MRT special items

Scholar-in-Residence Weekend
February 27, 28, 29, 2004
made possible through the
Joan Goodman and Ida and Julius Klein Scholar-in-Residence Fund,
Rabbbi Aaron Panken
Dean HUC-JIR
Will speak on the theme
Trying the Talmud

Friday evening, February 27, following Shabbat service at 8:15 PM,
       What Every Reform Jew Ought to Know About Jewish Law
Jewish law was never static, but changed and grew with the times. During this session, we will explore a few examples of major changes in Jewish law, and the particular balance between tradition and innovation that the Talmud displays. The texts we study will have particular relevance for Reform Jews, who face this issue on a constant basis in the world we live in today.

Saturday evening, February 28, after Havdalah and a covered dish supper at 6:00 PM,
      The Amazing Instance of Pluralism: The Sacred Idea Of Disagreement
While pluralism is generally considered a modern concept, the Rabbis of the Talmud actually had their own approach to dealing with vastly divergent approaches to understanding Jewish law. In studying this text, we will watch as the Rabbis explore the question of two truths that appear to be completely opposite and completely true.

Sunday morning, February 29, following a bagel brunch at 9:30 AM,
      White Lies: When Fiction Wins Out Over Truth
Can we say something that is painful just because it happends to be true? Just how honest should one be? Can information shared be called gossip, even if it's true? In a fascinating text from the Talmud, two great schools battle it out over this vital question of truth and humanity, with tremendous relevance to our community today.

Rabbi Panken is the Dean of the New York School of Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion. Prior to joining the administration of HUC-JIR, he served as Assistant and Associate Rabbi of Congregation Rodeph Sholom in New York City. Currently a Wexner Graduate Fellow, Rabbi Panken has a Ph.D. in Talmud and Rabbinic Literature from New York University.
Everyone is invited to participate in all of the sessions. Reservations should be made for Saturday evening and Sunday morning. Please fill out the coupon below and return it to the Temple A.S.A.P. There is no charge for the program, but donations to the S.I.R. Fund created in memory of Joan Goodman and Ida and Julius Klein will be gratefully accepted. Please call the Temple office at 732-747-9365 if you would like more information.

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