Weekly News - Jan. 31, 2023

WEEKLY NEWS

Jan. 31, 2023

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WHY HUMANISTIC JUDAISM CHANGED ALL THOSE PRAYERS!

JANUARY PRESIDENT'S REPORT

by Ned Greenberg

Friday Night Services

IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT THIS FRIDAY:

Due to the extreme temperatures expected there will be no in-person service on Friday.

This week's service will be streamed on both Zoom & YouTube.

Both links are below. Note that Zoom requires the usual password but YouTube requires no password.

✦ Feb. 3, 7PM

GUEST SPEAKER: DR. BRUCE HILLENBERG

"MUSSAR PRACTICE: A HUMANISTIC JEWISH PERSPECTIVE"

Mussar (ethics) Literature comprises a 1100-year-old Jewish formula for study and practice to promote personal development and enhance interpersonal relationships. This presentation will describe how Humanistic Jews can incorporate Mussar practice into their commitment to improve the world. Dr. Hillenberg will also present a vision for developing Mussar practice and learning at our congregation.

FOR YOUTUBE:

Click HERE or on the graphic for YouTube (live & recorded).

OR CLICK BELOW FOR ZOOM:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89741051109

Note that Zoom requires the usual password.

✦ Feb. 10, 7PM

RABBI FALICK WILL SPEAK

"THE JUDICIAL CRISIS IN ISRAEL"

As Israel's new government initiates numerous controversial judicial reforms, critics decry the changes as anti-democratic. Rabbi Falick will talk about the changes and why they have provoked such massive domestic and international outcry.

✦ Feb. 17, 7PM

Celebrating International Darwin Day!

GUEST SPEAKER: IZZIE ROSE ELFONT CARADONNA

Izzie Caradonna, CHJ member and Cranbrook H.S. student, will share her outstanding B'mitzvah speech about the implications of Charles Darwin's work, from the day it was published until now.

From Rabbi Falick:

Izzie's presentation on Darwin's impact was one of the most meaningful and well-researched of the many outstanding B'mitzvah presentations I've experienced. She places an emphasis on the Theory of Evolution's many cultural reverberations, including what it meant to the development of Humanism. Her presentation will be of interest to young and old alike. If you think you have nothing to learn from our young people, Izzie's presentation will surely change your mind!

✦ Feb. 24, 7PM

JEWS FROM THE FORMER SOVIET UNION ... A RETROSPECT with Rabbi Falick

Featuring: A PANEL OF JEWS FROM THE SOVIET UNION

The American Jewish movement for Soviet Jewry was founded over 52 years ago to lead the fight for Soviet Jews to leave the USSR. Rabbi Falick will talk about the monumental efforts to bring them to the west and will introduce a small panel of emigrés to tell their own stories of the last major Jewish exodus!

TUES., FEB. 7, 3:30PM

A PRIVATE TRIP TO ...

THE PLANETARIUM

AT THE HENRY FORD COLLEGE

Meet in the parking lot of CHJ by no later than 2:15. If you are willing to drive, please contact Suzanne Paul (below) to help others. The lecture and show is one hour with return to CHJ by absolutely no later than 6PM.

LIMITED TO 38 PARTICIPANTS.

RSVP to Daytimers Coordinator Suzanne Paul: suzanne@CRPaul.com

✿✿✿

WED., FEB. 22, 12:30PM

LUNCH BUNCH

"SOUTH OF THE BORDER"

Catered Mexican Luncheon, $10

with reservation ...

RSVP to Daytimers Coordinator Suzanne Paul: suzanne@CRPaul.com

OR: BRING YOUR OWN LUNCH

FOLLOWED BY

GETTING GOOD AT GETTING OLDER

"Honoring our Father and Mother"

----------------------------------------------------

For more info contact:

CHJ Board Member / Daytimers Coordinator Suzanne Paul: suzanne@CRPaul.com.

BOOK AND FILM GROUPS

Returning this Spring!

BOOK CLUB SELECTION

"The Light of Days" by Judy Batalion

One of the most important stories of World War II, already optioned by Steven Spielberg for a major motion picture: a spectacular, searing history that brings to light the extraordinary accomplishments of brave Jewish women who became resistance fighters - a group of unknown heroes whose exploits have never been chronicled in full, until now.

