Temple Sharey Tefilo-Israel
432 Scotland Road
South Orange, N.J. 07079
Download Word Document: Click Here
Media contact: Caryn Starr-Gates / caryn@caryl.com / (201) 796-7788
South Orange Synagogue will Hold Intro to Judaism Course, Host Presentation by Rabbi Dr. Donniel Hartman, Plus Documentary Film and Discussion about a Jewish Culinary Landmark
SOUTH ORANGE, N.J., Nov. 1, 2016 – Temple Sharey Tefilo-Israel, the Reform synagogue in South Orange, invites the public to learn about Judaism, hear insights from Rabbi Dr. Donniel Hartman, and enjoy a film presentation about Russ & Daughters, in November, as follows:
- Wed., Nov. 9 – Introduction to Judaism course begins on Wednesday, November 9; classes will run from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. and will be taught by Rabbi Alexandra Klein and Cantor Rebecca Moses of TSTI in coordination with Rabbis Renee Edelman and Josh Stanton. The 16-week program is designed for individuals and couples from Jewish or other faith backgrounds; classes will explore Jewish holidays and life cycle ceremonies, Jewish liturgy and texts, and Jewish values, symbols and traditions. The curriculum is ideal for those who are part of a Jewish family, are considering conversion to Judaism, or wish to gain a deeper understanding of Jewish life. The program is co-sponsored by the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ). The cost for members of TSTI or other URJ-affiliated congregations is $260 for individuals or couples, $285 for non-members (individuals or couples). To register, contact Cantor Caitlin Bromberg at cbromberg@urj.org or go to www.reformjudaism.org/intronj
- Thurs., Nov. 10 – TSTI, in partnership with AIPAC and other area synagogues will host an evening with Rabbi Dr. Donniel Hartman at 7:30 p.m. who will discuss “Judaism in the 21st Century.” Hartman is president of the Shalom Hartman Institute, author of “Putting God Second: How to Save Religion from Itself,” and a prominent essayist, blogger, and lecturer about Israeli politics, policy, Judaism, and the Jewish community. He has founded some of the most extensive education, training and enrichment programs for scholars, educators, rabbis, and religious and lay leaders in Israel and North America. For security purposes, please register with AIPAC by email to jkelly@aipac.org or at http://tinyurl.com/gtug8z6.
- Sun., Nov. 20 – TSTI’s Adult Education Committee and Women’s Connection will host a film screening and discussion at 7:00 p.m. with the director of “The Sturgeon Queens,” a documentary about the famed Lower East Side emporium, Russ & Daughters. The film introduces viewers to 100-year-old Hattie and 92-year-old Anne, the two original daughters, and traces four generations of the Russ family, from patriarch, founder and Austro-Hungarian immigrant Joel Russ to his great-grandchildren who run the store today. The iconic establishment, founded in 1914 on Houston Street, is a destination for shoppers seeking “appetizing” – smoked fish and other traditional European Jewish delicacies. Director, producer, and writer Julie Cohen will lead a discussion immediately following the film, and attendees will enjoy light refreshments specially brought that evening from Russ & Daughters. The event is free for TSTI members, $5 for non-members. Registration deadline is November 16; register at https://www.tsti.org/calendar/adult-education-film-the-sturgeon-queens
Temple Sharey Tefilo-Israel, located at 432 Scotland Road in South Orange, is a vibrant, inclusive Reform congregation that welcomes Jews by birth or by choice, interfaith, traditional and non-traditional families, and children of all abilities. It offers lifelong learning and creative, enriching programs for all members, from preschoolers and teens to older adults. Its full complement of religious services, early childhood and religious school education, cultural programs and activities foster connection, engagement, and community outreach. TSTI’s members live in Maplewood, South Orange, West Orange, Short Hills, Millburn, Livingston, and surrounding areas. For more information, please visit www.tsti.org.
###