Imagine. Meditate. Speculate.

Dear Haverim:

Imagine.  Meditate.  Speculate.

*Friday, February 28^th, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.  Consecration and Teacher Recognition Shabbat. (After Kitah Bet family potluck in Lower Level)  Kvell as our Kitah Bet students help lead services, receive their first siddurim from their parents, and explain why Jewish Identity is important to them, as expressed through their art and prose.  Then we will honor all our teachers, and reveal CBS TEACHER OF THE YEAR (even Ellen DeGeneris has no idea!).

7:30 p.m.  IMAGINE

Rabbi Elie Spitz, Visiting Kraft Scholar, will speak on “The Spirituality of Imagination.” This is the first of three opportunities to learn with Rabbi Spitz, my mentor and friend.  He has been the rabbi of my hometown in Tustin, CA (where it is physically SO much warmer than here) since 1988, and been a guide and inspiration to me ever since.  He inspired my own application to rabbinical school and has been a valued friend. (Note: Babysitting is available with Ha Moreh Meri in the Chapel to accommodate Hebrew School parents who would like to continue their Jewish Adult learning by attending this special lecture).

*Saturday, March 1^st, 9 a.m. MEDITATE

Rabbi Spitz will lead us through a 30-minute Jewish Meditation program in the Chapel, prior to 9:30 a.m. Shabbat services. You must be on time and if you are running late, please enter quietly through the chapel entrance closest to the Sanctuary.  If you like this experience, please let me know and we will try to incorporate it into future worship experiences in our shul.  Your input is vital, so please make a point of attending and then giving me feedback.

11:30 a.m. SPECULATE

Rabbi Spitz will begin a fascinating talk on the subject, “Does the Soul Survive?”  Issues regarding Jewish views of the afterlife, continue to capture the imagination and attention of my students, from my JCC DVLI Programs to my Introduction to Judaism classes on Jewish Beliefs.  Rabbi Spitz’s approach is different as he has so many first-hand case studies to share from his congregants, combined with his scholarship. 

During Shabbat Lunch, Rabbi Spitz will expand his discussion on this speculation on our soul’s journey, and entertain questions from the congregation.  Do note that his book, “Does the Soul Survive,” as well as “Healing from Despair,” are both available together for $36 in our Gift Shop on Sunday morning for a limited time only.

7 p.m. Monte Carlo Night.  Please come together for CBS’ most important fundraiser of the season.  Tickets available at the door.

IMAGINE. MEDITATE. SPECULATE.

Join me, and my mentor and friend, Rabbi Elie Spitz, for a transformative Shabbat.

Rabbi Michael