We’re very excited to announce that Dr. Barry Holtz, the Theodore and Florence Baumritter Professor of Jewish Education at The Jewish Theological Seminary, will visit Beth El for a special Scholar-in-Residence weekend from Friday, November 16 to Sunday, November 17.
Dr. Holtz teaches courses which explore subjects such as issues confronting Jewish education, professional development for teachers, and philosophy of Jewish education; he also leads a class in teaching classical texts.
During his weekend in Omaha, Dr. Holtz will offer two presentations: at a special Shabbat dinner on Friday, he will discuss “Why Read the Great Jewish Books? How Jewish Classics Can Speak to Our Lives”; and at Kiddush luncheon the next day, he will address “Friendship and Conflict: How the Rabbis of the Talmud Thought About Community and Disagreement.” On Sunday, November 18, Dr. Holtz will lead a teachers’ workshop at the JCC, sponsored by the Jewish Federation’s Center for Jewish Learning.
Cost for the Friday night dinner is $12.50; there is no charge to attend the Kiddush luncheon. To RSVP, contact Margie Gutnik by November 13 in the synagogue office, or at programming@bethel-omaha.org.
Beth El Welcomes Dr. Jonathan Rosenbaum
As Scholar-in-Residence
Friday, April 27 and Saturday, April 28, 2007
Mark April 27-28 on your calendar, and join us at Beth El as we welcome former Omahan Dr. Jonathan Rosenbaum, now President of Gratz College, as our scholar-in-residence. During his upcoming visit, Dr. Rosenbaum’s presentations will revolve around “The Irony of Acceptance: Living Jewishly in Today’s World.”
Speaking at the April 27 Shabbat dinner, he will discuss “Back to the Future: Acceptance, Assimilation and Anti-Semitism in Contemporary America.”
During Saturday morning services, he will address “Subverting Scholarship: The Politics of Biblical Studies in the Contemporary World.” And at the Kiddush luncheon following Shabbat services, he plans to explore “Jewish-Christian Dialogue: How Far Should (or Can) It Go?”
Dr. Jonathan Rosenbaum became ninth President of Gratz College in 1998. He is a prominent scholar, educator, and administrator. He came to Gratz from the University of Hartford where he held the Maurice Greenberg Chair of Judaic Studies and served as director of the Maurice Greenberg Center for Judaic Studies and chair of the Department of History. He was also Adjunct Professor at Hartford Seminary and the Graduate School of the University of Connecticut and had served as Lecturer in Law at the University of Connecticut School of Law. In addition to his role as President of Gratz College, he also holds the academic position of Professor of Religious Studies.
Dr. Rosenbaum possesses a diverse background and varied interests. Trained as a specialist in the ancient Near East and in Biblical studies, he has taught and published in those fields as well as in rabbinics, American Jewish history, and Jewish education. His recent major works include
Making a Life, Building a Community: A History of the Jews of Hartford (co-authored with David G. Dalin; New York: Holmes & Meier, 1997) and an issue of the Journal of Jewish Communal Service (78:4, 2002) dedicated to Philadelphia Jewry which he co-edited with Dr. Ernest M. Kahn.
From 1995 to 1998, Dr. Rosenbaum served as a deputy director of the Ein Gedi Archaeological Expedition in Israel, an excavation co-sponsored by the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and University of Hartford. He also organized and chairs “Paleographical Studies in the Ancient Near East,” a scholarly section jointly sponsored by the Society of Biblical Literature.
Communally oriented, Dr. Rosenbaum conceived and helped to guide the Henry Luce Forum in Abrahamic Religions, a national program jointly devoted to advancing scholarship concerning and mutual understanding among American Jews, Christians, and Muslims. In addition, Dr. Rosenbaum was a pivotal figure in bringing to fruition regional awards in Holocaust teaching that recognize teachers in diverse schools from throughout New England.
Dr. Rosenbaum is also an ordained rabbi who is personally committed to traditional Jewish law. He has close ties in all four movements of Judaism and a deep respect for Jews of all ideologies. As evidence of the high regard in which he is held throughout the spectrum of Jewish life, Dr. Rosenbaum has received honorary doctorates from both the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion and the Jewish Theological Seminary. He also served for six years as the part-time rabbi of a century-old Orthodox synagogue in West Hartford, Connecticut.
A native of Michigan, Dr. Rosenbaum received his B.A. degree in Near Eastern Languages and Literature from the University of Michigan, where he was elected to Phi Beta Kappa and was graduated summa cum laude. He earned rabbinical ordination and an M.A. at the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute-Jewish Institute of Religion in Cincinnati, and a Ph.D. in Near Eastern Languages and Civilization from Harvard University. Prior to coming to the University of Hartford in 1986, he was a tenured member of the faculty in religious studies at the University of Nebraska at Omaha.
