Thursday, July 28, 2011

A Jew Saying "Grace" in Arabic

I am moved and inspired by every Fourth Friday speaker I hear. The most recent speaker, Mark Feldman, was no exception. Listening to him eloquently describe his Peace Corps experience in Morocco hiding his Jewish identity, temporarily assuming a Christian one and ultimately sharing the truth with his Muslim friends there alternately surprised, concerned, impressed and uplifted me.

-Debbie Render

Click here to read a copy of Mark Feldman's speech, A Jew Saying "Grace" in Arabic: My Judeo-Christian-Islamic Life in Peace Corps Morocco or listen to it here.

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Why I love Tot Shabbat

Tot Shabbat is a great place for little ones to first fall in love with Judaism. It's everything a kid could want...singing, silly dancing and of course...challah!

- Rachel Levine

Blessed to be a Beth Emet Member

I feel blessed to be a member of Beth Emet, a congregation that loves all people and celebrates diversity. It's very encouraging to be at services that include a wide range of ages and lifestyles. Some members are married with children, others single with or without children, and others are gay and lesbian partnerships. I believe in the power of personal narratives, both psychologically and spiritually. Beth Emet, in its focus on people's stories/journeys, values the wisdom of both individual and collective experience. And lastly, as a convert to Judaism, I have always felt welcomed as a "real Jew" by the clergy and congregation of Beth Emet.

- Ailsa Nielsen