36
Program Guide | 2016–2017 | AWAKEN your body, heart, mind, and spirit
Program Guide | 2016–2017 | AWAKEN your body, heart, mind, and spirit
romemu is an open-hearted, experiential, irreverently pious, intergenerational Jewish community that elevates and transforms individuals and communities into more compassionate human beings.
Welcome
Welcome to this year’s Program Guide. We are thrilled to present a wide array of offerings that we hope will stimulate and AWAKEN your body, heart, mind and spirit. After all, spiritual practice is all about awakening! Through spirituality, wisdom and community, Romemu programming and practices are invitations to live life more fully. So come experience Shabbat with us, participate in our educational offerings, and get involved in our community. We’d love for you to join us!
Rabbi David Ingber Alyse Streicher Founder CEO
spirituality Shabbat
3 ...... Weekly Services4 ..... Family Programming5 ...... Shabbatasana + Meditation5 ...... The Open Book5 ...... Neshamah Yoga5 ..... Talmud: Shabbos on Shabbos
Weekdays6 ...... Sitting Sangha6 ...... Soul Spa6 ...... Special: Kohenet Soul Spa6 ...... Drumming Our Prayers
wisdomThe Well8 ...... Hebrew9 ...... Living Deeply with a Sacred Text 9 ...... Nigun Jam10 .... Open Door 10 .... The Torah of Death11 .... Romemu's Beit Midrash12 .... Aliyah13 .... Kabbalah Learning Institute (KLI)14 .... The Write Prescription14 .... Israel'Lit14 .... The Sky Within15 .... Dwellers on the Threshold15 .... The Torah of Activism15 .... Food, Service and Study16 .... Scholar-In-Residence Weekend 18 .... Sparks
Seekers19 .... Holistic Hebrew School
Teachers
20 .... Teacher Bios
community Connect23 .... Committees 25 .... Circles 26 .... Multi-Faith Life28 .... Community Events29 .... Sacred Transitions
Join30 .... Join Our Community
Our Team31 .... Clergy 31 .... Staff 31 .... Board
1
c o n t e n t
Check out Romemu's Week At-A Glance schedule and our 2016–2017 Snap-Shot of the Year on pages 32 and 33.
spirituality
There’s nothing like Shabbat at Romemu...Our Friday Night Kabbalat Shabbat services combine traditional liturgy with chanting, meditation, spontaneous dance and joyous song. Our Saturday morning services combine soulful, dynamic prayer and a rich, imaginative Torah service that brings the weekly wisdom to life.
We are committed to egalitarianism and the total inclusion of all people, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, religious observance, and belief. We are a house of worship for all people.
All are welcome.
Weekly Services Fridays5:00 PM ......... Sha’Baby: Service (Family Service for ages 0–4)6:10 PM ......... PrePrayer: Quiet Reflection and Meditation6:30 PM ......... Kabbalat Shabbat Services Saturdays8:30 AM ......... Shabbatasana (Yoga) and Meditation 9:00 AM ......... The Open Book Torah Study 10:00 AM ....... Shacharit Services10:00 AM ....... Music and Movement (ages 5–8)11:00 AM ....... Children’s Blessing in the Main Service11:00 AM ....... Torah Service11:15 AM ....... Sha’Boker Tov (Family Service for ages 0–4)11:15 AM ....... Parsha Play (ages 5–12)
Join Us!
3
s h a b b a t
s h a b b a t
4
Cohorts for: • 5-6 year olds • 7–8 year olds • 9–11 year olds
To join the Family Programming Email List, please contact [email protected]
Friday
Family ProgramsSha’Baby / Ages 0–45:00–5:45 PM
Inviting all babies, parents, grandparents, caregivers and friends! Come pray and play your way into Shabbat with singing, dancing and community!
Mishpacha: Family Service at Romemu / Ages 5–115:00–5:45 PM November 11, December 9, January 13, February 10, March 10, April 7, May 12, June 9, July 14, August 11
Romemu clergy will lead a monthly Kabbalat Shabbat service in the sanctuary for families and children with song, learning, and plenty of Shabbes joy to go around!
Saturday
Family ProgramsMusic and Movement / Ages 5–8Saturdays, 10:00–10:45 AM
Learn to pray with your whole body and soul—exploring prayer through mixed artistic media including song, dance and collage.
Sha’Boker Tov / Ages 0–4Saturdays, 11:00 AM–12:15 PM
Following the Children's Blessing in the Sanctuary, join Sha'Boker Tov downstairs for a musical and soulful family service for the youngest among us.
Parsha Play / Ages 5–12
Saturdays, 11:00 AM–12:15 PM
Get blessed in the sanctuary, and follow Seeker Saturday teachers to the 3rd floor for storytelling, drama, art and Kiddush.Parsha players rejoin their families in the Sanctuary at 12:15 PM.
NEW MONTHLY SERVICE!
Movement and Meditation
Shabbatasana + MeditationShabbat, 8:30–9:30 AM
With Rhonda Rose and guests Prepare your body, mind and spirit with a gentle-Shabbat-Asana practice.
Neshama Yoga Shabbat Afternoon, once a month
With Yoga teacher, Jackie Tepper and musician Beth Styles An original fusion of Kundalini Yoga, Jewish learning, spirituality and live music. Through this physical and meditative practice, through breath, movement and song, the practitioner is able to access a deeper connection to self and G-d.
Ravayah: Release and ReviveKohenet Havdalah Dance PartySaturday, December 10, 6:30–9:30 PM West End Presbyterian Church, 165 West 105th Street With Shoshana Jedwab, Aliza Schechter and Rachel Leah Bello
Movement is one of the quickest ways to awaken our most expansive, creative and loving self. Join the Kohenet community in an ecstatic Havdalah ritual and dance party as we receive the week anew through embodied prayer, song, and movement. This evening will feature the music of Shoshana Jedwab's new album, "I Remember".
Shabbat Learning
The Open BookSaturday Morning, 9:00–9:55 AM West End Presbyterian Church, 165 West 105th Street, Chapel
With Rabbi David Ingber, Romemu Clergy and special guests Prepare for a deeper, more resonant Torah service by dipping into sacred text study before services begin. Participants will study the parsha (Torah portion) of the week, with commentary, poetry, Hasidic wisdom and more.
Lunch & LearnNourish yourself physically and spiritually on Shabbat afternoon, as we learn from a variety of dynamic teachers. Lunch will be provided.
SAVE THESE DATES
Annual ‘Shabbat Shuvah’: Saturday, October 8 With Rabbi David Ingber and special guest Netanel Goldberg
Chanukah: December 17 Purim: March 4Torah of Money: March 19 Passover: April 8 Green Kiddush: April 22 Shavuot: May 20
Talmud: ‘Shabbos on Shabbos’ Saturday Afternoon, November 19; December 3, 17; January 7, 21; February 11, 25; March 11, 25With Marc Schiller Shabbat is a central idea in Judaism, and an entire tractate of Talmud is dedicated to this special day. In our class we will explore aggadic stories and halakhic concepts, and experience how our own practices enter into conversation with tradition. Cake, coffee, and schnapps provided.
No prior knowledge of Talmud or Hebrew is required. To register email Marc Schiller at [email protected].
