Michael Strassfeld
Michael Strassfeld is the rabbi of the Society for the Advancement of Judaism, a Reconstructionist synagogue in Manhattan. His most recent book is “A Book of Life: Embracing Judaism as a Spiritual Practice.” He is the co-editor with Joy Levitt of “A Night of Questions: A Passover Haggadah,” and co-editor of the “Jewish Catalogs.” He has a CD called “Songs to Open the Heart: Contemplative Niggunim.” He is interested in contemporary spirituality, meditation and new ways to reformulate the Jewish past.
The Spirituality of the Everyday
Text and Thought
In a break with earlier Jewish mysticism, Hasidism embraced the world. Instead of asceticism, it valued celebrating the joys of life. It taught that every moment had the potential for holiness, thereby encouraging us to “be in the moment.” We will study early Hasidic texts that not only set out these ideas but also suggest that Jewish tradition needs to be constantly changing.
Hasidic Nigunim (melodies) and Meditation Service
Welcoming Shabbat
Welcome Shabbat with a service filled with Hasidic niggunim (rich, wordless melodies) as well as meditation. We will do only parts of the traditional liturgy (though all the essential parts). Egalitarian/mixed seating.
Can You Hear Me Now?
Fixed Liturgy and the Crisis of Prayer
Michael Strassfeld,
Reuven Hammer,
Andrea Cohen-Kiener,
Leon Morris
What’s a contemporary, sometimes skeptical, Jew to do about the prayer book? What happens if we don’t literally believe the words we are reciting? Why use the prayer book at all when our own personal prayer and meditation feels so much more spiritual? Join three scholars and masters of prayer as they share their diverse perspectives on what’s really going on during davenning (prayer) and share their own strategies to make communal prayer more meaningful.
It’s January: Passover is Around the Corner
A Journey through the Haggadah
Joy Levitt,
Michael Strassfeld
Ritual and Prayer,
Text and Thought
The mitzvah of Passover is to tell the story of the exodus from Egypt. Through an examination of the texts of both traditional and modern haggadot, we will explore ways to make our sederim meaningful and engaging for everyone around the table.
