Congregation Etz Chayim

You are invited to join us in a moderated group conversation on contemporary antisemitism where each person will have the opportunity to voice their ideas and concerns free of personal judgment. We are witnessing rising antisemitism manifested in bigotry against Jews across the United States and the world, including anti-Israel activism. Harassment incidents of our kids on school and college campuses are increasing. It is critical that we support each other as Jews, regardless of political affiliation. Rabbi Chaim will introduce the topic and frame the conversation. Ted Schachter and Martin Griss will offer commentary on source material that will be distributed the week prior. Mark Balch will moderate the conversation to facilitate inclusivity and provide everyone with an equal voice. We look forward to mutual support throughout the Etz community during trying times.

Meeting for anyone working on a D’var Torah or thinking about working on a D’var Torah. Group meets to support each other and work on their various projects. Zoom link sent to members of the Writer’s Room google group. Contact Sharon Fingold to join.

The psalmist prays, Teach Us To Count Our Days, (then we shall acquire a heart of wisdom) Psalm 90:1. We Jews have always asked questions about counting our days--about Time. From the time-warp notion that we all personally stood at Sinai to Einstein's concepts of spacetime, ideas of Time are at the center of Jewish philosophy and practices. This Elul, join Rabbi Chaim and Abra as they lead us in four stand-alone sessions about our ideas of Time and what it means for our lives. Sign up to let us know who will be joining us when and to receive the class readings in advance.

Ilan Blech will guide us through a comparison of photographs of Israel from the 19th century with photos of today. Photography of the Holy Land started almost as soon as the practical methods of photography were revealed in 1839. We will explore a number of sites and see the changes (or lack thereof), that have occurred over the century.

This is an ongoing, drop-in class that is open to everyone looking for a deeper, rational understanding of Torah. No Hebrew skills or Torah study experience are required.

Young adults and teens heading back to school are confronting the possibility of aggressively antisemitic activism on college and high school campuses impacting their mental health and physical wellbeing. This Zoom seminar, with concurrent sessions for students and their parents, explains antisemitism in contemporary and historical contexts, addresses the intersection with anti-Zionism, and reviews tools to process and navigate complex social pressures and relationships unique to student life.

Shabbat morning services are held every Saturday and with Torah reading, last about two hours. Everyone is welcome to attend the service.