NEW!
s h a b b a t
5
p r o g r a m s
Weekdays
Sitting Sangha Wednesdays, 8:30–9:15 AM, Begins October 5 Private residence, Upper West Side
With Larry Schwartz and Diane BurhenneThe Romemu Sangha (mindfulness meditation community) is an opportunity to sit together to deepen a meditation practice. Open to all Romemu members at all levels of practice. We will not be teaching meditation; we will be bringing our meditation practice and joining together with others to sit in silence as a community followed by a 15 minute discussion.
To register email Larry Schwartz at [email protected].
Soul Spa Wednesdays, 6:30–7:30 PM, Begins September 14 West End Presbyterian Church, 165 West 105th Street, 3rd Floor / Free and open to all
With Chazzan Basya Schechter, Senior Rabbinic Intern David Curiel, Laura Wolfe, and special guests Join us for a prayer service as we bring Shabbat into our week and our week into Shabbat. This service will feature chanting of sacred phrases and prayers, wordless melodies (nigunim), silent meditation and a short d’var Torah (words of Torah).
Special: Kohenet Soul Spa Last Wednesday of each month, 6:30–7:30 PM, Begins September 28 West End Presbyterian Church, 165 West 105th Street, 3rd Floor / Free and open to all
With Rabbi Jill Hammer, Shoshana Jedwab and Special Guests A special Soul Spa that includes mystical teachings, God-language that includes the sacred feminine and the rhythm of the drum, led by the core faculty of the Kohenet Institute.
Drumming Our Prayers: Celebrating and Meditating Through Rhythm Last Wednesday of each month, following Kohenet Soul Spa 7:30–9:00 PM, October 26, November 30
/ Members: $20, Non-members: $25
Drums are powerful tools of group celebration and ecstatic meditation. The Bible reveals that the sound of drumming, the blowing of rams’ horns (shofar), cymbals, chanting and dancing were embodied ways our ancestors celebrated the drama of Spirit. Romemu sacred drummer and veteran Jewish educator Shoshana Jedwab, will lead us with drums and shakers in familiar prayers and in her own compositions. Bring a drum or shaker if you have one; otherwise one will be provided.
6
NEW!
NEW!
wisdom
The Well: Jewish Learning ElevatedGood things happen in the Torah when people gather around a well. The Torah is compared to a well, and the word in Hebrew for ‘well’, be’er, is also the word for ‘explanation’ (be’er hay’tev). The well you hold in your hand is a spiritual watering hole, a place to quench a thirst for meaning and learning, wisdom and sacred stories. The Well at Romemu is a place to meet deeper dimensions of our faith, our tradition, our community and our lives. Our desire at Romemu is to make the world a better place, one heart at a time. Jewish life is beautiful and variegated, transformative and supportive.
Please take as much as you like but stay thirsty, my friends. Stay thirsty.
Sunday
HebrewAleph-Bet I10:30 AM–12:00 PM November 13; December 4, 11, 18; January 22, 29; February 5, 12; March 5, 12, 19, 26; April 2; May 7, 14, 21; June 4, 11 Romemu Office, 43 Central Park North / Members: $100, Non-members: $200
With Rhonna Rogol We will enjoy learning Hebrew right from scratch. Participants will be exposed to all aspects of the language, including reading and writing (the Aleph Bet and vowels), the interconnections of vocabulary through word roots, the intrigues of Hebrew grammar and a taste of modern conversational Hebrew. Once we’ve made enough progress, we’ll introduce excerpts from Romemu’s Shabbat and holiday liturgy and weekly Torah readings. The class will be conducted in a relaxed and interactive environment.
No prior knowledge is required. If you do have some background, but don’t feel ready yet for advanced beginners, feel free to come review/refresh your skills; just remember to bring a lot of patience for your fellow students who are just starting out.
Aleph-Bet II11:00 AM–12:00 PM November 13, 20; December 4, 11, 18; January 22, 29; February 5, 12; March 5, 12, 19, 26; April 2; May 7, 14, 21; June 4, 11 Romemu Office, 43 Central Park North / Members: $100, Non-members: $200
With Jeremy RosenshineThis Hebrew class is good for those who already have some familiarity with the Hebrew letters and basic reading but would like to improve their reading skills, better understand the meaning of words and delve into some basic principles of the Hebrew language. To make your reading come alive, we uncover some hidden secrets behind the words, make connections to other Hebrew word roots and connect more deeply to Hebrew text. We will apply what we learn to familiar and new texts, modern Hebrew, everyday life, the holidays, conversation and more.
NEW!
t h e w e l l
8
Nigun Jam7:00–9:00 PMOctober 23, November 27, December 25, January 22 Sundays at an Upper West Side location to be shared upon registration.
With Rabbi Jessica Kate MeyerExplore new nigunim (wordless melodies) and marinate in familiar ones! Yearn. Learn. Sing...and Eat! No musical prowess required.
RSVP to [email protected]
w
t h e w e l l
9
Living Deeply with a Sacred TextThe Gan Eden Journey—Coming Home
YEAR-LONG COURSEMeets once a month at the Romemu Office, 43 Central Park North
With Nili Weissman Come join us in the Gan (Garden)
of our lives as we travel the archetypal human journey
out of Eden, into our very human world, traveling full circle toward the God consciousness of the Gan
Eden Messianic ‘World to Come.’ We will continue the
journey Adam and Eve took out of the Garden on our way ‘Home’, catching glimpses of the Tree of Life/immortality. We will focus intensely on the relationship we have with our pasuk (verse of Torah), bringing it into our lives and then back monthly into the Gan to hear how it has been coming alive for us. Through deep sharing, journaling, in-class creative exercises and the mystery of relationship, we will continue our path ‘Home’, to our Heart, to God and immortality.
Class size limited. There is a one-time art materials fee of $25.
Gan 1: 3:00-6:00 PM
WINTER November 13; December 4; January 8; February 5/ Members: $80, Non-members $100
SPRING March 5; April 2; May 7 / Members: $60, Non-members: $75
SUMMER June 11; July 9; August 6 / Members: $60, Non-Members: $75
FALL September 10; October 1 / Members: $40, Non-members: $50
Gan 2: 5:00-8:00 PM WINTER November 20; December 11; January 22; February 12/ Members: $80, Non-members $100
SPRING March 19; April 23; May 28 / Members: $60, Non-members: $75
SUMMER June 25; July 23; August 27 / Members: $60, Non-Members: $75
FALL September 17; October 8 / Members: $40, Non-members: $50
t h e w e l l
DROP-IN SESSIONS
Torah Study Six Sessions November 14– December 19 / Members: $150 / Non-Members $180
P rayer and HolidaysFour Sessions January 23– February 13 / Members: $100 / Non-Members $180
Loving-kindness and JusticeSix Sessions February 27–April 3 / Members: $150 / Non-Members $180
Lifecycles and Spiritual PracticesSeven Sessions April 24–June 12/ Members: $175/ Non-Members $210
Monday
The Open DoorEssential Practices and Precepts of Judaism
YEAR-LONG COURSE6:30–8:30 PM November 14, 21, 28; December 5, 12, 19; January 23, 30; February 6, 13, 27; March 6, 13, 20, 27; April 3, 24; May 1, 8, 15, 22; June 5, 12 Romemu office, 43 Central Park North / Members: $500, Non-members: $600
With Bronwen Mullin Are you new to Jewish study? Have you always wanted to know what Jewish rituals and practices are all about? Are you considering conversion? Judaism is something we walk, talk, and breathe throughout our whole lives. It requires practice, exercises, questioning and dialogue. This is your opportunity to walk through the door and enter this sacred realm. In this 8-month course, we will explore Judaism through four fundamental pathways : Torah study, prayer and holidays, lovingkindness and justice and lifecycles and spiritual practices. Throughout the year we will hold Sha bbat gatherings and attend optional Jewish events throughout the city . Each participant will develop an independent project ( e.g. an area of research, an artistic expression, or a community initiative ) that expresses their individual journey and developing connection to Judaism and Jewish identity.