RETURNS IN APRIL - WATCH FOR A POLL OF TIMES / DATES

Send your book suggestions to Fran Shor, drfran45@gmail.com

FILM CLUB SELECTION

"The Fabelmans" directed by Steven Spielberg

Growing up in post-World War II era Arizona, young Sammy Fabelman aspires to become a filmmaker as he reaches adolescence, but soon discovers a shattering family secret and explores how the power of films can help him see the truth.

RETURNS IN SPRING - WATCH FOR A POLL OF TIMES / DATES

Send your film suggestions to Fran Shor, drfran45@gmail.com

TOUR SECULAR ISRAEL

WITH RABBI ADAM CHALOM &

RABBI JEFFREY FALICK

Sponsored by: International Institute for Secular Humanistic Judaism

All your questions answered in our recorded info sessions

AT THIS LINK

TRIP DATES:

DECEMBER 10 - 21, 2023

Itinerary and more at:

https://secure.ayelet.com/IISHJIsrael2023.aspx

NEXT COMMITTEE MEETING

Saturday, Feb. 11, 11:30AM to 12:30PM

Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82417709465

ALL ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND!

COLLECTIONS UNDERWAY

Help us to clothe and supply those in need ...

... with toiletries and new winter wear: warm scarves, mittens, gloves, hats, and socks (no cotton). Drop off in lobby.

If donating gently-used or items from other categories, please first contact Audrey Pleasant (audreypleasant@gmail.com) for more information.

KNIT / CROCHET / CRAFT ... FOR A CAUSE

Next Session:

Sat., Feb. 25, 2 - 4PM.

All are invited: beginners and experienced. Instruction and materials available upon request. Completed items are donated to charity.

THANK YOU FROM FREEDOM HOUSE!!

To all who participated in providing gifts for the Freedom House Baby Shower!!

Rabbi Falick (who serves on Freedom House board) was joined by CHJ members Elaine Fieldman (VP, CHJ Board), Jean Klarich, Barbara Douglas, and Arthur Liebhaber

WHY HUMANISTIC JUDAISM CHANGED ALL THOSE PRAYERS!

Welcome to the fourth installment of Sherwin Wine’s essential questions for every modern Jew and Jewish movement. His first three questions covered issues of modern Jewish identity, how we deal with the Torah, and the wide gap between the Jews of old and of modernity.

Today’s question, as framed by Rabbi Wine in the 1970s, is:

“How do we deal with the fact that the vocabulary and world-view of contemporary science in no way corresponds to the vocabulary and world-view of historic Judaism?”

For Humanistic Jews this seemingly modest question represents the largest can of worms that we opened in the Jewish community. Rabbi Wine’s answer appeared – both then and now – to be a complete break with Jewish continuity:

“The ‘God’ vocabulary of historic Judaism cannot fit the naturalistic view of contemporary science. Saving theology is a waste of time. The language of prayer and worship is so inappropriate that it cannot be rescued. A successful Judaism seeks to use the language that the modern Jew uses in his daily life.”

Movement lore (evidenced by the contents of some folders in our congregation) tells the story of how Rabbi Wine very slowly introduced the idea of humanistic language to early Birmingham Temple members. At first, he entertained attempts to cut and paste from the Reform movement’s “Union Prayer Book.” Far from traditional itself, the “UPB” as it was known, was already an extensive departure from its predecessors. Still, despite its radical deviations it still put theology front and center. And it still featured the beloved prayers and readings of ancient days. The Shema Yisrael (“Hear O Israel the Lord is our God ….”), the Kaddish (“Magnified and sanctified is God’s great name ….”), and the Mi Chamocha (“Who is like you O Lord?”) were all on prominent display. While its authors’ own theologies frequently emphasized human agency, even their most radical prayer books continued to frame it as a gift from God.

Rabbi Wine was trained and ordained by the Reform Movement. Moreover, he was not alone among its “non-believers.” Others – notably Prof. Alvin Reines from the Reform seminary – promoted non-theism as a path within Reform Judaism. In the 1970s, when the UPB was replaced by the “Gates of Prayer,” one Friday night service entirely eliminated all mention of God. But solely in the English translation. The Hebrew remained God-centered. The Reform movement would go only so far and no further. When in 1994 Cincinnati’s nontheistic Humanistic congregation Beth Adam sought membership in the Reform movement, it was roundly rejected. Movement president Rabbi Alexander Schindler said, “I believe that the concept of God is the very foundation of Judaism. The quest for God defines us as a people.”

Subsequent Reform, Conservative, and Reconstructionist prayer books occasionally nodded to a “kinda-sorta” humanism by providing alternative readings and poems acknowledging worshippers’ doubts about the nature – even the existence – of God. None of these, however, provided a satisfying answer to Rabbi Wine’s convictions about the inappropriateness of ancient prayer and worship for modern Jews.

