Enjoy Torah Sparks- creative commentaries on the weekly Torah and Haftarah readings written by Conservative Yeshiva faculty.
Dear Friends,
You shall faithfully observe all the Instructions that I enjoin upon you today, that you may thrive and increase and be able to possess the land that the Lord promised on oath to your ancestors. (Deuteronomy 8:1)
When we think about God’s communication with the Israelite nation wandering in the desert, there is usually a cause and effect (or reward and punishment) quality to the message. The best know example of this “If…then…” structure is found in the 2nd paragraph of the Shema (also from this week’s parashah) that we recite twice daily: “If you obey the commandments that I enjoy upon you this day… then I will grant the rain for your land in season…” (Deuteronomy 11:13-21)
Verse 8:1 offers a subtle but stark contrast that sends a different message. Implied in this verse is that following God’s instruction is not the key to a happy, fulfilled life. There will always be those who do not observe God’s laws that thrive and increase in some measure. BUT, by also faithfully observing God’s instruction, the quality of “increase” and “thrive” will be substantively richer precisely because God’s laws are intended to be life-enhancing.
From a modern rabbinic perspective, this is the observed reality today. We all know many Jewish people who are perfectly happy leading lives not informed by Torah in any measurable way. While I have never done a formal survey, I have noted that those who do prioritize incorporating Jewish ritual, ethical practice and intellectual pursuits into daily and weekly practice find that their lives are immeasurably enriched spiritually and emotionally.
As we enter the preparatory season for High Holidays, we invite you to enjoy some of the programs we are offering that may inspire your personal journey toward renewal. We begin this coming Wednesday night, August 4, with our pilot ALI in the Evening series – a book study with the author of ReMix Judaism. Click hereto learn more and register.
Elul’s New Moon Union with Kohennet Rachel Kann and Friends will take place Saturday, August 7 at 7:00pm as part of our August Havdalah Together series.
Friday, July 30 at 6:30pm (PDT) JCoOC JOINS OR HAMIDBAR Tonight's service will be in conjunction with Or HaMidbar led by Rabbi David Lazar. For links to connect virtually by Zoom or Facebook, click here.
Saturday, July 31 at 2:00pm (PDT) TWELVE STEPS & TORAH Shabbat afternoon Torah study informed by the wisdom of Twelve Step recovery. Join us on Zoom. For more information and to be added to the Twelve Steps & Torah email list, click here.
Saturday, July 31 LIVE at 8:00pm JASON FEDDY TRIO AT THE JCC There will be no Havdalah together program next Saturday evening. Jason Feddy will be performing live at the Merage JCC. The JCC is offering the JCoOC community a 25% discount. Just write ‘Collaborative Discount' in the coupon code space in order to receive the reduced fee. Get all the details and tickets here.
Monday, August 2 at 9:30am (PDT) ADVANCED LEARNING INSTITUTE Piety, Politics and Prophecy: The Surprising Book of Daniel Join us for the fourth of twelve lectures taught by Rabbi David Lazar. The Book of Daniel is the youngest book in the Jewish cannon. It provides us with some of the most colorful and bizarre literary traditions of the late biblical period. Read moreabout the classes here, including access to the source sheets and recordings of previous classes.
Wednesday, August 4 at 7:00pm (PDT) REMIX JUDAISM: PRESERVING TRADITION IN A DIVERSE WORLD Earlier this summer, Professor Roberta Kwall wowed us with her original take on how to infuse meaning into our everyday lives by rethinking how we observe Jewish traditions. Watch the video of her impactful talk here (begin 7 minutes in), and register now. This 4-session class will take place Wednesday evenings August 4, 11, 18 and 25 at 7pm (PDT). Book included in registration fee. Learn more here.
Saturday, August 7 at 7:00pm (PDT) NEW MOON UNION ~ ROSH HODESH ELUL New Moon Union is an immersive, interactive multimedia experience led by Kohenet Rachel Kann. Each month features special guests and musicians. Learn more and find the link to join us on Zoom here.
IKARON REGISTRATION NOW OPEN
Join us for an IKARON open house on Zoom at 7:30pm on Wednesday, August 18th or Tuesday, August 24th. Families with young children are also invited to join us for a Pre-High Holidays Meet-Up on Sunday, August 29th from 1:00-2:30pm for fun and learning. Click here to register for IKARON, an open house, and/or the family program.
HIGH HOLIDAYS SERVICES & PROGRAMS We look forward to celebrating the New Year with you. Registration for the High Holidays is now open. Services will be offered both in-person and virtually. Click here to register and to view our menu of programs and services for Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur as well as our pre-High Holiday offerings.
TheJewish Collaborative of Orange County is a creative, collaborative and compassionate community mosaic dedicated to innovating and supporting local and national programming that enriches the landscape of Jewish life and encouraging individuals and families to connect their passions and purpose with Judaism.
Jewish Collaborative of Orange County 2200 San Joaquin Hills Rd. Newport Beach, CA 92660
