Dear Friend, What comes to mind when you think of religion? A way of looking at life, perhaps a story about the world, or a way to pray? For many, a faith is a core set of beliefs surrounded by a little ceremony. For us, that’s precisely backwards: Judaism is less a system of belief than a system of action with 613 commandments that are the bedrock of our faith. But what’s so inspiring about all those intricate dos and don’ts? Well-Connected will reveal the soul of Jewish life by showing how to make each mitzvah personal, and a way to connect to something beyond ourselves. Each month, we put one area of Jewish law under the microscope and explore its rationale, relevance, and practical application. As we proceed, a complete vision of the mysticism, the beauty, and the richness of divinely inspired life will emerge. Beyond that—if you’re looking for a deeper engagement with Jewish ritual and how to live in deed—this course of monthly classes is just the thing to do! I look forward to greeting you! Hindel Levitin
Unroll the Scroll Monday, November 8, 2021 at 10:30 a.m.
A small scroll, wrapped up, placed in a case, and affixed to a door, the mezuzah is so tiny you could miss it if you weren’t looking for it. And yet it contains so much. The ultimate in home gadgetry has always been the mezuzah. Scroll down! Follow the mezuzah from its manufacture to the end-user experience by learning what it takes to be a scribe, the process of writing a mezuzah, how it’s actually installed, and the true power of that little piece of parchment. Soul Food
This class is also a JWC Chanukah celebration! Is there anything more emblematic of religious dogma than keeping kosher? Kashrut determines not only what we eat, but also where and how we travel, and whom we break bread with. And for what purpose? Are these laws really about staying healthy—or staying spiritual? Experience the spiritual elevation, accessed especially through the Chanukah lights, as we sit together in friendship and good cheer on the sixth night of the holiday of miracles, replete with Chanukah games, and a fabulous latke buffet. Endlessly Blessed Monday, January 3, 2022 at 10:30 a.m. Like some sort of Jewish mantra, brochos are better known as those brief blessings recited over food. As it happens, there are blessings to say when sighting a rainbow, when on a road trip, and even after visiting the bathroom. Isn’t it all a bit much? To learn more, we will go through the various categories of brochos and the laws governing which benedictions are said when. We’ll discover how reciting a few words at the right time can transform a given activity or event and make it more G‑dly. A Slice of Life
This class is also a JWC Challah Bake! From baking to breaking to thanking, there are a host of special practices uniquely associated with bread, starting with separating challah—the special mitzvah entrusted to Jewish women—to the role of bread on Shabbos and the festivals. So, what’s the deal with dough? Take a crash course in the fascinating rituals and deep significance bread has in our lives, not just theoretically, but practically! Learn to bake challah from scratch and enjoy a delectable buffet of salads and assorted styles and flavors of challah. Hindel's challah recipe cards, plus personalized aprons are a take-home gift for you. Invite along a friend! Pray It Forward Monday, March 7, 2022 at 10:30 a.m. Prayer feels like it should be a genuinely spiritual experience, but the foreign language, the rigid text, and the fixed times for the services can threaten to turn the whole thing into a perfunctory drudgery. By studying the various elements of the liturgy, with a special focus on the meditations of Shema, we’ll uncover the possibilities of prayer, and how prayer can be a joyful, soulful, spontaneous experience: Open the prayer book, express your spiritual self, and connect! The Kinds of Kindness
This class is also a JWC Paint Morning! Sure it’s nice to be nice, but sometimes you need specifics. Rather than relying on vague ethical pronouncements, the Torah gets into the nitty-gritty and ensures that we express our love in the concrete, with commandments like giving charity, hosting guests, comforting the bereaved, and returning lost property. Beyond simply studying how to perform these action mitzvos, this class presents them in a new light, making us rethink the general nature of the ethical obligations we bear toward our fellow humans. Paint a magnificent Pushkah, charity box, for your daily use. To Live in Deed Monday, May 23, 2022 at 10:30 a.m. From birth to marriage to death and beyond, Jewish traditions mark the contours of our lives. If there isn’t a kaddish, there’s a kiddush, bas mitzvah, or chuppah... Here, we survey the key life cycle rituals so as to more deeply appreciate their significance—that of the rituals, and of the life events they are associated with. Not just an accompaniment, these practices mold our major life steps and give us language to celebrate or to commemorate. Even more, they work to complete the soul’s journey on earth. PALM BEACH ROSH CHODESH SOCIETY 361 South County Road Suite #D |
ב"ה
RCS Schedule of Classes
In this Section
Updates
Click here for details on the upcoming women's event or
click here for the next Palm Beach Jewish Book Club meeting.
Upcoming Events
There are no events posted at this time. Please
contact us for more info about our events.
Comments or questions?