July 1, 2011

Dear Temple Bat Yam,

I am very excited about leaving for Israel this coming weekend. I am so blessed that my congregation understands my need for professional study and growth. A good leader is reflective, curious, and willing to continually be challenged.  My time in Israel helps me grow, think, and  learn!

I am off again to the Shalom Hartman Institute in Jerusalem to study for three weeks in July. This year our focus will be on the idea of Jewish peoplehood. This is an important idea—-that although we Jews live in different countries we are still one people! We will look at this concept in many different ways: through biblical and rabbinic texts, through sociology and psychology, through a contemporary lens and also will imagine the Jewish future in this regard.

We are in class by 8.30 am and often go until 10 at night with a short break in the late afternoon. There is a study of rabbinic texts in a yeshiva style with a study partner. There are electives in the afternoon with a series of amazing professors from around the world. There are day trips to archaeological sites and evening presentations from Members of Knesset, Jewish thinkers, and authors.

It is a full time of growing, learning, and thinking. I want to thank my wonderful Temple and its leadership for the wisdom to know that rabbis need to study and recharge their batteries.

In my absence there will be rabbinic coverage. If you have an emergency please call our Temple president Stu Eisenman and he will contact the rabbi. Our wonderful cantors Cheryl Taustin and Phyllis Alpern will lead services on July 8 and 15. Cheryl will read and teach Torah on July 8; Bette Bohlman will read Torah on July 15. On July 22 Rabbi Don Berlin from St. Michaels will lead services and read Torah. Our Saturday morning services will continue with informal services and Kaballah study, led by members of the congregation.

So that I can share with each of you what I am learning and doing, I will be posting comments as often as I can on my blog: rabbiwarshaw.tumblr.com.

I look forward to seeing you at services on July 29. Wishing you a wonderful few weeks!

Rabbi Warshaw