This issue of changing the language of traditional prayers still resonates in our movement. Many of us who grew up hearing the conventional blessings and prayers have a hard time adjusting to Jewish rituals without them. Some want to hear the Shema Yisrael. Back when I was advising our Boca Raton congregation, members insisted that I re-write it! I did and I disliked the result (which they still use to this day). You may have noticed that it’s not part of our CHJ liturgy. Others – even our own members – have asked me about saying the traditional Kaddish at funerals. I understand their longing for its comforting rhythms and meter. Yet I also understand what it’s saying and what it’s saying does not match our beliefs.

What I and other refugees from traditional to Humanistic Judaism have discovered is that it does not take long to get used to new traditions. Rabbi Wine’s “Where Is My Light?” may not be as well known as the Shema Yisrael but because it reflects my real beliefs, it is that much dearer to me. Carl Sagan’s observations about how we are living on a “pale blue dot” and what that teaches us about our mutual responsibility thrills me much more than singing about how God drowned the Egyptians and split the sea in the Mi Chamocha prayer.

Rabbi Wine’s insistence on matching the words of our rituals to our beliefs and convictions was and remains the single most fundamental change offered by our movement. For those of us who seek a Judaism that reflects our concerns and not those of our grandparents, this is one of the greatest gifts of Humanistic Judaism. In my case, my grandfather was an atheist. If he’d had access to Humanistic Judaism I think he would have very much liked how Rabbi Wine blazed a new Jewish path that corresponds to the “naturalistic view of contemporary science” embraced by so many Jews today.

JANUARY

PRESIDENT'S REPORT

by Ned Greenberg

Everyone was happy to get together again in January after a two-month hiatus for holidays and the New Year. The top order of business was a report from Charlie Paul, the Chairperson for our Purim Celebration/Spring Fundraiser (set for Saturday evening, March 11). There is much excitement about the dinner & comedy show being planned, with catering services donated by Julie Clare and professional entertainment. Ticket prices will be set at a reasonable price and there will be a raffle with prizes, and hopefully an auction with a few special prizes as well. Mary is working with other Board Members to add a home-made Purim Spiel to the fun.

Dan reported on December financials and the updated forecast now that we are halfway through the year. Although member pledge-collection is below where we were at this point last year, end-of-year contributions exceeded expectations. But with expenses running a bit higher than budget, we continue to see a deficit projected at year end. That makes our fundraising efforts around the Spring Fundraiser all the more important.

The Programming Committee’s report covered the slew of ongoing and new programs led by members, including discussion of ideas for more gatherings ahead. Alan & Elaine gave the Membership Committee report that our Facebook efforts will now be handled in-house (thank you, Arthur), that we plan to expand our social media efforts going forward (thank you, Melanie), and that membership tracking methods are continuing to be developed. Sarah reported to the group on the many activities CHJ was either sponsoring or participating in through the Social Justice Committee’s efforts. And for the Building & Grounds Committee, Ann-Marie celebrated the completion of the long-delayed new sign installation, described work being done to improve the Temple’s sound system, and opined we should soon see delivery of the boulders for the trees out front. She also mentioned stepped-up efforts to rent out the Temple, especially trying to connect with the wedding venue crowd.

Jeff reported that Spinoza continues to shine with Sunday mornings now including not just the kids but involving whole families. It was noted how much everyone loves Alex’s music. Finally, Max made the suggestion that our Temple should have a booth at the Ferndale Pride event in June as a great forum for community outreach. The idea was warmly received and Max will present the idea at the next Membership Committee meeting.

The meeting was adjourned until our next Board meeting on February 21.

*IMPORTANT LINKS

YAHRZEITS

Click here to see upcoming Yahrzeit Memorials.

TRIBUTES

Click here to see recent Tribute Gifts.

BEST WISHES FOR A SPEEDY RECOVERY TO:

RuthE Goldman, Rabbi Peter Schweitzer

Please inform us if you know that someone is ill or in need.

CURRENT COVID-19 SAFETY POLICY

VACCINATION & MASK REQUIREMENTS

VACCINATION IS REQUIRED. When CDC transmission levels are GREEN, masks are recommended but not required for everyone in public areas. When CDC transmission levels are at YELLOW or ORANGE, masks are required in public areas. (At congregational events where a meal is served, when seated at a table participants may eat and drink without masks.)