For those without prior Jewish education this course is a required part of the conversion process at Romemu and a prerequisite for the Adult B-Mitzvah program.
The Torah of DeathReflections and Teachings on the End of Life
7:00–8:30 PM; January 23, 30; February 6, 13, 27; March 6 Romemu Office, 43 Central Park North/ Members: $120, Non-Members: $150
With Rabbi Adina LewittesDeath. End of life. Mortality. What do these words evoke? For some, they ring with the familiar sounds of life’s inevitable rhythms. With others, they arouse feelings of fear and vulnerability. To assert the holiness and hopefulness of life—not only at its inception and heights of vitality, but even at its inevitable conclusion—remains a singular challenge for spiritual communities. What insights does Judaism offer into this complex dimension of the human experience? How have Jewish teachings, rituals and stories helped generations navigate between this world and what lies beyond? Through song, text, reflection and meditation, this series will address such topics as death narratives, mourning rituals, theories of afterlife, and the “Torah” of war.
10
In this beit midrash we will explore one theme for each series of classes, primarily through the lens of the Jewish mystical tradition—Kabbalah and Hasidut. We will also study wisdom from other faiths, such as Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Islam, alongside secular texts from from literary works, philosophy and psychoanalysis. The format for this hour will be that of a traditional Jewish house of study. Following an introductory presentation, students will move into havruta, guided study in pairs or small groups. This will be followed by a brief lecture, group discussion and questions.
This is a drop-in class. Participants should feel free to join as they can. We encourage regular attendance so that participants can draw the most meaning from this study experience.
Romemu’s Beit Midrash OPEN TO ALL6:30–7:45 PM (Doors open at 6:00 PM) November 15, 22, 29; December 6, 13, 20; January 17, 24, 31; February 7, 14, 28; March 7, 14, 21, 28; April 4, 25; May 9, 16 ; June 6 Solomon Schechter School of Manhattan 805 Columbus Avenue / Suggested contribution: $10
With Rabbi David Ingber, Rabbi Dianne Cohler-Esses, Zohar Atkins and guests Join us as we explore spiritual ideas central to human existence—faith, flourishing, home, love, kindness, destiny and more.
t h e w e l l
Torah Tuesday
11
t h e w e l l
6:30–9:30 PM September 20; November 8, 15, 22, 29; December 6, 13, 20; January 17, 31; February 7, 14, 28; March 7, 14, 21, 28; April 4, 25; May 9, 16, 23 Solomon Schechter School of Manhattan, 805 Columbus Avenue / Members Only: $625
With Rabbi Jessica Kate Meyer and Rabbi Josh Buchin Traditionally, one becomes a bat or bar mitzvah at the age of twelve or thirteen. Some of us did not have that opportunity, some didn’t know there was an opportunity to be had, and some seek a more meaningful rite of passage than the first time around. Furthermore, many non-Jewish members of our community have chosen to walk the path of Torah, and seek learning and rite of passage, to affirm their commitment. Thus, we invite all those called to deepen their relationship with Judaism to step up for Romemu's Adult B-Mitzvah course , which prepares participants for a deepened commitment to Jewish practice and community with fellow spiritual travelers in a one-year immersive program .
Students engage in weekly 3-hour study sessions, organized as two back-to-back classes . Together, we explore: the language and art of prayer, Torah study (with an emphasis on the midrashic tradition), writing personal midrash, and leynen (chanting Torah). The program also features special holiday workshops and urban Shabbatons.
Prerequisite: Students must possess a basic grasp of Hebrew letters and vowels, (i.e., be able to slowly decode a verse in Hebrew). If you have any questions, please contact Rabbi Josh Buchin: [email protected].
Torah Tuesday
Aliyah An Adult B-Mitzvah Journey
YEAR-LONG COURSE
12
YOU’RE INVITED
Saturday, May 27 and June 10 to witness and celebrate the
class as they become B-Mitzvah!
t h e w e l l
Kabbalah Learning Institute
Why am I here? What is the meaning of life? What is G-d? How do I experience peace, less suffering, more meaning?
These are just some of the questions the Kabbalah seeks to answer. An ancient wisdom system with remarkably modern application, Kabbalah is a roadmap, or a GPS for the soul.The Kabbalah Learning Institute teaches authentic Kabbalistic knowledge that is both accessible and applicable.
KLI offers texts, techniques and tools for human flourishing....no (red) strings attached. We look forward to helping you grow in these Year-Long Courses.
YEAR-LONG COURSES
Deep: Basics 8:15–9:30 PM November 15, 22, 29; December 6, 13, 20; January 17, 24, 31; February 7, 14, 28; March 7, 14, 21, 28; April 4, 25; May 9, 16 ; June 6 Solomon Schechter School of Manhattan 805 Columbus Avenue / Entire Year, Members: $450, Non-members: $525
With Zohar Atkins Come and learn the rhyme and reason of Kabbalah, Judaism’s ancient map of the essential nature of reality. You will encounter basic Kabbalistic concepts like sefirot, tsimtsum, kelim, and klippot, and acquire a basic understanding of the essential contours of this mystical ‘lens on life’.
In-Depth: Advanced 8:15–9:30 PM November 15, 22, 29; December 6, 13, 20; January 17, 24, 31; February 7, 14, 28; March 7, 14, 21, 28; April 4, 25; May 9, 16 ; June 6 Solomon Schechter School of Manhattan 805 Columbus Avenue / Entire Year, Members: Members: $450, Non-members: $525
With Rabbi David Ingber Now that you have a sense of the Kabbalistic landscape, you’ll learn how to walk within it. What is Kabbalistic meditation? What does it look like to ascend the five levels of consciousness? Begin to travel through the four worlds or levels of reality—action, formation, creation, and emanation—as you apply these Kabbalistic concepts to your own life.
Prerequisite: KLI Deep or previous instruction in Kabbalah.
Torah Tuesday
13
Wednesday
The Write Prescription: Telling Your Story to Move With and Beyond Illness6:30–8:30 PM, November 2, 9, 16, 30; December 7, 14 Upper East Side, location shared upon registration/ Members: $120, Non-members: $150
With Judi HannanWithout words, illness can isolate us. We can become strangers to our former selves and to the world we used to move in—our family, friends, colleagues, community. Writing and sharing our stories connects us to ourselves and others. In this workshop on writing about physical and mental illness, prompts will be given to guide our exploration into our inner narrative—the one that includes illness as well as the larger context of life. Reading our words back to ourselves and to others in the group will add deeper meaning to our story, creating a supportive and non-judgmental space to reveal our narratives.
No previous writing experience is required. Open to patients, survivors, caregivers, and family members. A maximum enrollment of 10 people will ensure intimacy and the opportunity for everyone to participate.
