Teaching Judaism with Joy?

What does it mean when something is "fun"?  You laughed?  You didn't think about homework, credit cards, or global warming for an hour?  You created a memory or had an experience that will last a lifetime?

What does "joy" mean?  Is it the same as fun?  Different?  How so?

I often hear people talk about religious school at synagogue not being any "fun" and how the kids or parents or whoever want it to be more "fun".  Or that if we do an activity where maybe the play a game or get up and move around while learning something Jewish, that is that is more "fun".

But I don't think that is what the kids or whoever mean.  It may be "fun" but it is really "joy" that they are looking for or experiencing.  A sense that the Jewish experience they are have or material they are learning is having an inspiring, uplifting, and lasting impact on them - that's what they are calling "fun" but it is really more than that.

As we prepare here at NSJC for a new school year, we are working hard to put the "Joy" back in th "Teaching Judaism".  In big ways and small, you'll be seeing how that plays out.

Register your kids today for Jewish Learning at NSJC, Teaching Judaism with Joy:

Prayer for Solidarity Shabbat, June 27th, 2015

The North Shore Jewish Center will participate in the observance of a Solidarity Shabbat, this Saturday, June 27th, as called for by the leading institutions of American Judaism.  This is in response to the shootings at the Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina last week.

Ribbono shel Olam, Master of the World, on this Shabbat of Solidarity with the vicitms of the Emanuel AME Church shooting, their families and community and with all people who strive to truly know You, we search for ways to bring the values of understanding and unity, tolerance and respect into our daily actions and deeds.  To be inspired by the likes of the Rev. Clementa Pinckney, HY'D*, who was both clergyman and politician - to be unafraid to let our religious convictions guide us in all facets of our lives.  To not limit our concern and outrage, our love and kindness, only to our sanctuary, but to let those virtues spread out as forces for goodness and Godliness in our lives and the lifeblood of our great nation, Amen.

* Hashem yinkom damo, may God avenge the blood of righteous martyrs. 

Great Shavuot Programs at NSJC!

Vote Mercaz for the World Zionist Congress

Now more than ever it is critical that the Conservative movement be strongly represented in the World Zionist Congress. It is there that the leadership of the World Zionist Organization, the Jewish National Fund, and the Jewish Agency will be determined, impacting on policy and budgets of hundreds of millions of dollars that will affect the character of Israel as a Jewish and democratic state as well as how resources will be expended on enhancing Jewish communities around the world.

It is vital and urgent that we make our voice heard. This is our Israel, our Judaism, our future that we are talking about and every vote cast will make a difference. We need you to vote MERCAZ, Slate #2 in the elections to the World Zionist Congress taking place at this very moment, and we need you to urge your friends, congregants and colleagues to do the same. The 5 minutes it takes and the $10.00 it costs (a fee that goes directly to the American Zionist Movement to cover election expenses) are a small investment to make in promoting an Israel where everyone will be able to live, practice, pray, educate and celebrate as they wish.

A vote for MERCAZ is a vote for pluralism, egalitarianism, environmental sustainability, democracy and peace. Do it now at www.mercazusa.org. The Zionist Congress elections will run through April 30th.

CLICK HERE TO START THE VOTING PROCESS

- From Mercaz USA

Passover Help is Here

The Rabbinical Assembly offers its very useful guide for Passover preparation once again this year.  Please find the link to the Guide here: RA Passover Guide 2015/5775

Faith and Personal Struggles - This Sunday

Join me and other members of the Three Village Clergy Council as we consider together how faith can guide us in times of personal struggle.

The program takes place at Temple Isaiah, 1404 Stony Brook Road, from 3-5pm.

Learn how Christianity, Judaism, and Islam handle this question of faith.  And come back the following two Sundays for the rest of this three part series.  March 8th at All Souls Episcopal Church for "Faith and the Family", and March 15th at the Islamic Association of Long Island for "Faith in the Larger World".

Rabbi Benson

On the Town with Rabbi Benson - Upcoming Events