Elsie R. Stern, the granddaughter of Rabbi Jacob Philip Rudin, Temple Beth-El of Great Neck’s spiritual leader from 1930 to 1971, will be the scholar-in-residence on Friday, Nov. 7, and Saturday, Nov. 8.
A program of the Miriam & Moses Center for Pluralistic Adult Jewish Learning, the weekend will begin with a congregational dinner on Friday at 5:30 p.m. The cost for members is $18 until Sunday, Nov. 2, and $25 beginning on Nov. 3 as well as for others. Register at tinyurl.com/TBENov7.
The Erev Shabbat service at 7 p.m. is welcome to all. Stern, the professor of Bible at Reconstructionist Rabbinical College in Philadelphia, will discuss Rabbi Jacob P. Rudin and his legacy in Reform Judaism today.
According to Temple Beth-El, much has changed in American liberal Judaism since Rabbi Rudin’s time at Temple Beth-El, though the pillars of his rabbinate—social justice, interfaith work and his belief in the power of language—continue to shape contemporary liberal Judaism. Stern will reflect on Rudin’s legacy and how it animates American Judaism today.
She has authored books and essays for scholars, clergy and lay readers, and has contributed to “The Jewish Study Bible” and “The Torah: A Women’s Commentary.” Stern is the general editor for the New Central Conference of American Rabbis Torah Commentary, which will serve as the main Torah commentary for the reform movement of Judaism.
“Stephanie & the Shabbatones” will enhance the prayer experience with energy, joy and an exciting blend of Jewish and secular music, followed by a Oneg Shabbat with sweet treats.
On Saturday, the scholar-in-residence will lead participants in exploring Parashat Vayera through the lens of the new CCAR Torah commentary during Torah study from 9:15 a.m. to 10:15 a.m.
Participants will learn about the commentary’s content and approach and share feedback during this program sponsored by Cindy and Adam Bender.
Shabbat morning service will follow at 10:30 a.m.
During lunch and learn, Stern will discuss what will be in the new CCAR Torah commentary from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., also sponsored by Cindy and Adam Bender.
The scholar-in-residence will delve into why the Reform Rabbis’ association decided to produce a new Torah translation and commentary, and will share the features that make it distinctive.
This program is free and open to the community, but registration is requested to ensure enough food is available at tinyurl.com/TBENov8.
Temple Beth-El has served the community for nearly 100 years at 5 Old Mill Road. Learn more at tbegreatneck.org, 516-487-0900, or by emailing info@tbegreatneck.org.
