Special Shabbat Weekend with Scholar-in-Residence Rabbi Gary P. Zola, Ph.D.

A program of the Miriam & Moses Center for Pluralistic Adult Jewish Learning

Join us for a special Shabbat weekend as we welcome Scholar-in-Residence Rabbi Gary P. Zola, Ph.D., prominent Jewish Historian and Executive Director Emeritus of the Jacob Rader Marcus Center of the American Jewish Archives.

Friday, March 13
5:30 p.m. Congregational Dinner
The entire community is invited to enjoy a delicious Shabbat dinner from TBE’s in-house caterer, W Kosher Events.
Dinner costs $25/not-yet members, $18 TBE members, and is free for children younger than 18.
Click here to register.

7 p.m. Erev Shabbat Service
Dr. Zola will discuss “The Past Is Prologue: Temple Beth-El and the American Jewish Experience”

As we write the next chapter of Temple Beth-El’s great story, our challenge is to innovate while honoring our venerable past. Dr. Zola, a historian of American Reform Judaism, will reflect on how TBE’s unique history, character, and reputation for leadership are keys to a vibrant and exciting future.

Saturday, March 14
9:15-10:15 a.m.
Torah Study with Dr. Zola discussing “George Washington, Jews, and the Story of Religious Freedom in America”

President George Washington’s famous 1790 letter to the Jews of Newport, Rhode Island, confirmed the U.S. Constitution’s promise to guarantee every religion in America full and equal membership in the nation’s political life. Dr. Zola will lead us in exploring the historical circumstances that prompted Washington to write this letter, consider the first president’s perspective on minority rights versus majority rule, and demonstrate why the letter remains salient today to the well-being of our republic.

This program is sponsored by Susan & David Weiss-Horowitz

10:30 a.m. 
Shabbat morning service honoring congregant Julius Myer. Our honoree serves as TBE financial secretary and TBE trustee. He and his wife, Felisa, have been temple members since 2009. 

11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Lunch & Learn with Dr. Zola discussing “He Was One of Us—American Jewry’s Relationship with Abraham Lincoln”
As Passover approaches, learn about the remarkable history linking American Jewry with America’s great emancipator. Dr. Zola, author of the acclaimed book We Called Him Rabbi Abraham, will explain why many of Lincoln’s personal and professional qualities have led American Jews to embrace the 16th president as a man who possessed a Jewish soul.

Click here to register.

This program is sponsored by Susan & David Weiss-Horowitz.