Satan in Jewish Theology, Lore, and History
Satan is just a bit player in Jewish theology, plays a somewhat larger role in midrash, and then has a leading, but tragic, role in Jewish history. This workshop will explore each of these aspects of the concept of Satan, and ask why that role changed over time. We will also ask whether Satan should have any role in societies that claim to be monotheistic and why Satan has always had such appeal to people involved in nature worship.
David Brooks is Ritual co-chair of Adath Shalom Congregation and a water policy specialist who works in North America and the Middle East.
Jewish Renewal and the Reconstruction of Jewish Theology
This workshop will examine how the Jewish Renewal movement has reconstructed Jewish theology. Rooted in Jewish tradition and orthodoxy, the movement pushes the boundaries of Jewish practice, yielding contemporary, postmodern approaches including ecokashruth, psycho-halakhah, nature-based Torah, and neo-hasidism. As part of this workshop we will construct a 3-D physical approximation of Reb Zalman's description of our relationship with the Divine.
Josée Posen received a PhD for the first doctoral dissertation to discuss the contemporary Jewish Renewal movement. A former federal public servant, she has degrees in applied chemistry, anthropology and religious studies, is a professional leadership and transition coach, and an active member of the Ottawa Jewish Community and Agudath Israel Synagogue.
Bringing Kavanah and Joy to our Davenning
We will learn more Chassidic nigunim and sing and dance together as we work to bring joy and ecstasy into our shabbat davenning in the woods.
Joel Yan attended the Imun ritual leadership program through the USCJ in 1981. Joel loves to sing and daven and share prayer melodies. Joel teaches bar mitzvah, leads services and is Ritual co-chair at Adath Shalom Congregation in Ottawa.
Why are there so many Kaddishes?
The Mourner's Kaddish, the Half Kaddish, the Full Kaddish, the Rabbi's Kaddish, and others. What is the origin of this prayer, and what are its meanings? What is its role in the liturgy? Is there a mystical element to it? How does it "hallow" or sanctify? We'll start with the texts in Hebrew and English. I'll also refer to Leon Wieseltier's wonderful book/journey: Kaddish.
Alan Livingston makes Jewish prayer accessible. He holds degrees in Comparative Religion and Education. He is an active member of Beth Jacob Synagogue in Hamilton. He still hasn't explained to his Yoga teacher the benefits of Jewish ritual.
Toxic relationships: Recognizing, preventing, and escaping from them
What is the truth behind the popular myth that social problems such as abuse and domestic violence do not occur in the Jewish community? In this workshop we will consider warning signs and defining characteristics of toxic relationships, and the implications of aspects of Jewish life such as the importance of shalom bayit and avoidance of lashon hara. We will discuss the role of the community as well as of individuals in addressing the problem of toxic relationships.
Jim Sinclair is a counsellor and a disability educator. Jim has been coordinator of Autism Network International since 1992.
The Unlikely Nature of God: A Kabbalistic Perspective
How can we reconcile a loving, compassionate, and all-powerful God with human suffering and tragedies? This workshop will present a view of God, based on tradition going back to the Torah, that will redefine God in a way that accounts for the problem of theodicy, that is, the relationship between God and suffering.
Jerry Steinberg is a rabbi (presently at Temple B'nai Shalom V'Tikvah in Ajax, Ont.) and psychotherapist. He has just completed a book with the workshop title and has written other works on Kabbalah and spirituality .
Yoga: for relaxation, self-reflection and healing
Tama Soble has been practicing yoga since 1984. She teaches students at all levels. She leads yoga and meditation workshops and retreats in Ontario, Costa Rica and Israel. Her special focus is working with anxiety and anxiety disorders. Tama co-owns Esther Myers Yoga Studio.
Creation, creatures, and creativity for the S'fat Emet
The Torah interpretations by Rabbi Judah Aryeh Leib Alter are found in his book, the Sefat Emet (al ha-Torah). We will study the Gerer Rebbe's commentaries on the book of Deuteronomy, written while his Hassidim confronted a modernizing Poland before World War I.
Roger Kohn has a PhD in medieval Jewish history. He catalogs Hebrew books at the Library of Congress, lives in Silver Spring, MD., and practices meditation.
"What, there are poor Jews??!! I don't believe you."
This workshop will explore facts and myths surrounding poverty in the Canadian Jewish Community, what is being done to address the issue, what can be done both locally and globally, fascinating projects around the world that are providing innovative solutions to poverty, and how we can all play a part in the mitsva of 'tikun olam'.
Dalia Margalit-Faircloth, a certified Shamash, has been involved in many aspects of Jewish community work including ritual coordinator of the First Narayever Congregation in Toronto. She is currently coordinating a special project dealing with poverty in the Jewish community.
Poetry: Sharing our Inspirations.
This workshop is dedicated to our love of poetry; poetry we have read and even better, poetry we have written. Please bring your favourite poems of any type and, without criticism, we will share with each other and we will inspire one another.
Bobby Minkoff is a psychologist and teacher who loves to tell stories, write poetry and share the joy .
Rabbis for Human Rights: Necessary or Naïve?
We will look at the role played by the human rights organization Rabbis for Human Rights and some of the stands it has taken which are critical of Israel. At the end of the day, is an organization which publicizes Israel's flaws to the world helpful or harmful to the Zionist project? What is the unique place of a Jewish religious human rights organization in the debate concerning Israel's democratic mandate versus its serious security challenges?
Rabbi Ed Elkin is the spiritual leader of the First Narayever Traditional Egalitarian Congregation in Toronto.
Bridges and Bridge Building for Children (ages 8 to 11)
Participants will learn about the different kinds of bridges and what makes them strong. They will also get a chance to build their own bridges.
Etta Kaner is an award-winning author of children's books and teacher resources. Most of her twenty-one books are non-fiction and are written for a range of ages and science topics. These include sound, bridges, towers, tunnels and animal behaviour.
Erev Shabbat Program (Friday night 9:15 pm): Welcoming Shabbat with Story and Song
Bobby Minkoff will tell stories holy and humorous.
Joel Yan will enrich with songs of praise and uplift.
All are invited to join, as listeners, singers or storytellers—or all three.
Kehillah(facilitated interactive session): Moses, Jewish Leadership, Moral Decision-Making, and You
What were Moses' strengths and weaknesses as our leader? Is he a role model? He didn't live in Israel; he was a murderer; he wasn't active in raising his children; he didn't attend regular worship services. What can we learn about his character and his life that sheds insights into our personal struggles today with good and evil, salvation and redemption?
David Nitkin is the founder and President of EthicScan, one of Canada's leading firms in the field of business ethics, organizational integrity assurance, and ethical investing. David is also very active in Toronto synagogues and Jewish life.