Madrikha Beverly Zarnow

Soloist Janet Hammer
 

Saturday, February 4 at 9:30am • HJ Adult School
Carmel Valley Library
3919 Townsgate Dr.

Adult Class on Humanistic Judaism

The final session of the series on Introduction to Humanistic Judaism is entitled "The Non-Jewish World, Jews and Gentiles".  There will be a video presentation featuring Rabbi Sherwin T. Wine, founder of the Society for Humanistic Judaism, followed by a question and answer session.

How do we look at assimilation? Can Humanistic Judaism help ensure Jewish survival? Do Humanistic Jews accept the concept of Jews as "God's Chosen People?" Is Humanistic Judaism open to intermarriage and do our rabbis perform these ceremonies? Is a formal conversion required to become a Humanistic Jew?

Attending this class is a great way to find out about the philosophy, services and programs of Kahal Am. For more information go to www.kahalam.org or call 858-549-3088. Instructor: Gary Zarnow.

Get your walking shoes on and lather up the sunscreen. We’re going to get out among the trees to celebrate Tu B’shevat, a Jewish Arbor Day, on Sunday, Feb. 5 at 10:00 a.m. There are many trails easy enough for children to hike at San Dieguito County Park, 1628 Lomas Santa Fe Dr., Del Mar, 92014. Meet at the ranger station near Area 4, which can be located by asking the ranger at the entrance to the park. You may be able to park in the lot across from the station.

Picnic lunch after the hike is optional. BYOF (Bring your own food) and we’ll EAT (you know what that means!). Call Madrikha Beverly for more information at 858-549-3088.

Friday February. 17 - Sunday, February 19  • Shabbaton Weekend of Learning
 

Shabbaton with Rabbi Binyamin Biber

The weekend of February 17-19, Kahal Am will be honored with a visit from Rabbi Ben Biber, President of the Association of Humanistic Rabbis. Rabbi Biber will be spending time with our members and guests from Friday evening through Sunday morning. Most special is the all-day Saturday event called a Shabbaton, or day of Jewish study. We will begin at 10:30 a.m. with monthly Shabbat program at the Encinitas Community Center, lead by Madrikha Beverly and accompanied by soloist Janet Hammer. Rabbi Biber will speak and guide a discussion on "Naturalistic and Humanistic Jewish Spirituality." We will break for coffee, then have lunch (by advance reservation only). At 1:00, Rabbi Biber will discuss the topic "Pursue Justice! Secular Humanist Approaches to Tikkun Olam Advocacy’ and there will be time for a general question and answer period with the rabbi until 4:00 p.m.  In addition to the Saturday Shabbaton, members and guests are invited to attend dinner Friday at 6:00 p.m. at the Taste of Thai in Del Mar. Reservations are necessary for the dinner and the brunch, so please return the form on page 5 by February 12.

Rabbi Biber is a dynamic community organizer and spokesperson for secular Judaism and Humanism. He has received national attention for his promotion of the B’rit Shalom baby-naming ceremony as an alternative to circumcision. In addition to leading the congregation Machar, the Washington, D.C. affiliate of the Society for Humanistic Judaism (SHJ), Rabbi Biber has also initiated a Humanist Chaplaincy at American University in Washington, D.C. He is a native of Des Moines and a University of Iowa graduate. He earned a M.S.W. at the University of Michigan - Ann Arbor and received his rabbinic ordination in 2001.

We look forward to an exciting and inspiring weekend with Rabbi Ben Biber. Mark your calendars and invite friends to join you in welcoming him to San Diego.

PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR RSVP FORM NO LATER THAN FEBRUARY 12.