J Life Magazine - Jan-March 2018 JLifejan2018_web | Page 4

The Mystery of Einstein’s Letter
Sacred Aging and Celebrating New Moons
A message from Jennifer Selco,
Director of Jewish Life & Learning
Let’s think back to when Moses
received the Torah. Moses spent
forty days and nights on top of
Mount Sinai. Joel Lurie Grishaver
summarizes the Talmudic teaching
about how God and Moses studied
the Torah together. First God said
a small piece of Torah, then Moses
and God said that piece of Torah
together. Finally, Moses said it on
his own. Whenever Moses had a
question, God helped him find an
answer. Later, Moses came down the
mountain and taught Torah to the
Families-of-Israel. Moses was a judge,
so he used Torah to help people
fix arguments and find solutions
to problems. Joel Lurie Grishaver
teaches that we all have times when
we are like Moses. All of us are
sometimes teachers and sometimes
students. Similar to Moses, the
Torah can be a guide to help us find
answers to our questions. The J offers
a variety of meaningful opportunities
for people to engage with learning
rooted in Torah and subsequent
Jewish teachings.
Rabbi Naomi Levy will be at The J
on Sunday, January 7. When Rabbi
Levy came across a poignant letter by
Einstein, it shook her to her core. His
words perfectly captured what she
has come to believe about the human
condition: that we are intimately
connected and that we are blind to
this truth. Levy wondered what had
elicited such spiritual wisdom from a
man of science. Come be inspired as
Rabbi Levy speaks about her search
into the mystery of Einstein’s letter
and into the workings of the human
soul. Childcare is available with
advanced notice.
Inspired by Dr. Henry Koeffler’s
abstract art show, 95, which he
began creating at the age of 90, The
J is proud to sponsor a series based
around the idea of sacred aging.
How does our life’s purpose change
as we age? How do we care for aging
loved ones with dignity? What
unique mark do we want to leave on
this world? This series is for anyone
wanting to explore these questions
and more. Session topics include:
writing an ethical will, caring for
aging parents, a Jewish perspective
on death and dying, and finding our
purpose in this
world. Refer to the
January through
June 2018 program
guide for session
teachers, dates and
times.
Did you know that Jews have a way of
commemorating the new moon each
month?! Rosh Chodesh, or “head of
the month” in Hebrew is traditionally
considered a women’s holiday. Rosh
Chodesh was a special holiday given
to the women because they did not
partake in bringing gold to build the
Golden Calf while wandering in the
desert. The J’s monthly, themed, and
egalitarian Rosh Chodesh activities
are open to all. Please join us!
During the upcoming months,
we will celebrate Tu Bishvat (the
birthday of the trees), Purim (a
joyous celebration of Jewish survival),
and Passover (a commemoration
of when we became a free people).
How do you want to learn about and
prepare for the upcoming Jewish
holidays? There are a variety of
experiences to help you prepare for
the different holidays. Hug a tree and
sample some fruits and nuts, focus
on being happy through an artist
or comedy workshop, create a new
Seder plate, learn new kosher for
Passover recipes that everyone will
love, and more!
Join us for any and all sessions that
speak to you. And, if you don’t find
something that quite fits your palate
or if there is something you would
like to see at offered at The J, please
be in touch. I look forward to a year
of joyful celebrations and meaningful
learning.
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October 2017 | J Life Magazine  5