The Scholar in Residence weekend was a wonderful experience!  Friday night was a smaller, more intimate group.  After a delicious Shabbat meal, Rabbi Gordon delivered a Dvar Torah.  He compared what Joseph said about his special ability of dream interpretation (as being from Hashem and not from himself) with the Christian view of Jesus being divine himself.  Professor Amy-Jill Levine (pictured right) spoke about her childhood experiences in a small, mostly Catholic New England town, where hers was the only Jewish family.  On Shabbat afternoon, after a delightful Kiddush luncheon, we had the first scheduled lecture about King David; his character was viewed from many angles and his relationship with Bathsheba was explored.  That evening, after Shabbat, we heard the second lecture; Professor Levine delved into areas where Jews and Christians differ on Biblical interpretation.  Our delicious dinner included latkes, salad, poached salmon with dill sauce, chilled asparagus, ice cream sundaes and doughnuts.  The following morning for Sunday brunch there were several types of quiche, hash browns and pastries.  In her final lecture, Professor Levine brought us back to the time when Jesus lived and described the events when Christianity separated from Judaism. 

Enjoying the Scholar in Residence weekend with many congregants and people from outside our congregation was a great way to celebrate the Shabbat on Chanukah!  Having this accomplished scholar and marvelous teacher with us provided new insights into Christian texts, as well as a deeper understanding of our own Tanakh/Holy Scriptures which we share. 

Thanks to everyone for making this such a successful event! 

Jeff Rose and The Adult Education Committee

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Thank you to the following for sponsoring the 2007 Scholar in Residence program: 

Scholar in Residence Weekend sponsored by the J.J. Altman Fund 

Lectureships

Leib & Esther Abramson Krut

Marty & Mimi Levy

Jay Pepose & Susan Feigenbaum