What's Happening in Local West Orange Synagogues

B’nai Shalom Encourages “Approaches” to Judaism. 

The Austrian-British Cambridge philosophy professor Ludwig Josef Johann Wittgenstein is credited with the concept of “lenses” in matters of philosophy and religion. That is to say, we all view the world through lenses, which color our perception of everything.  How a Christian views the world may be profoundly different from how a Jew views the world. 

And within our religions this is true as well. Whether it is Islam, Catholic, Orthodox and Protestant Christianities, Hinduism, Buddhism, or Judaism, we have many different “lenses” which create significant differences among us. Some may think of this as “Orthodox, Conservative and Reform,” but I believe that it is more a matter of “Rational, Mystical, or national.” 

Internal differences fractured the Church and seeded multiple separate Christian denominations, yet Judaism has always maintained a common belief in the People of Israel.  Am Yisrael Chai – The People of Israel, even with our differences. 

We value the various “Approaches” to Judaism in our day, as a source of strength and not a cause of confusion. It would be a sad day, indeed, should any of the sects of Judaism determine that it is separate and apart… or, as other religions have done it, to declare that the “other” sects have left the “true” religion. 

I believe that underneath the cultural and denominational differences that mark particular synagogue or church affiliations, there are matters of belief, which blur the lines greatly. These fall along certain basic questions: 

• Is religion Rational? Does it make sense, and conform to scientific and secular knowledge? 

• Or, is religion Mystical? Does it speak from a base of knowledge that is inherently “other” than the rational and scientific mind? 

• Or, is religion National?  Does it have to do more with culture and commonality than dogma or faith? 

Some might even say that a “rational Christian” and a “rational Jew” may have more in common than a “rational Christian” and a “mystical Christian.” Who knows? 

I invite you to join us at B’nai Shalom on the first three Monday nights in the month of May, as we bring three distinguished lectures to explore the different “Approaches” to Judaism. 

Rational Judaism, with Rabbi Robert L. Tobin Monday, May 7, 8:15 p.m.

Zionist Judaism, with Dr. David Ackerman Monday, May 14, 8:15 p.m.

Mystical Judaism, With Dr. Eitan Fishbane Monday, May 21, 8:15 p.m. 

It is my hope that your will find your own Approach in the process. 

This Shabbat the Torah Portion is Parashat Tazria-Metzora

Friday, April 27
Candlelighting 7:30 p.m.
Friday evening services at 7 p.m.

Saturday, April 28 – Shabbat Services 9 a.m.
10:30 a.m. – VIP Shabbat – Young children are invited to bring a Very Important Person in their life to share Shabbat at B’nai Shalom and Grandparents are invited to bring their young grandchildren to share in this special family experience. Kid-friendly Kiddush to follow, sponsored by B’nai Shalom’s Sisterhood Zehava Group.

11 a.m. – Junior Congregation (8-12 years) and Torah and Tefillah (5-7 years)

7:30 p.m. Mincha, Study with Rabbi Tobin, Maariv and Havdallah 

Sunday, April 29 7 p.m. – EDDIE: A play about friends Eddie Jacobson, President Harry Truman and the Formation of the State of Israel. Written by Bob Feinberg and Marvin Starkman, Directed by Max Daniels. Admission: Students: $10, General $18, Patron $36 (preferred seating) For ticket information call (973) 731-0160 ext. 207. 

Upcoming Events at B’nai Shalom in May

Wednesday, May 2 -7 p.m.: An Evening with the Candidates at B’nai Shalom
Come out to meet those running for West Orange Town Council, before the upcoming municipal election that is scheduled for Tues. May 8.

Meet and greet at 7 p.m., discussion and questions to follow 7:30 p.m.

OPEN to all members of the community. Come and listen to what each candidate will bring to our town council, if elected to serve. Learn how they will work to ensure that our township prospers and how our tax dollars will work for us. Refreshments will be served. 

Saturday, May 5 – 9 a.m. Shabbat Morning services and Kiddush

9:30 a.m. - Congregant-led Minyan 

Monday, May 7 at 8:15 p.m.
Rational Judaism- part one of a 3-part Approaches to Judaism Series at B'nai Shalom
Rabbi Robert L.Tobin will discuss Reasonable Beliefs from Scientist Rabbis (Rambam- The Guide of the Perplexed and Ralbag- Wars of the Lord).
Learn how classical rabbis combined faith and reason to keep the Torah alive for modern times. Rabbi Tobin is the Rabbi at B'nai Shalom.

Wednesday, May 9 – 6 a.m.–9:30 p.m. NORPAC Mission to Washington – bus leaving from B’nai Shalom parking lot-Meet with members of Congress and share with them the importance of supporting Israel. Registration required. 

Thursday, May 10 – Lag B’Omer Celebration 5-7 p.m.
Fun Inflatables, Games, Garden Planting, Music, Food for purchase 

Monday, May 14 at 8:15 p.m.
Zionist Judaism - Part 2 of a 3-part Approaches to Judaism Series at B'nai Shalom
Dr. David Ackerman will discuss "Zionist Ideology Then and Now".
Zionism is the story of how a group of rival ideologies, united by a common purpose, led to the creation of the State of Israel.
With the primary goal achieved, what place does Zionism have for Jews today?
Dr. Ackerman is Director or the Mandel Center for Jewish Education.

Sunday, May 20 at 7 p.m.
Jewish Composers of Hollywood and Broadway series featuring: The life and music of Jerome Kern
Presented by Seth Saltzman on keyboard.
Admission $8 (also on June 10 featuring the music of Cy Coleman)

Monday, May 21 at 8:15pm
Mystical Judaism- part 3- of the 3-part Approaches to Judaism Series at B'nai Shalom
Dr. Eitan Fishbane will discuss "Judaism of the Spirit"
A way of thought and practice in Jewish history that has included both Kabbalah and Hasidism, mysticism is a passionate and soulful yearning for the illuminating presence of God, the belief that the world is filled with divine mystery and meaning.
Explore the sources from this tradition and reflect on the implications for our spiritual lives today. Dr. Fishbane is the Assistant Professor of Jewish Thought at The Jewish Theological Seminary.

Saturday, May 26 -9 p.m.-12 a.m. - Tikkun Leyl Shavuot- A Night of Jewish Learning at B'nai Shalom
Celebrate the festival of Shavuot by learning and studying texts with Rabbis and congregants on a variety of subjects. Refreshments served. 

Sunday, May 27 – 9 a.m.-First Day Shavuot services. Presentation of Rabbi Mozeson Awards to students who have completed a High School Jewish Education will take place during the service.
Sisterhood Shavuot Luncheon following services. Sponsors welcome

4-5 p.m.–10 Commandments Ice Cream Gathering
Monday, May 28 – 9 a.m.-Second Day Shavuot Services and Yizkor