Scholar-in-Residence

Rabbi Brad Hirschfield - December 8

Pluralism:  The Greatest Gift and the Hardest Lift - You Don't Have to be Wrong for Me 

to Be Right

Lunch and Learn $22 per person / RSVP Required by 12/3

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Ask A Rabbi with Rabbi Yaron and Rabbi Wendy

Mondays at 1:00 p.m.

As part of our year of "Conversations That Matter," we want to give you, our members, a chance to ask the questions that are pressing on your mind.

Bring your burning questions about faith, tradition, or life's challenges. Perhaps the rabbi has questions for you – about your journey or perspectives. Or simply come and let conversation flow naturally, discovering unexpected insights together.

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No agenda, no pressure – just authentic connection over coffee and cake.

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Whether you're seeking guidance, curious about Judaism, or simply craving meaningful conversation, this is your opportunity for personal engagement with Rabbi Yaron

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So, join us, for an open dialogue with Rabbi Yaron and/or Rabbi Wendy over a cup of coffee and rugalach.

 

​September 15, November 17, January 5, February 9, March 9, April 13, May 18

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Sacred Transitions: Jewish Perspectives on End-of-Life Decisions

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Join Rabbi Yaron for an intimate and meaningful discussion exploring Jewish perspectives on end-of-life planning and decisions. This thoughtful session will provide a safe space to explore challenging topics through the lens of Jewish tradition, ethics, and modern considerations.

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• Ethical Wills: Explore the beautiful Jewish tradition of ethical wills (tzava'ot), where individuals pass down values, wisdom, and blessings to future generations. Rabbi Yaron will share historical examples and guide participants in considering what spiritual legacies they wish to leave behind.

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• End-of-Life Medical Decisions: Discuss the Jewish approach to medical treatment decisions, including perspectives on palliative care, life-sustaining measures, and the balance between extending life and alleviating suffering. The discussion will incorporate both traditional halachic (Jewish law) considerations and contemporary responsa.

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• Cremation and Burial Practices: Examine traditional Jewish burial customs, the theological and practical concerns regarding cremation, and how different Jewish movements approach these questions today.

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Throughout the session, Rabbi Yaron will weave together ancient wisdom with practical guidance for navigating these profound life transitions with dignity, meaning, and Jewish values. Participants will have opportunities to ask questions and discuss how these teachings might inform their own decision-making processes.  Class size is limited.

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Next Session is December 1 at 3:00 p.m.  (NEW DATE!)  RSVP to hold your spot to 561-624-4633

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Lunch & Learn with Rabbi Wendy

Torah on Trial: When Jewish Traditions Meet Modern Life

Wednesdays at 11:45 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. (RSVP Required - $22 per person)

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During our Lunch & Learn series, we will dive into the fascinating world of Reform Responsa, where real-life questions about Jewish practice meet thoughtful inquiry. Reform Responsa is the continuation of a rich tradition of Jewish legal and ethical inquiry that has helped communities navigate changing times for centuries. Together, we'll wrestle with relevant, real-life questions such as whether chanting Torah on a Friday night truly honors Shabbat, how to respectfully fulfill a loved one’s request for cremation, whether a Pride flag—or any flag—belongs on the bimah, and if Jews should embrace secular holidays with complex histories. We'll unpack the historical sources behind each case, weigh the Reform Responsa Committee’s ruling, and decide whether we agree – because Reform Judaism is a living, breathing tradition shaped by every generation. Expect lively debate, fresh insight, and perhaps forming questions which we will send to the Responsa Committee! I look forward to learning and debating these real-life cases with you!

 

9/10     Lineage and the Ignition Key – Patrilineal descent and driving on Shabbat – two rulings that redrew denominational borders and everyday practice

10/15   Shabbat 3.0 – The Reform Upgrade – Three teshuvot trace our movement’s journey from rejecting to creatively reclaiming sacred rest

11/19   One Roof, Many Jews -  Real-life cases show how responsa help congregations juggle mixed practice, mixed marriages, and mixed beliefs

12/10   Deck the Halls? December (and beyond) Dilemmas – Which secular holidays fit a Jewish home – and makes a celebration “kosher-enough”?

1/14     End of Life Responsa – Cremation, green burials, online memorials, how modern teshuvot navigate dignity at life’s end

2/11     Sacred Cells and Designer Genes – IVF, stem cells, organ swaps, CRISPR – pikuach nefresh meets 21st century medicine

3/4       Scrolls with Scars – Can a Holocaust damaged Torah be made kosher again? And should it be? Responsa on memory and law collide

4/15     Flags on the Bimah, Faith in the Pew – Zionism, nationalism and the Reform sanctuary; should there be a division of religion and state in the sanctuary

5/13     When Justice Calls the Hotline – From climate to AI, emerging responsa ask if Halakhah can legislate Tikkun Olam for 5786 and beyond

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​The Language of the Soul: Conversations with God Through Jewish Prayer

With Rabbi Yaron and Cantorial Soloist Kaylene

Thursdays at 10:45 a.m.

November 20: Foundations of Jewish Prayer

Based on "My People's Prayerbook Vol. 1: The Sh'ma and Its Blessings"

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December 4: Beginning the Sacred Dialogue

Based on "My People's Prayerbook Vol. 2: The Amidah"​

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January 22: The Rhythms of Time and Soul

Based on "My People's Prayerbook Vol. 4: Seder K'riat HaTorah" and "Vol. 6: Tachanun and Concluding Prayers"

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February 26: Songs of the Soul

Based on "My People's Prayerbook Vol. 5: Birkhot Hashachar"

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March 19: Shabbat as Sacred Conversation

Based on "My People's Prayerbook Vol. 7: Shabbat at Home" and "Vol. 8: Kabbalat Shabbat"

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April 23: Life Cycles of Sacred Dialogue

Based on "My People's Prayerbook Vol. 9: Welcoming the Night" and lifecycle volumes

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