What is Zionism? Belief in the necessity of a nation-state for the Jewish people? Belief in the creation of a cultural center for the Jews centered in historic Palestine? Support for the state of Israel? Perhaps being a Zionist means being a socialist. Perhaps being a Zionist means rejecting socialist dogma. No one today seems to know what Zionism means, but that is just as well. There have been so many Zionist thinkers and leaders since its creation near the end of the 1800s, and almost none of them have agreed on what it meant to be a Zionist either. Come join Rabbi Gelman in his final class at Agudath Achim as we explore several different Zionisms, across more than 100 years, and see what they divides them and what unites them. Together, we’ll learn what it means for us to be Zionists.
Classes are Tuesdays at 4 PM on Zoom, and Thursdays at 10 AM in person. Please RSVP to rabbi@agudath-achim.com.
The course schedule is as follows:
April 22/24: Proto-Zionism and Nationalism: Jews in the 19th Century
April 29/May 1: Political Zionism: The Necessity of a Jewish State, Wherever it is
May 6/8: Cultural Zionism: The Importance of Jewish Cultural Centers in Palestine
May 13/15 Labor Zionism: Why all Good Zionists are Socialists
May 20/22 Revisionist Zionism: Why Labor Zionism is Wrong about Everything
May 27/29: Religious Zionism: Toward the Messianic Era
We hope to see you there!
SHABBAT PRAYER STUDY @ 10 AM SATURDAYS
Ever wanted to learn a little bit more about what we say and do during our prayers? Wanted to know what prayer is in Judaism, or why we say the Mourner’s Kaddish at the end of the service, or why we stand during the Amidah? Do you have questions about our prayers, but never wanted to take a full class? Rabbi Gelman is here to help! Starting this week, after our normal Psukei Dzimrei at 9:45, every Shabbat service from 10-10:10 will be dedicated to going over a little piece of prayer knowledge. Learn the meaning of the prayers, the order of the service, and more! The Shacharit morning service will always start at 10:10 to make sure we end on time, so make sure you get to services by 10 AM to learn a little more about our prayers!
Learn to Lead: Have you always wanted to lead a service, but never quite got the melody? Always wanted a second shot at reading Torah after your Bat Mitzvah, but never seemed to have the time? Well, now is your chance to learn! Join Rabbi Gelman as he takes you through Kabbalat Shabbat, Torah trop, Haftarah Trop, and more. Please email Rabbi Gelman at Rabbi@agudath-achim.com for more information!
