I’ve often said that I feel so lucky to work in a synagogue that I could and would actually belong to. Not all Jewish professionals are so privileged! Here at Temple Emanuel I have found a community that has inspiring services that touch me emotionally and spiritually. I have found people I connect to through learning, through common interests, and through social events. Our communal vision matches my own for the best of Jewish life that has many doorways which open for each of us at different times in our lives, depending what it is we are seeking.
The first time that I really encountered this feeling was during my undergraduate education at Brandeis University in Waltham, Massachusetts. There, I met many kinds of people who opened pathways to experiences that I had never had before – from my first exposure to Orthodox Judaism, to on-campus war protests, classes ranging from sociology to biology. My world truly opened, and I was able to learn so much about myself and those around me.
Next weekend, on Saturday March 3rd at the New Emanuel Minyan these life experiences of mine will collide, when Fred Lawrence, the new president of Brandeis University comes to speak at Shabbat services here at Temple Emanuel. He discussion will address Tikkun Olam (Repairing the World), a topic close to many of our hearts. President Lawrence is:
“One of the nation’s leading experts on civil rights and free expression… his many achievements during his first year at Brandeis include launching a major initiative to enhance the University’s presence in Israel and India, welcoming the most accomplished freshman class in school history, and presiding over the Rose Art Museum’s 50th Anniversary celebration, all while expanding Brandeis’ fundraising outreach.”
I know that this morning with President Lawrence will be engaging and insightful not only for me or other Brandeis alumni, but because we all benefit when our worlds are opened, and we are exposed to new people and ideas. We have a tremendous capacity at Temple Emanuel to find these inroads to spiritual and intellectual stimulation, and this morning will be yet one more way to stretch ourselves and encounter new ideas.
We are so thankful to Temple Emanuel congregants and Brandeis Alumni Gary Yale, Amy Cohen, and Sid Levinson for hosting a Kiddush lunch for this special occasion. I hope that you will join us for this exceptional morning at the New Emanuel Minyan, when we warmly welcome this guest into our already thoughtful and prayerful shabbat space.
Please RSVP as soon as possible, as space is limited.
RSVP to the Office of Alumni Relations at 781-736-4041 or email rsvp@alumni.brandeis.edu.
Rabbi Sara Mason-Barkin
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