Temple Beth Am welcomes Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies

An open, inclusive, diverse and intellectually challenging Jewish learning community based in Jerusalem with programs worldwide.

6:00 PM Light Nosh

6:30 PM Session 1: Choose from two classes

7:35 PM – 7:50 PM Refreshments

7:55 PM Session 2: With Rabbanit Shalhevet Cahana

Session 1

Choose from the two classes below

 1. The View From Here is not the View From There: A Biblical Portrait of Misunderstanding with Rabbi Deborah Anstandig

We’ll delve into a dramatic episode from the Book of Joshua in which a potential civil war is narrowly averted. Together, we’ll consider how these ancient dilemmas speak powerfully to the challenges of our own time.

2. Breaking the Tablets: Uncovering the Meaning of Jewish Life Rabbi Leon A. Morris

Moses’s breaking of the Tablets is usually understood to be a result of his uncontrollable anger toward the people for building a golden calf. The story becomes a warning to avoid even the idolatry within religious life. We will explore how essential human initiative is for shaping an expansive and interpretative tradition.

Session 2

The Sister and the Stranger: Unpacking the Women in Moses’s Inner Circle Rabbanit Shalhevet Cahana

In this session we will focus on the two women in Moses’ inner circle, Miriam his sister and Tzipporah his wife. We will uncover a richer picture of the Mosaic family and the ways women, from within and from the margins, shape Moses’s leadership.

Free of charge, Open to the community.