Los Alamos Reporter

Los Alamos Jewish Center Presents ‘Standing On One Foot’ – A Three-Part Refresher/Intro To Judaism Class

Rabbi Jack Shlachter/Courtesy photo

LAJC NEWS RELEASE

The story is told in the Talmud about the great and kindly sage, Rabbi Hillel of Babylonia, who was approached by a non-Jew offering to convert to Judaism if Hillel could teach him all of Jewish teachings while standing on one foot.  Having earlier been rebuffed brusquely by Hillel’s colleague, the non-Jew anticipated a similar experience.  

“What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbor. That is all; the rest is commentary,” said Hillel, “now go and study it!”

This three-session series, Standing on One Foot, will be held on consecutive Monday evenings (August 14, 21, and 28)  7- 8:15 p.m. at the Los Alamos Jewish Center, 2400 Canyon Road.  The target audience is adults with some Jewish connection whose Jewish knowledge is rusty or non-existent, and we’ll also welcome Jews who have largely rejected the Judaism of their youth because of negative memories or a perception of Judaism’s apparent simplicity and naivete.|

We’ll explore the nature of Judaism (is it even a religion?), whether we need to believe in God, what role, if any, dogma plays in Judaism, and what is the relevance of ritual.  Loosely structured to address the needs of the participants, session one will focus on the “what” of Judaism; session two on the “how” of Judaism, and session three on the “why” of Judaism.  In each session there will be ample opportunity in a respectful, safe setting for questions and discussion.  There is no charge for the program.  For additional details, contact Rabbi Jack Shlachter (www.physicsrabbi.com ) directly at physicsrabbi@gmail.com. 

The Los Alamos Jewish Center holds weekly Friday evening Shabbat services; twice-monthly Shabbat morning Torah study and services; monthly community Shabbat dinners; holiday services and evnts; Hebrew classes; children’s religious school; young adult gatherings; adult education; social action, and more. For additional information about Jewish Center programs and events, see www.lajc.org, losalamosjewishcenter@gmail.com, or (505) 662-2140 (voicemail).

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