Before beginning Jewish study, we recite a blessing. The closing words of our traditional blessing are “la’asok b’divrei Torah” – to engage the sacred words of Torah. “La’asok,” to engage, is a core value at CMT: our study together is meant to excite, activate, and even challenge us. All in our community, members and non-members, beginners and experienced learners, are most welcome to join us for all of our learning programs.
During 2011-12, CMT will be filled with opportunities for learning during the week, in the mornings and evenings, and on Shabbat. Please join us for the the following classes this year:
Our fall and spring classes will contrast two major Jewish approaches to Jewish life and thought, that of philosophy and that of mysticism. We begin with Moses Maimonides, who led his community and remains a towering figure in the history of Jewish theology and law. No prior background is assumed, all texts are studied in English.
Together we will explore the multiple voices, rituals and traditions that guide us during the most important moments in our Jewish lives.
We will read texts from Biblical times (Ezekiel and Isaiah), and Rabbinic era (El Adon), the Middle Ages (Zohar) and Modern Times (Hasidism and the writings of New Age Jewish mystics).
“WHAT AM I DOING HERE?”: A JOURNEY TOWARD MEANING AND FULFILLMENT THROUGH JEWISH TEXT AND TEACHING with Dr. Wolok
Tuesdays beginning October 25, 2011, 7:30-9PM
Does life have any purpose beyond attending to immediate needs, gaining comfort or status, making a “big splash” and then saying “goodbye”? In this course we will explore Jewish texts, Biblical, rabbinic, Hassidic and poetic, unfolding our faith’s path toward experiencing ultimate meaning in our lives as individuals, in our lives with each other.
This course will focus on the meaning and music of the Shabbat morning service. We will discuss what all this can mean to a person of the 21st century and learn skills, as well, for participating. Be at home with our youth in our worship services and ritual.
Would you like to learn how to read a weekday service or read from the Torah or chant a Haftarah? Would you like to learn how to chant the Friday evening Kiddush or recite the Aliyah blessings over the Torah? Would you like to learn how to shake a lulav on Sukkot?
Just get in touch with Dr. Davin Wolok or Cantor Aryeh Finklestein at 617-332-7770 and we’ll set up one-on-one lessons at a time that fits your schedule.
