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Temple Sharey Tefilo-Israel
432 Scotland Road
South Orange, NJ 07079

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Release Date: Wednesday, February 18, 2015

Media Contact: Caryl Bixon-Gordon (201) 796-7788


Curriculum Focused on Exploring Personal Theologies, Jewish Understanding of Divinity

SOUTH ORANGE, N.J., Feb. 18, 2015 – The confirmation class from Temple Sharey Tefilo-Israel (TSTI) recently enjoyed a weekend retreat with Rabbis Daniel Cohen and Ellie Miller at Great Wolf Lodge in the Poconos. The curriculum focused on thinking and learning about the concept of God and forming a personal view.

"We challenge each student to think about their own personal theology and give them the opportunity to explore the concept in various ways by exposing them to a range of views," said Rabbi Cohen.

Throughout the weekend, the 10th graders studied Jewish theologians and their unique perspectives on God. They wrote their own blessings, which will be incorporated into their confirmation service  in the spring, and participated in a late night study session with Cohen and Miller which included a look at God and pop culture and an "ask the rabbis" session. They also enjoyed the Lodge's indoor water park and group bonding activities.

"The retreat is a highlight of every year," said Rabbi Miller. "The kids love being there, they open their minds to new ideas, and they get to know each other and us in a different way."

Temple Sharey Tefilo-Israel is a vibrant Reform congregation located at 432 Scotland Road in South Orange, N.J., that offers Jewish preschool, Religious school, teen programs, lifelong learning for adults, and a full complement of religious services and cultural programs each month. TSTI serves member families from Maplewood, the Oranges, Livingston, Millburn, Short Hills and surrounding areas. For more information, visit http://www.tsti.org/.

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About Temple Sharey Tefilo-Israel