WELCOMING: wandering Jews • wondering Jews • those of Jewish heritage • non-Jews • multiracial relationships • families • interfaith relationships • couples • adult children of interfaith families • Jews by choice • people of color • singles • LGBTQIA folks
Torah for Everyone
Are you curious about what's actually in the Torah, and whether it might be meaningful to you? While Torah is the core of Jewish tradition, it can seem intimidating, irrelevant, boring, or even offensive.
Yet, explored from a sophisticated, adult perspective, rather than the literal understanding or children’s Torah stories we may have experienced, the Torah can be a rich source of wisdom for grappling with today’s real-life issues: ethics, family, work, politics, money, justice …
Join us to explore the Torah in an open environment in this twice-monthly class led by Rabbi Bridget Wynne. Come to one session, a few, or the series.
WHO: All are welcome, and no experience with Jewish study or knowledge of Hebrew is necessary. Please feel free to invite friends who may be interested.
WHEN: We meet twice monthly on Wednesdays, 7:00-9:00 pm. Specific dates for 2022-2023 are below.
WHERE: We currently meet online due to COVID concerns.
HOW: The fee is $30/session. The topic of the February 22, 2023 session is The Third Commandment: What Does It Actually Mean to Take God's Name in Vain? The description is below. If you're interested in participating, contact Rabbi Bridget Wynne to register and receive the reading.
Most of us grew up believing that the third commandment, which says we are not to take God’s name in vain, is telling us not to curse, or to blurt out a reference to God in pain or exasperation. Yes, our words matter, but is this use of words really worth including in such an important list? As with the other commandments, when we look carefully at its words—some of which are quite ambiguous—and a variety of commentaries, its implications are far deeper and more compelling than the way they are understood in popular culture.
To look beneath the surface of this brief teaching, we will read several different translations, commentary by each of the translators, and additional commentary from traditional and contemporary sources.
Rabbi Bridget Wynne will lead us in exploring this and other questions in an open atmosphere. All are welcome and all questions are welcome!
No experience with Torah or knowledge of Hebrew is necessary.
Participants prepare by reading brief materials before the session at which we'll discuss them, so we recommend that you register early enough give yourself time to do this. Rabbi Bridget will send the materials to you by email after you register.
QUESTIONS: Contact us by email or at 510-545-9977.
SCHEDULE: Wednesdays, 7:00-9:00 pm PT, online
October 12, 2022
October 26, 2022
November 9, 2022
November 30, 2022
December 14, 2022
January 11, 2023
January 25, 2023
February 8, 2023
February 22, 2023
March 8, 2023
March 22, 2023
April 12, 2023
April 26, 2023
May 10, 2023
May 24, 2023
June 14, 2023