Join Torah Study
Torah Study. The very name conjures up images of dark suited,
white bearded groups of old men sitting in dimly lit rooms
arguing in heavy accents about the deep meaning of ancient
texts no one but they can read or understand. That image may
be what some congregants think of when they consider coming
to Torah Study classes held every Saturday morning at Jeremiah.
Well, surprise, surprise. At Jeremiah's version of Torah
Study, there are hardly any beards, no suits (except perhaps
for the Rabbis’ and Cantor’s), the lighting is
bright, the bagels are warm and the conversation is engaging,
friendly and enlightening. And, most importantly, the discussions
involve the Torah as inspiration, literature, history and
how a document written thousands of years ago can relate to
our modern world and current issues.
For those of you who have been curious about Jeremiah's Torah
Study class or considered coming to a session but never have,
come and check it out. You don't need to know how to read
Hebrew or have ever read the Torah or know about the portion
we discuss every week. You don't even need to participate
in the discussions if you don't want to. Just listening to
the discussions and people's opinions and questions can be
very satisfying, educational and even inspiring.
Come and read the actual words behind the famous stories
of the Bible and learn things you may not know. See how there
are two different versions of the Creation and the Garden
of Eden story. Be amazed when Sara laughs at God when He tells
her she is going to bear Abraham a son at age 90. And consider
the implications when God hardens Pharaoh's heart so he doesn't
let the Israelites out of Egypt until God shows all his power
by the Ten Plagues.
My personal involvement with Jeremiah started with attending
a few Torah Study classes and becoming engaged with the rabbis
and other great and friendly people I met there. I can't think
of a better way to become involved at Jeremiah and hope each
of you try the study session at least once. If nothing else,
come by Saturday at 9:00 a.m. for bagels.
- Marc Mayer
- Reprinted from the November, 2008 Covenant
| 
