Friday 4:50 PM–6:15 PM
Ask The Rabbi
A No-Holds-Barred Dialogue About Judaism
Niles Goldstein
Friday 4:50 PM–6:15 PM
Sports Bar
Identity and Responsibility,
Ritual and Prayer,
Text and Thought,
University Student Recommended
Niles Goldstein once described in Newsweek his experience working as the voice behind “Ask the Rabbi” for Microsoft as a mixed blessing. In this session, free of electronic devices and physical distances, we’ll mix it up in a respectful, open dialogue about any subject you’ve ever wanted to ask a rabbi. Nothing is off the table. Whether you are curious about Jewish beliefs in God or the afterlife, ritual practices, or anything else, this session is for you. Who knows what might come up?
Everyone Can Read Hebrew! Part 1
An easy way to learn how to read Hebrew
Carmith Shai
Friday 4:50 PM–6:15 PM
Embassy Room 1
Ritual and Prayer
If you always wanted to learn how to read Hebrew but thought it would be too difficult, these sessions are for you! Learn how to memorize easily the Hebrew characters and their vowels markings. Based on repetition and memory games, you will be able to gain enough tools and confidence to practice by yourself and to follow a synagogue service in Hebrew. These sessions are designed for adults with zero experience in reading Hebrew.
Family Service with Music and Song
Welcoming Shabbat
Marge Eiseman,
Jona Muchin
Friday 4:50 PM–6:15 PM
Golden Gate Auditorium
A lovely, participatory Kabbalat Shabbat service, full of music and blessings and sweet energy of community. Led by Marge Eiseman, with her son, Jona Muchin, accompanying on guitar. Geared to families and children, but of course, all are welcome.
** This session will use musical instruments
Hasidic Nigunim (melodies) and Meditation Service
Welcoming Shabbat
Michael Strassfeld
Friday 4:50 PM–6:15 PM
Empire Room 1
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.
Hebrew Love: Modern Hebrew Love poetry
Israeli love poetry
Uri Cohen
Friday 4:50 PM–6:15 PM
Congressional Room 1
This session will examine some of the most beautiful poems written in Hebrew in the context of Israel. Using the biblical intertext, the love poetry written in the land of Israel and later in the state, talks about the heart but also about gender roles, the nation and the polity. These contexts and intertexts will be examined together as the poetics of emotional experience talk about love.
Interactive Learner’s Service
An Engaging Introduction to Shabbat
Chaim Koritzinsky,
Benjamin Shalva
Friday 4:50 PM–6:10 PM
Embassy Room 2
Explore elements of the Shabbat service in a warm and welcoming space. We’ll sing, pray, talk, question, and experience the start of Shabbat together. No knowledge of Hebrew is needed.
Musical Service for Kabbalat Shabbat and Ma'ariv
Welcoming Shabbat
Alyssa Frank,
Ilan Glazer
Friday 4:50 PM–6:15 PM
Safari Back Space
Since days of old, music has been a foundation of Jewish prayer. Psalm 150 praises God with drums, flute, violin, and cymbals. Join us for an inspiring, participatory musical service that brings ancient prayers to life with the help of guitar, drums, and other instruments. We’ll pray the full Friday night service to Shlomo Carlebach, Debbie Friedman, gospel, and klezmer tunes.
** This session will include musical instruments.
Traditional Egalitarian Shabbat Service
Welcoming Shabbat
Gustavo Gitlin,
Isra Yaghoubi
Friday 4:50 PM–6:15 PM
Empire Room 3
Welcome Shabbat with a Latin-American lilt, and continue into Ma’ariv with inspired prayer and song. The traditional egalitarian service will feature spirited singing of liturgy from the traditional prayerbook, with leadership and participation by both men and women. (No amplification; Mixed gender seating)
Traditional Kabbalat Shabbat/Ma'ariv Service
With Mechitzah
Noah Solomon
Friday 4:50 PM–6:15 PM
Festival Room
An exciting Shabbat service "Carlebach Style" using the special Nusach (melodies) of Reb Shlomo Carlebach with joyous singing and dancing. This service will use traditional liturgy, and will be led by men, with women and men praying together in a traditional and spirited environment. (Separate gender seating with mechitzah/divider).
