Winter Retreat 2009 Courses

Theא symbol designates courses in which texts will be provided in both Hebrew and English translation so that all may participate.

1  The Mystical Menorah

The Menorah is one of the oldest, if not the oldest symbol associated with the Jewish people. Come find out why. Why seven branches and why eight on the Chanukiah? What messages are hidden in its design? We will do some chanting and some movement during our time together.

Rayzl Feuer is a Spiritual Director, Bibliodramatist, Dance Midrashist, davening leader, and the founder of PNAI shORe, a Havurah on the shoreline of Connecticut, where she works with groups to connect to ritual, and enhance spirituality.

2  A Matter of Leadership: Hillel Becomes the “Nasi”

We will study the tale describing the day when Hillel earned the title of Nasi, head of the community, including the skills he demonstrated. Would we value the same qualities? We will study the passage about Hillel and then consider what skills our leaders need to be successful. 

Louis Rieser is the rabbi of Etz Hayim Synagogue in Derry, NH. He is the author of "The Hillel Naratives", from Ben Yehuda Press and numerous articles. He has taught at many NHC retreats and Institutes.

3  Miracles and Enlightenment: A Musical Chanukah Meditation

We are reminded that it is a miracle that Jews, in the days of the Maccabees and today, have managed to survive despite the appeal and acceptance of the general culture and, equally, despite the ugly under-belly of intolerance in society. Join Rahel for a musical meditation celebrating the miracle of survival.

Rahel is an American- Israeli singer/songwriter, educator and talk radio host who reaches audiences throughout New England with her compelling innovative Hebrew repertoire. Her website iswww.rahelmusic.com.

4  Bible Stories You Didn't Learn in Hebrew School

The return of a classic Winter Retreat course - hear the unusual adventures chronicled in the books of the prophets. These are the ones your teachers skipped over!

Ronnie Levin, with a graduate degree in Bible, is a long-time Havurah teacher.
 

5  The Mystery of Eight: Jewish Circles of Time, Spirals of Transcendence א

On this, the eighth night of Chanukah, we will study Chassidic and other texts as we explore the significance of eight-day celebrations in the Jewish tradition. Texts will be provided in English and--where appropriate--will also be available in the original Hebrew.

David Krieger has led an active Shabbat morning Torah study group at Congregation Beth El in Sudbury, MA for many years, focusing on Chasidic interpretations of Torah.

6 Awakening to the Dream of a Good Life א

The Slonimer Rebbe, Shalom Noach Barzovsky, guides us in living our lives fully, so that each day counts. One sometimes hears the expression, I blinked and 20 years passed. The Slonimer launches from the text of our Parashah (Miketz) to teach us the importance of mindfulness and right action, helping us to replace these blinks with fulfilling, holy living. Text is Hebrew, but we will read, translate, and develop his evocative ideas together.

Carl Woolf participates in several Jewish spiritual and learning communities, including the NHC. His interests include music-making, davening, mystic meditation, and movement.

7  Light, Song, and Dedication: An Improptu Chorus

Sing songs about light and dedication, bringing our voices and our energies together to form an impromptu chorus. Participants may share songs at a Saturday night song session.

Shira Belfer is a cantor, educator, and professional musician.

8  BEIT MIDRASH: Ner Elohim, A Heavenly Candle א

What, or Who, is a human being? Are we, in essence, earth-creatures, or spiritual beings? How can we reach toward the divine while growing beautifully as creatures of this earth? A series of rabbinic texts leads us to the writing of a young Abraham Joshua Heschel in his first book of Yiddish poetry. Accessible to all - texts provided in original languages and in English translation.

Jonah Steinberg is the Director of Talmudic Studies at the Rabbinical School of Hebrew College.

9  L'chu N'ran'nah (Let Us Sing!): An Egalitarian Traditional Bencher with an Alternative Edge א

This workshop introduces L'chu N'ran'nah, a new egalitarian traditional bencher (book of blessings recited after the meal). We will discuss issues of liturgical change and present examples of adjusting language when necessary to address the diversity of contemporary Jewish life in matters of inclusivity, gender, and belief. For a preview, seewww.birkat.org.

Mark Frydenberg is one of the editors of L'chu N'ran'nah the creator of Siddur Chaveirim Kol Yisraeil, and a past chair and current co-chair of the NHC.

10  What I Learned About Yom Kippur  While Writing a Machzor

During this past summer, I prepared a Yom Kippur Machzor. In this session, I will share with the group what I consider to be my most interesting observations about Yom Kippur and its liturgy. Participants will be encouraged to share their own comments on these observations and on my translations of selected Yom Kippur prayers.

Joe Rosenstein is a founder and former chair of the NHC. He is the author of Siddur Eit Ratzon (www.newsiddur.org) and Machzor Eit Ratzon for Rosh Hashanah, and a member of the Highland Park (NJ) Minyan.

11  Prayer and Poetry: In the Echo of Yehuda Amichai א 

Yehuda Amichai (1924 – 2000) is one of Israel’s most admired poets. Many of his works expand upon and respond to themes in familiar Jewish prayers. We will sample Amichai’s prayer-inspired poems, using both Hebrew and English texts. Building upon key features of poetry, we will also begin composing our own prayer-inspired creations. No prior writing experience or knowledge of Hebrew needed.

Miriam Diamond is a published author on religio-spirituality and education. A returning NHC teacher, she writes poetry in both Hebrew and English.

12  Melody as Midrash א 

We will explore "tune matchmaking" as a mode of midrash (commentary on sacred texts). Looking at several examples of Jewish texts set to folk melodies, we will explore how the music can illuminate and transform the texts.

Ilana Streit is an educator, singer/songwriter and freelance hevruta who lives in the Boston area. She is a longtime participant and teacher at the NHC.

13 Puns and Anagrams in the Bible  א

Hebrew lends itself well to puns and double meanings and there are interesting examples throughout the Bible. We will explore many puns, both intentional (and perhaps unintentional).

Aliza Arzt is a long-time member of Havurat Shalom. She is a traveling speech and language pathologist by day, a reptile breeder, potter, martial artist and gardener in the evening.

14  Make Yourself a  Blessing

Miriam Diamond and Carl Woolf (bios above) teach this session.