MESSAGES FROM RABBIS

Rabbi Jonathan A. Stein

Our Jewish tradition views education as one of our highest values. Continuing education is a way of expressing our thanks to God for blessing us with intelligence, understanding and insight. It is a means of deepening our connection to our Jewish past and future. It is a way to set a good example for the next generation. And it is a path to deepening our spiritual commitment by studying in a community of like-minded individuals. It is with great pride that the Adult Education Committee of our congregation presents this year's array of classes, lectures, mini-series, Shabbat programs, films, book reviews and study sessions. Shaaray Tefila offers you a wide variety of opportunities to expand your knowledge of the Jewish tradition, reflect on the state of our American and world-wide Jewish community, and search for your own place within the tradition and God's world. Our thanks to Paula Dwoskin Sitzer, chairperson of the Adult Education Committee, and to the committee members listed below. We know that you will enjoy participating in the great adventure of lifelong Jewish learning.

Rabbi Darren S. Levine

Studying our sacred tradition lies in the heart of the Jewish soul. It is,
therefore, a pleasant surprise that, in the past few years, adult education
has become one of the most significant areas of focus in the Jewish
community. Shaaray Tefila is no exception. If you are looking to study Jewish prayer, philosophy, culture, holidays, music, ancient and modern literature, or Hebrew, then you are in the right place. You are like hundreds of fellow congregants who attend our wide variety of learning opportunities throughout the year.

Moses Maimonides, one of the greatest Jewish teachers postured, “Until when is a person obligated to study Torah? Until the day he
dies, as it states in the book of Deuteronomy, ‘Lest you remove it from your heart all the days of your life.’” In the Mishneh Torah, he goes on to say that “the greatest sages of Israel included wood choppers, water drawers, and blind men. Despite these difficulties, they were occupied with Torah study day and night.”

In the spirit of Maimonides, whether you come to us as the symbolic wood chopper, water drawer, or sightless person, you have something to learn and to contribute at our various events. I look forward to seeing you at a Shabbat morning Torah study, at our Midtown Torah Study, a mini-series session, a lecture, and throughout the year. At each
opportunity, we will engage ourselves b’divrei Torah, in the words of Torah.