A BOOK CLUB
Israel'Lit: Illuminate Your Mind & Soul with the Works of Israeli Authors Every six weeks, 7:30–9:00 PMNovember 16; January 18; March 1; April 26; June 7Upper East Side, location shared upon registration / Entire series, Members: $72,
Non-Members: $90 / Individual Sessions, Members: $18,
Non-Members: $25
With Ronnie Scharfman and Rhonna RogolIn this book group, we will engage with Israeli literature in English translation. Together we will explore themes of identity, spirituality and community in Hebrew novels, memoirs and short stories by both contemporary Jewish-Israeli and Arab-Israeli authors. In addition to some of the most famous authors, we will showcase Israeli writers who are not yet well known in the United States. Participants will read the selections in advance and then join Ronnie , a professor of literature, and Rhonna, a translator of Hebrew novels, who will share their insights and reflections and facilitate the group’s discussion in a relaxed, open-minded and respectful environment.
A maximum enrollment of 12 people will ensure intimacy and the opportunity for everyone to participate.
Thursday
The Sky WithinOnce a month, 6:30–8:30 PM, November 17; December 22; January 26; February 23; March 23; April 20; May 25; June 22 / Members: $80/$10 per session / Non-members: $120 /$15 per session
With Alina Bloomgarden and Caren FriedThis class combines teachings of Rosh Chodesh, Astrology and Mussar the themes of each new moon through the lens of Rosh Hodesh and Astrology to cultivate our character trains in the modern practice of Mussar. Participants will learn about their astrological charts and will set intentions through text study and journal writing. Participants are encouraged to work in groups and chevruta (partnerships) to deepen their self development through focus on new Middot, or character trains, each month. Participants should email [email protected] with their birthday information so charts can be prepared to work with in the class.
t h e w e l l
14
Dwellers on the Threshold 7:00–8:30 PM, March 2, 9, 16, 30; April 6, 13, 20; May 4Upper West Side, Location Shared Upon Registration/ Members: $160, Non-Members: $200
With Shelly FredmanThe liminal spaces in our lives and the leaps we can take in moving from the mundane towards the Sacred will be the focus of our explorations in this course. We will explore Jewish and other pathways both new and old, including those of spiritual seekers, Biblical inspirations, and artists and writers like Reb Nachman, Heschel, Rumi, Anne Lamott and Virginia Woolf. Through writing and other forms of creative expression, we will discover ways that we might more readily enter Sacred territory and make place in our lives for encounters with the Divine.
No writing experience needed
Torah of Activism: A Jewish Call to Respond to the Burning Issues of Our Times7:00–9:00 PM, November 10; December 15; January 19; February 9; March 2; April 6; May 4; June 8Romemu Office, 43 Central Park North / Members: $72/$10 per session / Non-members $90/$15 per session
With Michael Gottsegen This course will offer a Jewish framework and language for social justice in our times. Each month we will:
1) explore a pressing social justice topic in its national and global context;
2) consider different ways of approaching the issue through Jewish political principles, concepts, and social values; and
3) examine the politics around the issue and how we might become involved. Topics will include: economic justice in an era of capitalism; and class, race, and gender justice.
Food, Service and Study Thursday, November 17, 24; December 1, 8West End Presbyterian Church165 West 105th Street/ $20 Food Donation/Session
Working with Panim el Panim: A Program of the Interfaith Assembly on Housing and Homelessness The Jewish tradition teaches of the inherent holiness and dignity of all and of our obligation to be of service to those in need. This semester, Romemu will partner with the Interfaith Alliance for Homelessness and Housing with Panim el Panim, a Life Skills Empowerment Program for homeless or formerly homeless individuals. In this 4 part series, Romemu volunteers will join mentors and Panim el Panim participants for a family-style meal, connect over food, and learn more about the sacred Jewish value of human dignity.
Email Rabbi Josh Buchin at [email protected] if you are interested in a class. If you would like to become a Mentor or a Fiscal Sponsor, contact Daiken at [email protected].
On Shabbat…The Open BookSaturday Morning
Shabbos on ShabbosSaturday Afternoon
See Spirituality section, pg. 5.
t h e w e l l
15
Scholar-in-Residence Weekend Thursday, November 3–Sunday, November 6
With Dr. Daniel C. Matt
From Kabbalah to the Big Bang:Ancient Wisdom and Contemporary Spirituality
Dr. Daniel C. Matt served as Professor of Jewish Spirituality at the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley from 1979–2000. He is one of the world’s leading authorities on Kabbalah. He has published ten books, including: Zohar: The Book of Enlightenment, The Essential Kabbalah: The Heart of Jewish Mysticism (translated into seven languages) and God and the Big Bang: Discovering Harmony between Science and Spirituality. So far, he has completed six volumes of The Zohar: Pritzker Edition (Stanford University Press), covering approximately half of the Zohar. For this work, Daniel has been honored with a National Jewish Book Award and a Koret Jewish Book Award. The Koret award called his translation “a monumental contribution to the history of Jewish thought.”
t h e w e l l
16
Seudah Shlee-sheetRaising the Sparks: Finding God in the Material WorldHow can God be encountered in our daily life? Dr. Daniel Matt will explore this question with us by teaching passages from Kabbalah and Hasidism on the nature of God, the act of Creation, and the challenge of discovering God in the material world.
God and the Big BangDiscovering Harmony between Science and SpiritualityDr. Daniel Matt will present a lecture exploring the parallels between Kabbalah and contemporary cosmology. How does the mystical understanding of Creation compare with the modern theory of the origin of the universe? Is there a way to harmonize these two approaches—the scientific and the spiritual?
KabbalahDoes It Really Matter? Sparks: 7:00–8:30 PM Followed by dessert reception and book signing
Dr. Daniel Matt and Rabbi David Ingber will explore the implications of studying Kabbalah in comtemporary times. Does Kabbalah have to improve or even transform our lives?
Shekhinah The Feminine Half of GodOne of the boldest contributions of Kabbalah is the idea that God is equally female and male. Dr. Daniel Matt will briefly trace the development of Kabbalah and then focus on the concept of Shekhinah (the feminine aspect of God) from its rabbinic origins to its full flowering in the Zohar, where Shekhinah is identified with the Sabbath Bride.
This scholar-in-residence program has been made possible by a generous donation from Brian and Rhonna Rogol.
Schedule
THURSDAY EVENING
11.03
SATURDAYAFTERNOON
11.05
FRIDAY EVENING
11.04
SUNDAYAFTERNOON
11.06
t h e w e l l
17
A series of conversationsbetween Rabbi David Ingber and leading spiritual leaders and thinkers on essential issues of our times.
Sparks is an opportunity to expand our consciousness around issues that really matter. As listeners to sacred conversations we will go deep, travel far, and allow ourselves to stretch beyond scripted dialogues into the more intimate places of personal revelation and “aha moments.”
This is an opportunity to feel as though you have some of the world’s most exciting luminaries in your living room. These conversations are inspired by and a tribute to Reb Zalman Schachter-Shalomi as a master of stimulating the sometimes controversial, core human issues—the kind- of-conversations that we all want to to talk about, but don’t always have a place to bring up these ultimate questions. Rabbi David and his interlocutors will discuss such topics as: God, embodiment, gender, mysticism, justice and more.
SAVE THE DATES and make sure you don’t miss these illuminating dialogues with Rabbi David and exciting guests. Expect Sparks to fly.