Dr. Rosenbaum’s wife, Susan Rosenbaum, M.D., rose to major roles of leadership within her field beginning with the Rosenbaum's years in Hartford. A former president of the Hartford Psychiatric Society, Dr. Susan Rosenbaum directed the psychiatric outpatient clinic at the region’s largest health center, Hartford Hospital. She is now in private practice in Doylestown, Pennsylvania. The couple has three adult sons: Joseph, Joshua, and Jeremy.
Explore the Symbolism and Significance of
Jewish Music with Dr. Joshua Jacobson
Friday, October 27 and Saturday, October 28, 2006
A weekend filled with an exploration of Jewish music is on tap for all of us at Beth El, as we welcome Dr. Joshua Jacobson, Professor of Music and Director of Choral Activities at Northeastern University in Boston, as our scholar-in-residence on Friday, Oct. 27 and Saturday, Oct. 28.
Dr. Jacobson, who served nine years as Northeastern University’s Music Department
Chairman and six years as the Bernard Stotsky Professor of Jewish Cultural Studies,
is currently a visiting professor of Jewish music at Hebrew College; he is also the
founder and director of the Zamir Chorale of Boston, a world-renowned ensemble which
specializes in Hebrew music.
We will have several opportunities to hear Dr. Jacobson during the weekend:
At a special Shabbat dinner following 6 p.m. services on Friday, he will discuss "How
Jewish is Jewish Music?" during which, he explained, "We will examine the music we hear in modern American synagogues, and attempt to determine where this music came from. We will discuss the function of music in the synagogue." In addition, "We will attempt to answer the questions: Is there an authentic Jewish music? What was our music like in ancient times?"
During Shabbat services the next morning, Dr. Jacobson will speak about "Music, Magic and the Spirit." "We will hear Biblical accounts of music's ability to alter moods and topple walls, rabbinic opinions on the divine sources of music, and modern studies on the use of music to relieve pain.
Finally, following services during our Kiddush luncheon, Dr. Jacobson will explore "Jews and Music." "There has always been a connection between Jews and music," he said. "How do we explain this phenomenon? Why are there so many Jewish performers and composers? Why is music such an essential component in Jewish worship, celebrations and life-cycle events?"
Following his stint as our scholar-inresidence, Dr. Jacobson will be the keynote speaker of this year’s Klutznik Symposium on October 29 and 30, hosted by Creighton University's Klutznick Chair in Jewish Civilization and Center for the Study of Religion and Society.
Saturday’s Kiddush luncheon is free of charge; cost of the Friday Shabbat dinner is $12.50 for adults; $8.50 for children ages 6-12; there is no charge for children five and younger. Reservations may be made by e-mailing Margie Gutnik or calling 492-8550
This scholar-in-residence weekend was made possible by a generous donation from the Dorothy and Henry Riekes Endowment Fund.
"Dr. Jacobson is a very engaging speaker and has received rave reviews for his entertaining, informative and inspirational talks. I know that you will find him to be a delightful Scholar-in-Residence, one not to be missed."
-Cantor Gastón Bogomolni
Author, Storyteller Rabbi Jack Riemer
To Share His Magic at
Scholar-in-Residence Weekend
May 5-7, 2006
He
is a renowned author, a storyteller, an inspirational speaker. One of
the many prayers he has penned was once recited at a White House prayer
breakfast by President Clinton, and Elie Wiesel has stated that his
words "are songs of hope and faith." And now, our entire community
will have the opportunity to experience first-hand the magic of Rabbi
Jack Riemer, during a special scholar-in-residence weekend at Beth El.
Rabbi Riemer is the author of numerous books, including
So That Your Values Live On, a Treasury of Ethical Wills, the
three-volume The World of the High Holy Days, and Jewish
Relections on Death, a classic resource which assists mourners.
He has lectured at universities, healing centers, synagogues and churches
around the world and has been called "probably the most quoted
rabbi in the country" by tzedakah guru Danny Siegel. In
addition, Rabbi Riemer has also written prayers and poems that have
been published in prayer books of both the Conservative and Reform movements,
and has published articles in most major journals of Jewish thought
throughout America and abroad.
Rabbi Riemer recently retired from Congregation Beth
Tikvah in Boca Raton, Florida, and also served congregations in
La Jolla, California, and Dayton, Ohio. He was ordained and received
his M.H.L. and D.D. from the Jewish Theological Seminary, and did his
graduate studies at Brandeis University.
