Rabbi Karen's June 2025 Message
Dear Friends,
Over the past weeks we have been building up, in our Torah readings, to the momentous event in our narrative of receiving Torah on Mount Sinai … the holiday of Shavuot.
Traditionally, Shavuot is celebrated as a communal gathering with the reading of the 10 Commandments, enjoying dairy foods, staying up all night to learn, and reading the Book of Ruth.
This year, we will gather at Temple Beth Shalom to celebrate on Erev Shavuot, Sunday, June 1 at 6:30pm for an engaging evening of learning and casual refreshments. Additionally, we will come together on the 2nd day of Shavuot, Tuesday, June 3 at 10am to honor and remember our loved ones with the tradition of a Yizkor Service. I hope you will join me for this special time of receiving Torah together.
We are taught that (not solely on Shavuot, but all year long) “Judaism not only demands lifelong learning, but promises that greater life experience will lead to a deeper understanding of what is learned.”
If we can look at the commitment of continuing education through this lens, we can easily adapt our thinking of lifelong Jewish learning as fulfilling a mitzvah. Jewish learning leads not only to Jewish literacy but also as a way into embracing Jewish values in our everyday lives.
Over the summer, I am launching new opportunities for adult learning.
● Intro to Hebrew: Sundays @ 10am: July 13, 20, 27 Aug. 3, 10, 17
This course will introduce students to the alef-bet (Hebrew alphabet), basic grammar, and foundational vocabulary, enabling them to begin reading and translating simple texts.
● Intro to Torah Chanting: Tuesdays @ 10am: July 1, 8, 22, 29 Aug. 5, 12
Our time together will introduce a foundation for understanding and learning Torah trope, the system of musical symbols used for chanting the Torah. We will learn the basic trope symbols and how to apply them to specific phrases and verses within the Torah text.
Beginners are always welcome. Please join in to learn and grow with me!
L’hitraot,
Rabbi Karen Tashman