THURSDAY NIGHTS: November 3, January 12, February 16, March 30, April 27, and June 15
In Memory of Reb Zalman Schachter-Shalomi Z”L
t h e w e l l
Inaugural Sparks Dialogue Kabbalah: Does It Really MatterThursday, November 3
18
t h e w e l l
Holistic Hebrew School for the Whole Family
At Romemu, we understand that Judaism is more than acquiring information, or making it to B-Mitzvah—it is about living life deeply. Our Hebrew school offers each child and family spiritual resources for living a life with kindness, connection and holiness. Together, we immerse in Jewish practice, study Jewish wisdom and celebrate Shabbat and holidays.
For more information, additional program details and tuition information, visit romemu.org/seekers.
In addition to weekday classes and experiential learning for children on Shabbat, our dynamic program provides children and parents with opportunities for study as well as community gatherings, and holiday celebrations. Your whole family will be connected, inspired, and engaged in building meaningful Jewish lives in community.
We invite you to join us on this family adventure. Contact Rabbi Dianne Cohler-Esses at [email protected]
s e e k e r s
19
Dr. Zohar Atkins, Romemu’s Rabbinic Intern, uses his love of Torah study, poetry, prayer, chaplaincy, dancing, and philosophy, to create eclectic educational experiences that are emotionally engaging, spiritually elevating, and intellectually stirring. Zohar is a fourth year rabbinical student at JTS and is a Wexner Graduate Fellow. He holds a doctorate in Theology from Oxford,where he was a Rhodes Scholar. Zohar's poetry has appeared in a variety of publications, including Haaretz, PNReview, WaveComposition and The Oxonian Review.
Alina Bloomgarden has studied and practiced astrology for over 40 years and has been teaching it for the past three. She’s very excited to bridge astrology with her Jewish learning and to share how one’s natal chart can be seen as a holy encoding of the soul work laid out for each of us in this lifetime.
Rabbi Josh Buchin is the Jewish Emergent Network Rabbinic Fellow at Romemu. He was ordained from the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies, in Los Angeles, CA in 2016. While in school he worked for three years as a Rabbinic Intern at Netivot Shalom, in Berkeley, CA and for two years as spiritual counselor at Beit T’Shuvah, a Jewish addiction recovery center and spiritual community in Culver City.
Rabbi Dianne Cohler-Esses, Romemu’s Director of Life Long Learning since 2012, is the first woman from the Syrian Jewish community to be ordained. She received ordination from the JTS in 1995 and has since served as an educator, scholar-in-residence, and administrator for multiple organizations including CLAL, the Bronfman Youth Fellowship, the Curriculum Initiative and UJA Federation. In 2007 the Washington Post online named her one of fifty top rabbis in the U.S.
David Curiel is returning to Romemu this year as Senior Rabbinic Intern, bringing his passion for the spiritual development of Jews and and their allies in all shapes and sizes. Through his rabbinic studies in the Aleph S’micha program, he has learned at Pardes, the Hartman Institute and Hebrew College. David is a lifelong student of tai chi / chi gung, a singer, a mashpi'a ruchani (spiritual director) in training, and, in a former life, an MBA (Kelley, ’01) and a wine merchant
Shelly R. Fredman teaches literature and writing at Barnard College and she has led workshops exploring Jewish text and its connections to our lives in various Jewish settings. She is an NPR guest contributor, and her writing has appeared in the Huffington Post, Chicago Tribune Magazine, Best Jewish Writing, Forward and Tikkun as well as in anthologies and literary magazines.
Caren Fried has been engaged in facilitating/participating in Rosh Hodesh groups for the last 20 years and has been a Mussar student/practitioner for the last 12 years, learning with Alan Morinis’ Mussar Institute. She is a Clinical Social Worker, community activist and leader in the Jewish community. Caren is the Past Chair of the Romemu Board.
Dr. Michael Gottsegen (Ph.D., 1989) was trained as a political theorist at Columbia University and in Religious Studies at Harvard, and has worked in and out of academia since the early 1990s, having taught at Columbia and Brandeis before coming to Brown. A book based on his thesis, “The Political Thought of Hannah Arendt,” was published in 1994. He is presently completing a manuscript on the tension between ethics and politics in the thought of the French Jewish philosopher, Emmanuel Levinas.
Rabbi Jill Hammer, PhD is the co-founder of Kohenet: The Hebrew Priestess Institute, and the Director of Spiritual Education at the Academy for Jewish Religion, a pluralistic Jewish seminary. Rabbi Hammer is the author of Sisters at Sinai: New Tales of Biblical Women, The Jewish Book of Days: A Companion for All Seasons, The Book of Earth and Other Mysteries, and other books, as well as the co-author of The Hebrew Priestess: Ancient and New Visions of Jewish Women’s Spiritual Leadership. Rabbi Hammer is also the translator of the forthcoming Romemu Siddur. She lives in Manhattan with her wife and daughter.
Judith Hannan serves on the board of Romemu, and is the author of Motherhood Exaggerated (CavanKerry Press, 2012), a memoir chronicling her journey as a mother during her daughter’s treatment for cancer. She speaks before medical students and professionals on patient stories and is a writing mentor with Memorial Sloan-Kettering’s Visible Ink program. Her book, The Write Prescription, will be released in the fall of 2015 by Archer Lit.
Rabbi David Ingber is the founder and spiritual director of the Romemu Community. Named by Newsweek as one of 2013s top 50 most influential rabbis in the United States as well as by The Forward as one of the 50 most newsworthy and notable Jews in America, Rabbi David promotes a renewed Jewish mysticism integrating meditative mindfulness and physical awareness into post-modern Judaism. A major 21st Century Jewish thinker and educator, his full-bodied approach to Jewish learning has brought him to speak throughout the United States and across the world.
t e a c h e r s
20
t e a c h e r s
Shoshana Jedwab is the founding drum circle leader of the JCC’s Makom Drum Circle, a singer-songwriter, hand drummer, ritual and prayer leader and the Middle School Jewish Life Coordinator at the A.J. Heschel School. For over a quarter of a century, she has been a force of nature reconnecting people of all ages to the sweetness, power, depth and mystery of life. Through her authentic voice, beat-possessed hands, traditional scholarship, original sacred song recordings (I Remember), she gives us an exquisite taste of ultimate being.
Rabbi Adina Lewittes is the founder of Sha’ar Communities, a groundbreaking network of suburban Jewish communities in Bergen County, NJ. As part of Sha’ar’s Gate of Discovery, Rabbi Lewittes leads creative educational and spiritual journeys using travel as a setting for meaningful Jewish learning and inspiration for deepened Jewish engagement. Her itineraries have included unique missions to Israel, Argentina, Cuba, Panama, Berlin, Krakow, Sicily and Croatia. Rabbi Lewittes studied in the Rabbinical School of the Jewish Theological Seminary in New York and was ordained in 1993, becoming the first Canadian woman to be ordained a Conservative rabbi.
Rabbi Jessica Kate Meyer was ordained in June 2014 by Hebrew College Rabbinical School. She strives to build community through prayerful music, and music through prayerful community. During rabbinic training she developed inter-generational education programs and prayer services for Temple Beth Zion in Brookline, MA, interned with a Masorti community in Tel Aviv, and directed leadership programs for the organization Encounter in Jerusalem.