Rabbi Riemer's scholar-in-residence weekend has
been generously underwritten by the Ida and Samuel Kaiman Scholar-in-Residence
Endowment Fund.
Beth El to Welcome Dr. Adolfo Roitman
As Our February Scholar-in-Residence
February 10-12, 2006
We’re
pleased to announce an exciting scholar-inresidence weekend next month,
featuring Dr. Adolfo Roitman, curator of the Shrine of the Book, which
houses the Dead Sea Scrolls at the Israel Museum in Jerusalem. Dr. Roitman
will spend February 10 to 12 with us at Beth El, and will address a
variety of topics over the weekend.
A senior lecturer at the Schechter Institute of Jewish
Studies in Jerusalem, Dr. Roitman lectures widely on early Jewish literature,
the history and significance of the Dead Sea Scrolls and biblical interpretation.
In addition, he has served as a visiting scholar at universities across
the United States and Central and South America.
Dr. Roitman has authored numerous books about the Dead
Sea Scrolls, among them The Sectarians from Qumran: Daily Life of
the Essenes (Barcelona: Ediciones Martínez Roca, 2000, in
Spanish) and A Day at Qumran: The Dead Sea Sect and Its Scrolls
(Jerusalem: The Israel Museum, 1997). He is curator of Envisioning
the Temple Scrolls, Stones and Symbols, currently on display at
the Israel Museum. The exhibit examines the place of the Temple in Judaism
and features as its centerpiece the Temple Scroll, one of the longest
of the Dead Sea Scrolls. Dr. Roitman is also the author of Envisioning
the Temple. Scrolls, Stones and Symbols (Jerusalem: The Israel
Museum, 2003) which accompanies the exhibit. An ordained conservative
rabbi, Dr. Roitman earned his Ph.D. in Ancient Jewish Thought at the
Hebrew University of Jerusalem in 1993.
The community will have a variety of opportunities
to hear from our special guest speaker. At a special Shabbat dinner
following services on Friday, February 10, Dr. Roitman will discuss
"Sects and Groups in Judaism Today and in Second Temple Period:
Parallels and Differences."
During Kiddush luncheon on Saturday, he will address
"Esther and Judith in Jewish Literature and Art, and Their Relevance
for Modern Feminist Approaches."
And at a 10 a.m. Sunday brunch, he will explore "The
Significance of the Dead Sea Scrolls for Judaism and Christianity."
Cost of the Friday night dinner is $12.50 for adults,
$8.50 for children ages six to 12, and free for children five and younger.
Saturday's Kiddush luncheon (sponsored by Beth El's Sisterhood) and
the Sunday brunch are free of charge.
For reservations, contact Margie Gutnik in the synagogue
office or via e-mail.
The entire Jewish community is invited to attend our scholar-in residence
events; mark February 10 – 12 on your calendar and be sure to
join us for an informative and enlightening weekend.
Dr. Roitman’s visit has been made possible by
a generous donation from the Dr. Benton and Harriet Kutler Family Endowment
Fund.
History of Jewish Omaha to be Focus
of Beth El Lunch ‘n’ Learn Event
The entire community is invited to attend a fascinating
Beth El Lunch ‘n’ Learn event following Shabbat
services on Saturday, February 12, as local historian Carol Gendler
leads attendees through the history of Jewish Omaha. In the midst of
a nationwide commemoration of 350 years of American Jewry, this presentation
will provide an informative local angle to the celebration.
Cost is $9 for adults; $5 for children; free for children
under age four. For reservations, please contact Harriet Einziger in
the synagogue office, 492-8550.
Dr. Jonathan Sarna to Speak at Beth El
During January 15 Shabbat Services
Beth
El Synagogue is pleased to welcome one of America's leading Jewish historians,
Jonathan D. Sarna, who will present an enlightening D'var Torah regarding
350 years of American Judaism, during Shabbat services on January 15.
Dr. Sarna, the Joseph H. & Belle R. Braun Professor
of American Jewish History at Brandeis University, is chair of the Academic
Advisory and Editorial Board of the Jacob Radar Marcus Center of the
American Jewish Archives in Cincinnati, and is the past chair of the
Academic Council of the American Jewish Historical Society. He was recently
named chairman of the Academic Advisory Council for Celebrate 350: Jewish
Life in America, a collection of organizations focused on raising national
awareness of the 350th anniversary of Judaism in America. He holds degrees
from Yale University, Brandeis University and Hebrew College.
