Elul Learning Series

The Binding of Isaac

Taught by Allan Sugarman

Perhaps the first major event in the Bible that ties the Jewish people to God, in the Book of Genesis, is the story of Abraham and his, son, Isaac, over 3,000 years ago. In this story, a father was prepared to sacrifice his child because God, who spoke from the heavens, told him to do so. An angel stopped Abraham from sacrificing his son and replaced him on the altar with a ram caught in a nearby bramble, where the shofar, the ram’s horn, enters Jewish history. This lecture will be an exploration of this central story of the Jewish people by exploring the text of the Bible.

Preparing for the Holidays

Taught by Beth Banks Cohn

1. This is a busy time of year.  And before you know it, it is the High Holidays.  Did we even prepare?  Maybe physically - a holiday menu, invitations to guests, new clothes, getting seats for services.  But spiritually?  Do we take the time to spiritually prepare for our High Holidays?  Join Dr. Beth Banks Cohn as she helps you carve out the time and space to do just that.  Using excerpts from the book "This is Real and You Are Completely Unprepared" by Rabbi Alan Lew z"l, as thought generators, you will have a chance to chart a path into the High Holidays for yourself and for your soul. To enter into this High Holiday season in a more reflective and conscious state of mind.  (You don't need to purchase the book, although you might want to after we're done.)