Rhonna Rogol is a Montreal native. She attributes her passion for languages and literature to the inspiration of her 7th grade teacher and beloved lifelong friend and mentor, the late Shlomo Jaacobi. An attorney by profession, she recently relocated from Connecticut to Manhattan, where she hopes to engage in volunteer programs and continue to be immersed in Jewish education. She loves teaching both teens and adults, but loves learning even more. Recent endeavors include translating works by S.Y. Agnon for Toby Press in Jerusalem and training to be a docent at the Museum of Jewish Heritage.
Jeremy Rosenshine grew up in Israel where he lived most of hislife. His experience teaching goes back to his days training soldiersin the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), and later, teaching Hebrewschool. Jeremy is an Israeli-trained attorney and has extensiveexperience as a Hebrew-English translator.
Dr. Ronnie Scharfman is a Ph.D. in French Literature from Yale. She was professor of postcolonial French literatures at Purchase College, SUNY for 30 years. Her research and writing on the themes of identity and exile led her to explore comparative Jewish literatures as well, creating courses that she fine-tuned over several years before retirement. Ronnie is a poet and midrashist, finding endless inspiration in Jewish narratives.
Chazzan Basya Schechter, was ordained in January 2016 by ALEPH Cantorial School, and has been the recipient of numerous compositional and project grants from NY State Council of the Arts and the American Music Center. She is also known for her group Pharaoh’s Daughter, a seven-piece neohasidic world music ensemble that travels effortlessly through continents, key signatures, and languages with a genre-bending sound. Her earthy, soulful, beautiful voice rings out over instruments that form a vibrant collage of East/West.
Marc Schiller grew up in an orthodox community and attended anumber of prominent yeshivot including Choftez Chaim and KeremB’Yavne in Israel. From a young age he had a deep passion forJewish learning and was both a competitor and later a coach in theInternational Bible Contest. He has served as a lay teacher of Bibleand Rabbinic Judaism in a variety of forums.
Larry Schwartz, a Romemu board member, has been meditatingfor over 20 years. He has completed the Jewish Mindful TeacherTraining Program of the Institute for Jewish Spirituality and TheIntegrated Study and Practice Program at the Barre Center forBuddhist Studies. Larry co-founded the Jewish Meditation Centerof Montclair NJ and started the Shivti program at Romemu. Heteaches mindfulness at the Beit Rabban elementary school on theUpper West Side. He is a past chair of the Institute for Jewish Spirituality.
Nili Weissman honors the deep inner life as a sacred path. With a degree in psychology she has studied with Shamans, Rabbis, Healers and Medicine Workers. She is a painter of the the soul's journey and a student of Russian icon writing, a handspinner and weaver. Currently she is developing a practice for helping people transform the metaphors of illness and life challenges into a landscape that can be seen as holy, whole and deeply connected to. Nili is honored to lead the Living Deeply Community at Romemu for the 7th year, where the Torah of our lives is the voice that teaches and touches the heart.
21
community
Committees
Adult Education
This committee meets regularly to refine and develop the vision of education at Romemu, and helps to implement all the myriad details of that vision. We conceptualize and plan a diverse array of offerings, including courses, seminars, lunch and learns, workshops, dialogue series and more.
Co-Chairs: Rhonna Rogol, Kim Schneiderman
Family Programming
This committee works to create supportive programming for children ages 0-4 and their families.
To join the Family Programming Committee or to find out more information, contact Wendye Chaitin: [email protected].
Seekers: Holistic Hebrew School
In collaboration with our Director of Youth and Family Education, help vision programming that is engaging to the whole body, mind, and spirit.
For questions about Seekers and to get involved, contact Robin Aronson: [email protected].
Chesed
Put love into action and serve community members in times of need. Whether visiting someone who is sick, comforting the bereaved, or providing support during joyous occasions, the Chesed Team is there.
To sign up, contact David Barrettt: [email protected].
Chevre Kadisha
Dealing with the death of a loved one can be a complex and difficult endeavor. The Chevre Kadisha is committed to sensitively fulfilling the imperatives of chesed shel emet (true kindness, or kindness at the moment of truth) for Romemu members and their immediate relatives who die in our community.
Rabbi Eva Sax-Bolder: [email protected] and Nili Weissman: [email protected].
23
Get InvolvedAt Romemu, we have ways to serve and socialize. We have committees where Romemu members are able to plug in their talents and time, and affinity groups called circles where people socialize with like-hearted individuals.
c o n n e c t
c o n n e c t
Development
Cultivate greater financial resources, partnerships and ultimately opportunities for our community’s future.
Contact Nancy Levin, Development Vice President: [email protected]
Yad B'Yad
Yad B'Yad is committed to creating in-person experiences that grow and deepen relationships amongst members at Romemu. We are committed to embodying the Romemu spirit of non-judgement and open-heartedness by welcoming people to all events and services.
Contact: Angie Atkins: angieolami@ gmail.com and Becky Emet: [email protected]
Membership
Working to grow and sustain Romemu membership through new-member orientations, membership events, and affinity groups.
Contact K’lila Nooning: [email protected] and Shelley Levine: [email protected]
Shomrim
Elevate your spiritual practice by creating intentions: set up our sacred space and welcome our prayer community.
Contact [email protected]
Social Action
Doing direct service and working for systemic change on issues relating to hunger, prison justice, worker rights, and trafficking.
Contact Rachel Makleff: [email protected]
24
CirclesRomemu Business NetworkingCome together monthly to meet people, share your connections, and make new ones. We give 10% of our Romemu-inspired business back to Romemu.
Contact Robert Rimberg: [email protected]
Community BandOur band joins the clergy-team once a month and brings joyful song to Romemu community events. Join us and bring your musical talents to Romemu! One must be a Romemu member to participate.
Contact Chazzan Basya: [email protected]
Young Tish 20’s and 30’s Are you interested in meeting other 20 and 30-something hevre (community) at Romemu? Join us for events and learn more by checking out our facebook group at "Romemu Young Tish for 20s and 30s." Contact Mallory Rubin: [email protected]
The Rom’Revelers (40+)Welcome to the Club! Welcoming all Romemu members and their friends over 40 to come together for various enlivening events: social, sporting, cultural, community service, and more!
Contact Lydia Burdick, Nancy McGaw and Adina Zion: [email protected]
Sage-ing Circle (60+)We affirm the importance and value of the elder years. Within a supportive community, we deepen our awareness, harvest our life experience, and share our understanding with others.
Contact Andrea Fooner: [email protected]
Rom’Rainbows (LGBTQ)At Romemu, we stand with pride. We bring together LGBTQ-identified individuals in a welcoming and safe spiritual community to plan community-building events, and pursue social activism.
Contact Dvorah Stoll: [email protected]
Rom’Red Tent: Women’s Rosh Chodesh Group Enjoy a safe and sacred space where we share and explore what it means to honor the cylces of the new moon as a Jewish and female-identified person in the 21st century.
Contact Rachel Bello, Shana Deane, and Aliza Schechter: [email protected]
Yoga and MeditationDo you teach Yoga or Meditation? We are always looking for new leaders.
Contact Rhonda Rose: [email protected]
25
c o n n e c t
Strangers No MoreMulti-Faith Life at Romemu Are you part of a multi-faith couple or family? Do you identify with a faith tradition other than Judaism? Are you finding your way back to Judaism after years away? As part of Romemu’s commitment to “widen the tent,” we seek to radically welcome, support and nourish you. We also seek to learn from all faith traditions, knowing that the diversity of religions and practices we bring to Romemu is a gift that can strengthen us all in living holy lives.