Dr. Sarna has written, edited or co-edited over 20
books and articles: his most recent offering is American Judaism: A
History (Yale University Press, 2004), which chronicles the path Judaism
has taken in America over the past 350 years. Through in-depth examination,
the book examines how Judaism has been influenced and developed, as
well as how Jews have shaped their communities and their faith over
the years. American Judaism: A History has been honored as the National
Jewish Book Award's 2004 Book of the Year.
"We are privileged to have Professor Sarna, one
of the nation's top scholars in American Jewish history, speaking about
the 350th anniversary of Jewish life in America," said Beth El
Rabbi Mordechai Levin. "He has written an impressive variety of
books and articles, and is an entertaining and gifted speaker. Surely
he will help us to understand better the history of American Judaism
and its implications for Jewish continuity.
"We invite the entire community take advantage
of this wonderful opportunity to hear this informative and fascinating
speaker."
Beth El Welcomes Rabbi Harold Kushner
On
Sunday, December 12 at 7 p.m., renowned speaker and author Rabbi Harold
Kushner will return to Beth El to share some Jewish wisdom during his
presentation, "Three Ideas the Jewish People Can Teach the World."
The event, which is free of charge and open to the
entire community, is being sponsored the Dr. Benton and Harriet Kutler
Scholar-in-Residence Endowment Fund.
Rabbi Kushner, author of numerous books including When
Bad Things Happen to Good People, The Ten Commandments of Character:
Essential Advice for Living an Honorable, Ethical Life, and To Life!
A Celebration of Jewish Being and Thinking, will also pay tribute
to the synagogue’s milestone anniversary.
A dessert reception, featuring family favorites baked
by our own Beth El congregants, will cap off the event, which is being
co-chaired by Vicki Sanford and Julie Potash.
We are honored to have Rabbi Kushner return to Beth
El to join in our 75th anniversary celebration. This is an
evening you won’t want to miss, so be sure to mark Sunday, December
12 on your calendar -- Rabbi Kushner is a favorite around the world
and always a welcome and inspirational voice at Beth El.
Community-Wide Shabbat Celebration
Marks Beginning of Beth El’s 75th Anniversary
Beth
El Synagogue will kick off its year-long 75th anniversary celebration
with a special weekend featuring Omaha native Dr. Ron Wolfson, one of
the country’s leaders in Jewish family education. Wolfson, Dean
of the Center for Jewish Education at the University of Judaism in Los
Angeles, will spend the weekend of October 29-31 leading workshops and
sharing a joy-filled Shabbat celebration at the synagogue.
Widely known for his inspirational and lively presentations,
Wolfson has served as a consultant and scholar-in-residence for synagogues
throughout North America. In addition to being the founding director
of the Whizin Institute for Jewish Family Education at the University
of Judaism, Wolfson is also the author of The Art of Jewish Living series,
as well as co-editor of the 1999 Jewish Book Award winner, First Fruit:
A Whizin Anthology of Jewish Family Education.
The entire community is invited to turn Friday night
into family night by experiencing "Dr. Wolfson’s One-of-a-Kind
Take-Home Shabbat Dinner," on Friday, October 29, following 6 p.m.
services. Wolfson will address "Putting the Joyful Meaning into
Shabbat;" given his infectious enthusiasm, the evening promises
to be both joyful and memorable, said Pam Friedlander, who is co-chairing
the weekend’s events with her husband, Bruce, along with Bob and
Sibby Wolfson (brother and sister-in-law of the guest speaker).
"Some things just can’t be adequately described
and must be experienced," Friedlander said. "Sharing Shabbat
with Ronnie is one of those things. His love of Judaism and spirituality
are electrifying; he fills the room with an incredible energy.
"It’s an experience no one there will ever
forget," she added, "and our hope is that after this evening,
people will hold onto the wonderful joy of Shabbat."
Friedlander also noted that she and her co-chairs
are in the process of recruiting 50 host families to attend services
and the dinner; these families will agree to host a Shabbat dinner in
their homes during the next month, inviting five people, at least one
of whom is a new member (of less than two years) at Beth El. Host families
will receive gifts bags, a how-to booklet, Shabbat CD, a tzedakah box
and Shabbat candles to get them started, she said.
During Shabbat services Saturday morning, Wolfson
will present a D’var Torah regarding "The Future of Beth
El," and will lead the blessings and singing during a festive Kiddush
luncheon following services.
He will also participate in a Saturday evening retreat
for Beth El Board members, to discuss "Synagogue Reinvention"
and will lead the "Art of Jewish Living" workshop, on Sunday,
October 31, from 11 a.m. to noon, for Beth El’s Sisterhood, Hazak,
Men’s Club and parents; from noon to 1 p.m. for educators.
FAX: 402-492-8520
