Judaism has undergone great transitions in the past century: Offering an ethnic haven for newcomers; then, after World War II, a catalyst for engagement in the broader culture. Standing on these successes, today’s seekers long for wisdom to thrive and live with meaning. Fortunately, Judaism is one of the world’s great wisdom traditions.
Join us at the Ziegler School on a rare overcast Los Angeles day as our dean, Rabbi Brad Artson, answers students’ questions about the recent resolution by the Rabbinical Council of America condemning the ordination of women as rabbis, and on the legacy of Prime Minister Yitchak Rabin z”l at the occasion of his 20th yarhzeit.
Join us and listen in to a funny and subversive, but also deep conversation about “what I love about Judaism,” between our dean, Rabbi Brad Artson, and Rabbi David Wolpe, of Sinai Temple.
Topics: Biblical Criticism and its utility for the religious reader of Holy texts, Jewish clergy in interfaith relationships, Judaism and US Presidential politics.
In anticipation of the Yizkor service for Shemini Atzeret, to be recited this coming Monday, October 5th, our dean, Rabbi Brad Artson, shares this message of connectedness and community.
“We are never ever alone. We are all in all and each in each.”
Why do people turn to Judaism? Certainly we have lived through enough to know that being religious doesn't mean that we can avoid the spills and disappointments that festoon the road of life. A Jewish commitment doesn't automatically liberate a person from fear or anxiety or guilt, nor can it guarantee happiness or success. If Judaism can't provide those lofty goals, then what good is it? Why bother?
“What does it mean to locate nighttime as the beginning of our festivals and Shabbatot?” Listen in, and prepare for Yom Kippur, as our dean explores the deeper meaning of this anomalous Jewish tradition with the Temple Sinai community on the eve of Rosh Hashanah!
This week we offer you a special take on the weekly Torah portion. Jacob Artson, Rabbi Artson’s son, turned 13 this week, and he celebrated his becoming a bar mitzvah by leading the Torah services on Rosh Hodesh Elul, where he delivered this D’var Torah on Parashat Shoftim. May he be blessed to teach Torah for many years to come, and may we be open to the many teachers to come our way!
Bar Mitzvah Speech
by
Jacob Artson
In his Rosh Hashanah sermon at Temple Sinai, Rabbi Artson calls our American Jewish Community to come together as a loving family, and repair a relationship that has been deeply wounded by the many painful words that have been spoken during the past months.
In this final “Lunch and Learn” teaching before Rosh Hashanah, Rabbi Artson closely examines the 27th Psalm, a staple of the season’s liturgy, and guides us through an individual journey to face our own darkest foes with God as a companion and source of courage.