About a month ago, I had the opportunity to deliver the sermon on a Friday night. Since I don’t speak very often, I had a number of possible topics floating around in my head. The choice, however, was simple. One of the topics dearest to my heart is that of adult education and the importance of creating a community of lifelong learners.
Since many of us ended our religious education after Bar or Bat Mitzvah at the age of 13, we continue to experience Judaism through the eyes of a child. While this perspective provides ongoing awe and wonder, we miss out on deeper understanding and knowledge. I know this from experience. I did not enjoy religious school; it was only my deep love for Judaism that led me to continue Jewish studies in college and graduate school. It was one of the most important decisions of my life.
Anyone who has studied Judaism as an adult will tell you that learning because you want to is to experience Judaism on a higher, more spiritual level that is truly magical. Every time I study or teach, I have an “AHA moment.” I realize something that never occurred to me before. The Adult Education Committee is working hard to make these moments possible for each of you.
We have made a commitment to offer our community the best possible Adult Education program. Our spring semester will be full of classes, lectures, Living Room Learning, Discussions with the Rabbi, and other opportunities to learn the secrets and mysteries of Judaism and its culture.
Look at the spring offering of classes, and make a commitment to yourself to participate in one class, lecture, or discussion. Or try them all. You’ll be glad you did.
Cantor Janece Cohen
(Previous Month's Cantor's Notes)
When we discovered we needed two services to accommodate the High Holy Days Congregation and yet keep services warm and friendly, we decided to give people a choice of service styles, but we couldn’t decide on a name for the early service.
The formal “Traditional” service is easy to name. It has wonderful music by the adult choir and we read from the Gates of Repentance. Many congregants participate in the readings and the blessings and such.
Originally, the Youth Service was for religious school-aged students with many families attending because they wanted to pray together.
We changed the Youth Service to a less formal version of our “Traditional” service enhanced by music from the teen choir and familiar melodies, with Rabbi and Cantor leading the service together. It has evolved into a wonderful, warm, participatory, slightly shorter service. Although, The Family Service implies that it is only for families. Nothing is further from the truth.
Come try our earlier, more intimate service for everyone. If you think of a good name next year, my e-mail address is cantor@orchadash-tucson.org.(Just click on the address to send me an e-mail). I look forward to hearing from you and seeing you at services.
Cantor Janece Cohen
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Rabbi
