Author: shjroc5_wp

Study Group April 9, 2023

Shalom.

I will be leading the April’s study group. (Sunday. 4/9 3 pm in-person and by zoom)

Humanistic Jews often have a conflicted relationship with traditional Jewish religious practices and cultural customs.   There are often questions as to the origin of certain sets of words, how ceremonial objects are used, or procedures on how to do things. 

Why do we Jews do things in a certain way?  We are often told that it comes from the Bible and then chapter and verse are cited.  Sometimes accurate, sometimes not.  

But we Humanistic Jews are also asking the questions:  Are the way we Jews do things strictly from the theistic origin?   Just how is it relevant to Humanistic Jews when that explanation is given?    If our ancestors did it that way, is it relevant for us? (What our ancestors did may be relevant for recipes, but even those need to be amended for culinary developments. ) 

I will lead a discussion on what is appropriate for Humanistic Jews to claim from our 4000+ year tradition.   What is ours and what is appropriate for us to include in our observances?  Is there anything that is inappropriate?  How do we filter through all this history and culture?  Is there a way that we can adapt traditional material and make it ours?

The summer issue of HUMANISTIC JUDAISM, Summer 2022 asks the question: Is the Torah for us?  Reclaiming. Ancient texts. 

This issue includes articles on the Torah, “Women in the Bible”, and “Understanding Ancient Texts”.  I am sure Rabbi Wine’s books also deal with this subject.

Search SHJ (Society for Humanistic Judaism). If you do not still have your copy, it is available on line at the SHJ website.  Find Humanist Judaism Magazine and  use “click here” and find the correct issue.  (Contact me if you have a problem acquiring it.). This may be a good place to start out discussion.

Hoping to see you at both the seder and study group, 

Shalom , Barry Swan, Madrikh, Beth Haskalah

baswan@aol.com.  585-329-3305

Vegan Seder- Thursday, April 6

Beth Haskalah’s  vegan seder will be on Thursday, April 6th at 6 pm.

Except for last year, we have had a joint seder with the Rochester Vegan Society for many years.  Last year’s seder was just us, Beth Haskalah,  because of the pandemic.  It was a very intimate and family seder. The response I have had indicates our group members wish to proceed with our intimate family seder for this year.  Hopefully we will consider doing a joint seder again for 2024.

Masks will be optional. Vaccination is mandatory.

Please let us know if you are interested in attending the seder and how many will be accompanying you.  Please also let us what you will be bringing to share at this vegan seder.  If you need advice, please contact me.  

We hope you will be able to join us.

Barry Swan, Madrikh, Beth Haskalah

    baswan@aol.com.  585-329-3305

Beth Haskalah 2022-2023 Calendar (5783)

2022-2023 Calendar (5783)

BETH HASKALAH Calendar 2022– 2023 (5783)

__________________________When__________________________Where___

Rosh Hashanah  Sun., Sept. 29, 5 pm Goldsteins’

Yom Kippur        Wed. , Oct 9, 6 pm “Break the Fast”. Cherin’s

Sukkot     Sunday, Oct.. 13,

Hanukah                Friday, Dec. 27, 6 pm Cherin’s

Tu B’Shevat Seder    Monday, Feb. 10      in Sunday School

Purim                  Wednesday, March 11 in Sunday School

Passover               Thursday, Apr. 9, 6 pm Brighton Town Park

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Study Groups     2nd Sundays   Ellie’s

Time: 7 pm, except for Dec, Jan, & Feb- 3 pm

9/8,  10/13, 11/10, 12/8, 1/12, 2/9, 3/8, 4/12, 5/10, 6/14
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Shabbat  Celebrations:   Fall: Friday, Spring:

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BH Board Meetings:
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Sunday School Meeting TBA

Study group: I/17/23 3 pm : Mass shootings

America’s recent history has been overwhelmed by mass shootings.    School children, gays, Hispanics, Blacks, Jews, and others have been premeditated victims.   Is there a common link among the perpetrators?  Does  race, religion, or ideology provide them their rationale?  What factors have been unifying them?

A second major factor is the excess of guns, many of which are illegal.  Millions are hand guns.  Some of the guns are high powered weapons of war.     Others are “ghost” guns which are produced by individuals  so they are untraceable.   The NRA’s power and the warping of the Second Amendment complicate the whole situation.

Beth Haskalah’s winter study groups are only  available on zoom.  Please contact Barry Swan at baswan@aol.com or 585-329-3305 if you wish the link or have any other questions.