewish Spiritual Direction: ‘Listening’ for the Soul’s Voice” – Simcha Leavitt
An emerging practice, Jewish Spiritual Direction is based in our tradition and finding its place in contemporary Jewish life by engaging in “holy listening” for the voice of the soul. It is rooted in the belief that our relationship with God is based on both the outer teachings of our tradition, e.g. Torah and mitzvoth, AND on the teachings found within our own hearts, souls, and life experiences. Come to learn and experience this concept.
• 12:30 p.m. Lunch
• 1:00 p.m. Study Session II (choose one)
1. “Building Up Their Souls Without Knocking Down Their Spirits” – DJ Schneider-Jensen
Helping your children succeed in school can be a daunting task. Learn how to help your children develop a good self-image and the confidence they need to succeed in school and life. Understand how their brains accept and relay information and what you can do to guide them.
2. “Genetic Genealogy: Tracing Your Ancestry through DNA” – Shawn Silver
The new science of Genetic Genealogy allows individuals to trace their lineage and discover possible relatives beyond what traditional genealogical research allows, enabling us to invertigate our ancient ancestry and where our predecessors cam from. Significant discoveries have been made and new questions posed about Jewish genetic heritage. 3. “Aging from a Jewish Perspective” – Dr. Harvey Sterns This session, based on the approach of Rabbi Zalman Schacter-shalomi in From Age-ing to Sage-ing: A Profound New Vision of Growing Older, is about how people feel about aging and the experiences people have in the process of becoming a spiritual elder.
Saturday Evening, February 10th
• 8:00 to 10:00 p.m. Wine Tasting and Live Jazz A pre-Passover event to sample and purchase fine kosher wines from around the world and enjoy great music by Primitive Groove
Program funding is from donations to Beth El Congregation’s Memorial Tribute to Rabbi Abraham D. Feffer z”l and a grant from the Jewish Identity Development Fund of the Jewish Community Board of Akron.