Contact Rev. Eleanor Harrison Bregman, Director of Multi-Faith Initiatives for more information or to meet with her: [email protected]
Multi-Faith Programs
‘Strangers No More’ ShabbatSaturday, February 18
This week's Torah portion, Yitro, is named after Moses' non-Israelite father-in-law, and contains the Ten Commandments, the revelation at Sinai. Honoring the Torah of Yitro as well as the Torah of Sinai, Romemu's multi-faith community will be called up to the Torah for a special aliyah during Shabbat morning services.
Monthly Discussion Sessions 7:30–9:30 PM, Doors open at 7:00 PM, October 19; November 16, December 7; January 18, February 15; April 5; May 24; June 7 Private homes, location given upon registration
Led by Rev. Eleanor Harrison Bregman and guest teachers Join Romemu’s multi-faith community for a light dinner and non-judgmental conversation to explore the experiences, challenges and blessings of multi-faith life within this Jewish spiritual community. Drop in for one or join us for them all. Newcomers welcome and expected!
c o n n e c t
26
c o n n e c tc o n n e c t
27
G?D TalksFriday, October 28; Friday, January 27; Friday, May 12
OPEN TO ALLLed by Rev. Eleanor Harrison Bregman, Rabbi David Ingber, Rabbi Jessica Kate Meyer and guests
Join us for these potluck Shabbat dinners where we explore various theological topics as a multi-faith community..
Multi-Faith Couples’ WorkshopDates to be announced
In this three-part intensive couples workshop—designed for new multi-faith couples and veteran couples alike—you will explore the issues of being a multi-faith couple (navigating holidays, life-cycle events, services, in-laws, and parenting, among others), develop concrete communication skills around these issues, and share challenges and solutions with others as you are comfortable. While most couples will be multi-faith, it is also open to couples wrestling with different ways of practicing within one religious tradition.
Limited to 10 couples. Contact [email protected] for more information.
SACRED SOUNDSAn Evening of Song, Wisdom, and Prayer Saturday, November 19
In collaboration with Rivers of Living Water, the Nur Ashki Jerrahi Sufi Community, and West End Presbyterian Church, Sacred Sounds will bring diverse communities of faith together for an evening of prayer, song, and wisdom. Our communities hold music at the heart of our prayer experience and believe that through our music we deepen our connection to the Holy and to one another. Without relinquishing the uniqueness of our faith traditions, we will explore a sacred point of meeting—what is possible when, together, we open our ears, voices, and hearts to sing a new song?
To get involved, email: Rev. Eleanor Harrison Bregman, Director of Multi-Faith Initiatives at [email protected].
Romemu’s Annual Community Retreat June 23–25
ISABELLA FREEDMAN RETREAT CENTER
Mark your calendars and don’t miss this special weekend to celebrate Shabbat and bond with your spiritual community.
Community Events Open House for Committees and Circles!Saturday, October 29, 12:30–2:30 PM
Wonder what’s happening in the Romemu community? Interested in meeting more people? Do you want to get more involved? Join us for a Kiddush lunch and meet various representatives of the Romemu committees and circles.
New Member Orientation Program: Fall 2016Beginning Wednesday, November 2
Since every journey needs preparation, we invite all new members to join us for our New Member Orientation Program. This program is designed as a weekly 3-part series.
For more information about this program, please email Programming and Membership Associate Lizzie Busch at [email protected].
“Getting to Know You” PotluckFriday, November 18
Bring a creative dish to share and join in the post-prayer glow. Come prepared to open your heart wider, and meet new people. Open to All.
2017 Romemu Benefit Thursday, April 6, 2017, 6:30– 10:00 PM
New York Academy of Medicine 1216 5th Avenue (at 103rd Street)
Annual Community GatheringWednesday, April 26
Our annual community meeting, created by members, for members, about members.
28
c o n n e c t
Sacred Transitions
Are you celebrating a birthday? Having a child? Getting married? Acknowledging a loss? Entering into parenthood or grandparenthood? Crossing a threshold?
Consider marking these moments with the community… Receive a blessing at the Torah Sponsor a Kiddush Sponsor prayerbooks or chumashim Give a donation in memory, honor or in celebration
At Romemu, we have many ways to celebrate and support big life moments. We offer B-Mitzvah trainings, pre-marital counseling, weddings services, baby namings, and support for members in need of healing during illness and holding when grieving the loss of a loved one. To coordinate a life-cycle event, contact Danny Drachsler: [email protected]
It is so rare to find time in the midst of all the hubbub and logistics and adjustments that come along with having a new baby to come back into the space of the miraculousness and awesomeness of a new life. Layla’s baby-naming was a peak experience for me at Romemu. She was amazingly calm throughout the whole event. When it was time for her ’aliyah’, underneath a chuppah being held by her grandparents, she was placed on a tallit inside the Torah. The whole community was singing. The sound was like a blanket wrapping her up. I remember her opening her eyes looking around calmly and everyone’s eyes filling with tears as she was welcomed to our community, to our faith, and into our shared story. – Elana Shneyer
We also offer Conversion classes, and an Adult B-Mitzvah course. For more information see the Wisdom section, pgs. 10 and 12.
29
c o n n e c t
j o i n
Join Our Community Romemu is a community of spiritual seekers. We are comprised of people who identify as Jews, Jew-ish, denominational, post-denominational, non–Jews, recovering Jews, rejuvenated Jews, Jews of Color, Jews by choice, and many who identify with other religious tradition outside of Judaism..
Through membership at Romemu, we embrace the communal journey of spiritual growth, growing to become kinder, more compassionate and more accepting individuals.
Becoming a member of a spiritual community is a big deal. Commitment indicates an understanding of the value of what the Jewish tradition calls, ‘covenant’ or ‘brit’. Stepping in, doing our part, showing up...these are all part of what it means when we say ‘membership’. At Romemu,
Membership
The following memberships are available and can be paid annually or monthly:
Student Membership$250: For full-time students with ID and includes one High Holy Day ticket
Individual Membership$864 or $72 a month: Includes one High Holy Day ticket
Couples Membership$1600 or $134 a month: Includes two High Holy Day tickets
Family Membership$2200 a year or $184 a month: This membership covers up to 2 adults and all children 25 years old or younger
Friends$550: Does not include High Holy Day tickets. This membership is for those who generally are members of other synagogues but wish to be part of the Romemu community as well.
Joining Romemu means becoming a part of a community in which all members feel supported and seen. If you have any special needs regarding membership dues, or would like to request a payment plan, we are here to help. Please do not hesitate to reach out to Lizzie Busch at [email protected] or Miriam Rubin at [email protected] with any questions or concerns.
30
we know that some communities in our modern culture are chosen, not given. In joining this community, each of our members is making a statement. ‘This is my spiritual home. This is a place where I am moved, where I am doing Jewish spiritual practice to open my heart, to round out my past and to open myself to our collective future. I support this community. You can count on my time, my talents and my treasures.'
Your practices and intentions stretch beyond the internal world; when you join Romemu you become a part of something much larger than even the beautiful pearls that emerge out of personal awakening.
The tangible benefits of membership are many. You’ll get seats for the holidays, discounts for events and classes, and clergy who will officiate for your simchas, to name a few. Most of all, you’ll stand with a community that reflects your values and will be present to hold you up during times of joy and times of sorrow.
