Days of Learning Fall 2020: A Week of Delight

“To ask is to believe that somewhere there is an answer. The fact that throughout history people have devoted their lives to extending the frontiers of knowledge is a compelling testimony to the restlessness of the human spirit and its constant desire to go further, higher, deeper. Far from faith excluding questions, questions testify to faith – that history is not random, that the universe is not impervious to our understanding, that what happens to us is not blind chance. We ask, not because we doubt, but because we believe.” — The Chief Rabbi’s Haggadah (Essays) p. 106, Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks z”l.

The days are getting dark and cold, but fall 2020 Days of Learning are coming! Throughout the week of Monday, November 30, to Friday, December 4, these free congregant-to-congregant programs will bring light, warmth, humor and learning to your kitchen table. Join us on Zoom in the mornings, afternoons, or evenings to enjoy any one or more of our varied programs, ranging from Jewish personalities in rock and roll, to the ancient and enduring practice of ritual immersion through the eyes of an architect as well as through personal experience, to viewing the art of our own RS artists, to  discovering the history and vibrant present of  Reform Judaism in Costa Rica.   Questions? Contact Gail ‘Malka’ Meister or Ellen Poster.          

Click here to learn more about our moderators and presenters. 

Click here to access the evaluation form. 

Days of Learning Planning Group: Ben-Zion Friedman, Howard Green, Avi Katz, Marc Lowenstein, Jeffrey Saunders, Jerry Silverman and
Co-Chairs: Gail ‘Malka’ Meister and Ellen Poster

Monday, November 30

10:30-11:45 AM: Oh, the Places You’ll Go! 
Jane Friedman, Howard Green, Jill Ivey, Avi Katz, and Jerry Silverman will share the places they go, online and in person, to find beauty, serenity, humor, challenge, and Judaism.  Join us and moderator Susan Behr to share the places you’ve found and to find new ideas for getting through the coming winter.

3:00-4:15 PM: Jews in Rock and Roll: Front and Back 
In this session with Louis Bernstein and Jon Broder we will discuss the rock stars and the people behind them who contributed to their success.  We will also feature live interpretations of some of the greatest rock ‘n’ roll songs.  

Tuesday, December 1

11:00 AM-12:30 PM: Meaningful Retirement:  A Jewish Perspective
Hear and discuss what psychology and Jewish wisdom can teach us about opening doors to new meaning after closing the door on the workplace, with Rabbi Bill Kuhn, Michael Freidman, Roberta Brenner, and Lloyd Brotman.

2:30-3:30 PM: Mikvah: Up Close and Personal
Learn about the mikvah — its spirituality, design, and history –along with personal stories of our congregants’ mikvah experiences, with Rabbi Eli Freedman, Michael Hauptman, Matt Rice, Rachelle Schneider, and Sunny Zakroff.  

Wednesday, December 2

2:30-4:00 PM: Flipping the Script
With playwright Arden Kass, engage in this interactive workshop based on Arden’s witty and provocative play, Behold Her: Five Thousand Years of Jewish Women and Beauty.  Rehearse, discuss, and — if you choose — read excerpts ‘on stage.’ 

7:00-8:00 PM: Can You Find the Words? Spiritual Expression and Growth through the Book of Psalms
The isolation of the pandemic threatens not only our physical health, but also risks our personal stagnation.  The challenge compels us to seek out ways to grow spiritually and personally in all aspects of our lives.  In our study with Rabbi Jill Maderer, we will work on the growth of our souls as we shed light on the ancient words of the Psalms.

Thursday, December 3

1:00-2:15 PM: Artists Among Us 
Meet artist and documentary film maker Joe Brin, artist/filmmaker Bettina Escauriza, graphic designer/sculptor Linda Karp Rudow, and the moderator, writer/curator/educator Matt Singer.  We will learn about their work, their creative process, and how Jewish values influence their art.

7:00-8:30 PM: Reform Jews in Costa Rica
Travel vicariously and learn directly from RS’s Ken and Eve Klothen and from Rabbi David Laor and President Jody Steiger of Ken’s and Eve’s other shul, B’nei Israel, the Reform synagogue in San Jose, Costa Rica.  

Friday, December 4

1:30-2:45 PM: Election Selection: 2020 Hindsight
Lean in for an analysis of the election results and how we got there. We will learn from election lawyer Adam Bonin, the leaders of our RS get-out-the-vote effort, Michelle Brancheau-Fogg and Stephanie Miller, and moderator attorney Reid Willis.