Past Sessions:

Writing T’shuvah with Laura Rosenthal
Thursday, September 15, 7:00 – 9:00 PM, Zoom 

The Jewish month of Elul is a time set aside for introspection that continues and deepens during the Days of Awe. The Hebrew word t’shuvah, sometimes translated as “repentance,” means “turning.” As we reflect on the past year, and on our aspirations for the rest of our lives, we naturally turn away from the habits and choices that have harmed others and made our own lives less whole. And we turn toward more fulfilling and ethical ways of living. This inner journey of recognizing and naming our experiences of “falling short” and our aspirations for greater wholeness is an essential aspect of making amends and seeking forgiveness. 

Writing freely, without the need to generate a “work product,” is a wonderful tool for entering into this inner journey; it can help us uncover understandings and insights we may not have known we had. In this two-hour workshop, held on Zoom, we will read passages from different sources that point toward this process of reflection, and we will have an opportunity to write toward a deeper understanding. 

Laura Rosenthal, retired from a career as a public sector attorney, has turned her attention to poetry and the creative process. She is enrolled in Pacific University’s Masters in Fine Arts program in creative writing. 

The Evolution of Yom Kippur: From Torah Through 5783

Jamie Korer and Steve Lewis
Thursday, September 29, 7:00 – 8:30 PM, Chapel (In person only – not on Zoom)

Rabbi Mordechai Kaplan described Judaism as an “evolving monotheistic civilization.” Please join Jamie Korer and Steve Lewis as we examine how Yom Kippur, which began with rituals focused on purifying the Temple, evolved into a Holy Day in which Jews around the world focus on purifying and reinvigorating ourselves with a goal of living lives centered on morality and decency. Because we hope to engage everyone present in the conversation, this class will be offered in person only (not on Zoom). For more information, please contact Jamie Korer or Steve Lewis. 

Preparing Your Heart for Yom Kippur

Deni Marshall
Sunday, October 2, 3:00 – 4:30 PM, Chapel or Zoom 

Rosh Hashanah is a joyous day of celebration of the Jewish New Year. It also marks the beginning of ten days of self-examination and t’shuvah, or repentance, that culminates on Yom Kippur. During these ten days we take a journey of self-examination and transformation in order to return in joy to n’shimat t’horah, the pure soul we were born with, as we are written in the Book of Life on Yom Kippur afternoon. 

Join Deni Deutsch Marshall, rabbinical student and spiritual director, for a reflective and experiential class designed to make Yom Kippur more meaningful for you. This 90-minute class will include excerpts from Rabbi Alan Lew’s (z’’l) renowned book, This Is Real and You Are Completely Unprepared, group discussion, guided reflection, and journaling. Everyone is welcome and there is no fee for this class. Masks are required for those attending in person, as well as proof of vaccination.

There will be an oneg after the class in the Chapel foyer. For more information, contact Deni Deutsch Marshall. 

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82137644157?pwd=bXVCWjFyL0JWUE5EcGk4YUF1a05RUT09

Meeting ID: 821 3764 4157

Passcode: CBI