For more information, and to join, visit www.romemu.org/membership
How can you support Romemu?
Philanthropy at Romemu is an investment into our welcoming community. Whether you engage in our Shabbat and High Holy Day services, enjoy music at Romemu, participate in The Well programs or our social action initiatives—please know that membership dues cover only a small percentage of the breadth of the Romemu offerings.
There is More than One Way to Contribute. Individual Contributions Matching Gifts Gifts of Stock Estate Planning Gifts
Please contact Nancy Levin at [email protected] or 212.580.4294 ext. 815 or donate online at www.romemu.org/community/support-romemu/
o u r t e a m
Our ClergyRabbi David Ingber, [email protected]
Rabbi Jessica Kate [email protected]
Chazzan Basya [email protected]
Rabbi Josh Buchin, Jewish Emergent Network [email protected]
David Curiel, Senior Rabbinic [email protected]
Zohar Atkins, Rabbinic [email protected]
Our StaffAlyse Streicher [email protected]
Marina Lewin Head of Finance and [email protected]
Nancy Levin Development Vice President [email protected]
Rabbi Dianne Cohler-Esses, Director of Life Long [email protected]
Miriam Rubin, Director of Programming and [email protected]
Reverend Eleanor Harrison BregmanDirector of Multi-Faith [email protected]
Danny DrachslerDirector of [email protected]
Lizzie Busch Programming and Membership [email protected]
Kaytlin ButlerMulti-Faith Initiatives [email protected]
31
Our Board Executive CommitteePeter Takiff, Chair Hali Weiss, TreasurerKaren Beckman, SecretaryScott Osman
BoardMarla AltJamie AskinAngie AtkinsAlan Bernstein Peter Bregman Jeff CahnWendye ChaitinArthur FriedCaren Ellis Fried John HannanJudi HannanAriel Rosen Ingber Steve KaplanAllegra Kochman Shelley LevineEvey Adelsohn Mason
Paul Mason Heidi RiegerJosh Rechnitz Nigel SavageMarc SchillerLarry Schwartz Rebecca Sharzer Elana Shneyer Jade Netanya Ullmann Ari Wallach Sharon WallachEvan Wildstein Paula Yormak
Guide Design: Masters Group Design, Philadelphia
Week At-A Glance Snap-Shot of the Year
2016October
2 .......... Erev Rosh Hashanah3 .......... Rosh Hashanah I4 .......... Rosh Hashanah II5 .......... Sitting Sangha Begins8. ......... Shabbat Shuvah
Neshama Yoga 11 ........ Kol Nidrei12 ........ Yom Kippur17 ........ First Day Sukkot 18 ........ Second Day Sukkot 19 ........ Strangers No More Monthly Discussion 21 ........ Feast in the Sukkah 23 ........ Nigun Jam 24 ........ Shmini Atzeret 25 ........ Simchat Torah 28 ........ G?d Talk 29 ........ Open House for Committees and Circles
November
2 .......... New Member Orientation 3 .......... Sparks with Dr. Daniel Matt 4 .......... Dinner and Teaching with Dr. Daniel Matt 5 .......... Seudah Shlee-sheet with Dr. Daniel Matt 6 .......... Teaching with Dr. Daniel Matt11 ........ Mishpacha: Family Service16 ........ Strangers No More Monthly Discussion 17 ........ Talmud: ‘Shabbos on Shabbos’ Begins 18 ........ Getting to Know You Potluck 19 ........ Sacred Sounds27 ........ Nigun Jam
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Shabbat
Aleph Bet I $100 $200 8 Aleph Bet II $100 $200 9 Living Deeply $240 $300 9
Nigun Jam (Monthly) FREE FREE 9
The Open Door $500 $600 10The Torah of Death $120 $150 10
Beit Midrash $10* $10* 11 Aliyah $625 N/A 12 KLI $450 $525 13
Strangers No More (Monthly) FREE FREE 26The Sitting Sangha FREE FREE 6Soul Spa FREE FREE 6Drumming Our Prayers (Monthly) / $20 / $25 6The Write Prescription $120 $150 14Israel'Lit $72 / $18 $90 / $25 14
The Sky Within $80 / $10 $120 / $15 14Dwellers on the Threshhold $160 $200 15The Torah of Activism $72 / $10 $90 / $15 15Food, Service and Study $80 / $20 $100 / $20 15
Shabbatasana + Meditation FREE FREE 5 The Open Book FREE FREE 5Talmud: 'Shabbos on Shabbos' FREE FREE 5
32
NON-MEMBERSMEMBERS
Year-Long Series *Suggested Donation / Fee to Drop-In
PAGE
s c h e d u l e
33
December
7 .......... Strangers No More Monthly Discussion 10 ........ Ravayah: Release and Revive
Kohenet Havdalah Dance Party17 ........ Chanukah Lunch and Learn
Neshama Yoga18 ........ Kids Chanukah Party24 ........ Tishmas Eve 25 ........ Nigun Jam 31 ........ Softlights
2017January
6 .......... Community Potluck12 ........ Sparks 18 ........ Strangers No More Monthly Discussion 20 ........ Community Potluck22 ........ Nigun Jam27 ........ G?D Talk
February
11 ........ Tu BiShvat Seder15 ........ Strangers No More Monthly Discussion 16 ........ Sparks 24 ........ Community Potluck
March
4 .......... Purim Lunch and Learn11 ........ Kids' Purim
Erev Purim16 ........ New Member Orientation19 ........ Torah of Money Lunch and Learn29 ........ Passover/Easter Discussion with WEPC 30 ........ Sparks 31 ........ Community Potluck
April
5 .......... Strangers No More Monthly Discussion6 .......... Romemu Benefit8 .......... Passover Lunch and Learn11 ........ Second Night Seder at JCC19 ........ Membership Drive Begins21 ........ Community Potluck26 ........ Community Gathering27 ........ Sparks
May
1 .......... Yom Hazikaron5 .......... Community Potluck8 .......... Board Retreat12 ........ G?d Talk 14 ........ Lag B'Omer20 ........ Shavuot Lunch and Learn24 ........ Strangers No More Monthly Discussion31 ........ Shavuot/End of Membership Drive
June
1 .......... Shavuot 7 .......... Strangers No More Monthly Discussion15 ........ Sparks23–25 .. Community Retreat
Holidays Rosh Hashanah Sunday, October 2–Tuesday, October 4
Yom Kippur Tuesday, October 11–Wednesday, October 12
Sukkot Sunday, October 16–Sunday, October 23
Shemini Atzeret Sunday, October 23 – Monday, October 24
Simchat Torah Monday, October 24–Tuesday, October 25
ChanukahSunday, December 24–Sunday, January 1
Tu B’ShvatFriday, February 10–Saturday, February 11
PurimSunday, March 12–Monday, March 13
PesachMonday, April 10–Tuesday, April 18
Lag B’OmerSaturday, May 13–Sunday, May 14
ShavuotTuesday, May 30–Thursday, June 1
Tisha B’AvMonday, July 31–Tuesday, August 1
212 580 4294 | romemu.org | [email protected]
s c h e d u l e
Office43 Central Park North, Suite 1A New York, NY 10026
Services 165 West 105th Street New York, NY 10025
212 580 4294 | romemu.org
