Sisterhood Wishes You a Sweet New Year

The B’nai Emunah Sisterhood started its new year of programs and events with a delicious champagne brunch on Sunday, Sept. 14, to welcome returning, new and prospective members.  After shmoozing and feasting on a brunch banquet, Rabbi Mark – a graduate of the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College in Philadelphia -- spoke about Reconstructionist Judaism, how it branched from the Conservative movement, and its main tenets (continued below):

Founded by Rabbi Mordechai Kaplan over a period of time from the 1920s to 1940s, Reconstructionist Judaism views Judaism as an "evolving religious civilization," not only as a religion, Rabbi Mark explained. While Kaplan wrote and added innovations in the first half of the 1900s, Reconstructionism didn't emerge as a separate movement with a separate seminary until 1968. Its goal is to make Judaism relevant and significant to our lives 24/7. Reconstructionist Judaism shares many of the Conservative movement's practices and beliefs, but Rabbi Mark also pointed out examples of how it differs, such as placing the emphasis on community over the individual, so that community itself can set standards of practice rather than rely solely on halachah.
 
Rabbi Mark provided examples of the three "B's" -- belonging, behaving and believing. To illustrate the importance of feeling a belonging to the Jewish people, Rabbi Mark asked us if there was a specific incident or time when we felt a powerful connection to being a Jew, and several women shared vivid memories and experiences when they felt this type of connection and sense of belonging.  Rabbi Mark's talk was not only informative, but also it stimulated many questions, some of which deserve another opportunity for us to get together and explore.
      
If you have not yet renewed your Sisterhood membership, or if you'd like to become a member, contact Flori or call the office. This is one way you can contribute not only to the financial well-being of the synagogue, but also participate in volunteer opportunities and social and educational events.
 
Sisterhood sends you all a greeting for a sweet and joyous Rosh Hashanah!
-Bonnie