Author: shjroc5_wp

We are living in a turbulent times and some important decisions have to be made.   If we need to focus on any anything right now, it is on the election.

So I hope you will vote.

As I am concerned how the rest of the world views me as an American because of the actions of our government, I am also concerned how the world views me as a Jew because of the actions of Israel.  What am I responsible for?  How can I effect things?  I can vote here so I will do that and hope I can affect things, but I cannot vote in Israel.

Beth Haskalah’s next event is our study group on Sunday’s November 8th, 3 pm by ZOOM.

The topic will be the Economic History of the Jewish People.  It really is quite complex but  at the same time it has a very obvious and understandable thread.

The presentation will be done on ZOOM at 3 pm.  Yes, usury and our effect on economies will be part of this, but it will not be the usual story.

If you wish to attend, please contact me by the the phone number and e-mail address below. Hope to see you then.

Shalom, Barry Swan

baswan@aol.com 585-329-3305

Beth Haskalah’s Passover seder will be on Thursday, April 2, at 5 pm.

Please contact me, Barry Swan, if you are interested in joining us or for more information.

Shalom, Barry Swan, Madrikh

Beth Haskalah, Rochester Society for Humanistic Judaism

baswan@aol.com 585-329-3305

Our first study group of this fall will feature Contemporary Humanistic Judaism, the new book on  HJ by Rabbis Adam Chalom and Jodi Kornfeld.

The book explains where  Humanistic Judaism came from and where we have progressed in the last 50 years.  We will discuss what makes us Jewish and how we define ourselves.  How are we different from and the same with other Jews.

Please contact me at baswan@aol.com or 585-329-3305 for details on how to connect with us for Sundays gathering (in Oerson or by ZOOM)

Shalom, Barry Swan, Madrikh,

Beth Haskalah, The Rochester Society for Humanistic Judaism

BETH HASKALAH Calendar 2025 – 2026 (5786)

__________________________When__________________________Where___

 Rosh Hashanah      Monday, Sept.  22, Marcuses

 Yom Kippur        Thursday,  October 2         “Break the Fast”.     The Goldsteins

Sukkot               Oct. 6-13

Hanukah                Friday,  Dec. 14-22           Not yet determined          

Tu B’Shevat Seder       in Sunday School

Purim                   March in Sunday School

Passover               Thursday,  April 2,  6  pm Brighton Town Park

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Study Groups             2nd Sundays               Ellie’s 

Time:     3 pm

9/14  10/12, 11/9, 12/14, 1/11, 2/8, 3/8, 4/12, 5/10, 6/14

—————————————————————————————

Shabbat  Celebrations:   Fall:    Friday, Spring: Friday,

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BH Board Meetings:

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Sunday School  Meeting  TBA

Please feel free to contact me if you need the ZOOM link .

Shalom, Barry Swan

Madrikh , Beth Haskalah

baswan@aol.com 585-329-3305

BETH HASKALAH Calendar 2024 – 2025 (5785)

__________________________When________________Where___

 Rosh Hashanah      Wednesday, October 2:  6 pm.      …

 Yom Kippur        Saturday,  October 12        “Break the Fast”.    

Sukkot               Wednesday, Oct.  16 in Sunday School

Hanukah          Wednesday,  Dec. 24- 31.  Saturday is Dec. 28.                       

Tu B’Shevat Seder    Thursday, Feb. 13   in Sunday School

Purim                   Friday,   March 14 in Sunday School

Passover           Sunday,  April 13,  6  pm Brighton Town Park

—————————————————————————————-

Study Groups             2nd Sundays               Ellie’s 

Time:     3 pm

9/08,  10/13, 11/10, 12/08, 1/12, 2/09, 3/09, 4/13, 5/11, 6/08

—————————————————————————————

Shabbat  Celebrations:   Fall:    Friday, Spring: Friday,——————————————–

BH Board Meetings:

——————————————–

Sunday School  Meeting  TBA

This year’s  vegan seder will be on Tuesday, April 23rd.  More specific information will be circulated after the eclipse.  If you have any questions, please contact me at baswan@aol.com or 585-329-3305.

Barry Swan, Madrikh

Beth Haskalah, Rochester Society for Humanistic Judaism

11/12 Study Group for Nov. 12th, 3 pm-  Israel-Gaza Dilemma

The last few weeks have given many us an opportunity to reevaluate the situation in the Middle East.  From the defense of the existence of Israel to a defense of what is an appropriate homeland for the Palestinians,   many positions have remained exactly as they have been for decades while others have changed their positions, some radically.

The murder of young people at a dance,  the taking of 200+ hostages, and the death of children who were victims of the bombing of neighborhoods in Gaza are all situations which most people decry.  There are certainly others who defend these actions.

There is also criticism of some groups.  Students from many of the top colleges,  who are overtly  championing the Palestinian cause,  have been criticized because it is said they are not recognizing the history of anti-Semitism and the circumstance of the founding of Israel.  Some are criticized because they seem to be avoiding the planning and carrying of  the barbarity of the Hamas attack and taking of hostages.  Others have used the circumstances to reactivate or open express their anti-Semitism. 

There is a lot of history here to consider.  There are so many articles in the newspapers, magazines, and on line which bring in other facts and interested parties.  Please gather all of your materials and thoughts and bring them to Beth Haskalah’s study group on Sunday, November 12th at 3 pm.  Please contact me, Barry Swan at baswan@aol.com or 585-329-3305 if you need directions to Beth Haskalah’s study group.

Our Nov. 12 study group will discuss the many aspects of the present confrontation between Israel and Hamas.  We will discuss both deep historical aspects as well the present situation which involves barbaric slaughter, hostage taking, bombing of the Gaza, and the threat of an multi-faceted invasion of Gaza.

The study group will be meeting on Sunday, November     12th at 3 pm.  The meeting will be in person and by zoom.  If you need further directions in order to participate in the study group, please contact me (Barry Swan) at baswan@aol.com or 585-329-3305.

BETH HASKALAH Calendar 2023 – 2024 (5784)

______________________When_____________Where___

 Rosh Hashanah      Friday, Sept.  15, Marcus Home

Yom Kippur        Monday,  Sept. 25         “Break the Fast”.  

Sukkot               Oct.

Hanukah                Friday,  Dec. 8                      

Tu B’Shevat Seder       in Sunday School

Purim                   March in Sunday School

Passover               Tuesday,  April 23,  6  pm Brighton Town Park

—————————————————————————————-

Study Groups             2nd Sundays               Ellie’s 

Time:     3 pm

9/10,  10/15, 11/12, 12/10, 1/14, 2/11, 3/10, 4/14, 5/12, 6/9

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Shabbat  Celebrations:   Fall:    Friday, Spring: Friday,

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BH Board Meetings:

——————————————–

Sunday School  Meeting  TBA