A Few Words from Rabbi Craig Marantz

Shalom Chevrei:

As we approach Passover, our z’man cheruteinu-- our season of freedom--as we dance the proverbial dance with Miriam and the women and sing out the blessings of liberty--I am especially thankful for Cantor Shelly Friedman and her legacy of song and service. I look forward to welcoming you all to our upcoming celebration of Cantor Friedman and her contributions to the Emanuel family these 25 years. And, might I also extend my gratitude to our supremely talented legacy weekend organizer, Leah Jones, all the volunteers who have helped so freely, and the many contributors who have given so generously.

On a different matter altogether, beginning later this month, we will dive into a special curriculum by the Shalom Hartman Institute in Jerusalem. The learning experience is part of Shalom Hartman’s iEngage series, and this segment is entitled: “Engaging Israel: Foundations for a New Relationship.”

This special program is made up of a series of nine taped lectures and conversations with Hartman Institute scholars--led by Rabbi Dr. Donniel Hartman--that respond to growing feelings of disenchantment and disinterest toward Israel among an ever-increasing number of Jews worldwide by creating a new narrative regarding the significance of Israel for Jewish life. Lecture and discussion participants include Dr. Tal Becker, Yossi Klein-Halevi, Rabbi Dr. Rachel Sabath Beit-Halachmi, Prof. Gil Troy and others. And, for good measure, we augment these lessons with key study texts. Each session is about 2 hours. We’ll offer two sections for this special program. One will be in person. One will be online. You can choose one.

Details about timing will follow. Stay tuned.

In the meantime, make it a day of blessing and be a force for good.