Master of Hebrew Letters (March 2014 KOL)
In addition to ordination, graduates of Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion (HUC-JIR), our Reform seminary, also receive a Masters in Hebrew Letters degree midway through our training. I found it interesting that the degree is in Hebrew Letters, as we don’t have a class in Hebrew calligraphy at all. For us, it is an acknowledgement that one’s legitimacy as a rabbi is grounded in traditional text study. Some of my most fulfilling moments over the years have been those times when a congregant or student asks a deep and probing religious question that requires study. Today’s rabbi must be facile in the texts that give us our title and authenticity as a Jewish role model and leader, AND in the life cycle skills that help Jews find meaning in God’s universe as we go from youth to aging. Please know that both of your rabbis welcome your inquiries on everything, from the practical issues of preparing for a burial, to the sublime aspects of the minutia of Jewish law. I have always said that the most important Jewish symbol is the question mark. Even with Google, a good rabbi is still value-added as we navigate the list and sources to help you find the most correct and most meaningful answers. That is what our training helps us to do for you. Use the month prior to Passover to ask your rabbis questions. We love that!
The weekend of March 22nd, we will have THE REAL MASTER OF HEBREW LETTERS, Mordecai Rosenstein coming to TBS. I have never met him in person, but have bought his art and over the years commissioned pieces for my children, and had you commission the piece in the lobby for my 25th anniversary (please see photo shown here). At the center of his creativity, is his gift of transforming Hebrew letters into a magnificent, illuminated work of art. He is the ultimate master. Bringing a scholar-in-residence for a weekend is a monumental task for our chairperson, Donna Courtney, and I am so grateful for her efforts. You can see Amy Arons’ beautiful poster in the lobby. But, most of all, I hope you take advantage of the opportunity to see and hear a real master of Hebrew letters share his gifts and wisdom with our congregational community. Come to all the events listed below or just one. Bring friends. Take advantage of another way to look at the beauty of Judaism, and to learn from the inside how one of the greatest Jewish artists of our time transforms the Hebrew alphabet into an art form.
Praying that March will be a month that brings us the warmth of spring!
Fondly,
Rabbi Perlin
Renowned artist Mordechai Rosenstein will be with us at TBS, March 20-23. Please see the schedule below, and mark your calendar with these dates and events.
Thursday, March 20
7:00 p.m. – The Secrets of the Hebrew Alphabet
This will be a fascinating hands-on session. Dessert and coffee will be served. All are welcome.
Friday, March 21
6:15 p.m. – Membership Dinner and Shabbat Service (8:00 p.m.)
Mordechai will relate some of his pieces of art to Torah during his fascinating sermon.
Saturday, March 22
8:45 a.m.: Mordechai will join us for a special Minyan Makers service
10:30 a.m.: Torah Study and Lunch – Art as Text
Join us to hear our Artist-in-Residence discuss how his art depicts and represents Jewish text.
7:00 p.m.: Havdalah and Art Reception
Meet the artist and browse a selection of his finest pieces. Artwork will be available for purchase. This event is free and open to the public. Bring a friend, and stop by for a glass of wine, a nosh, dessert and coffee, and great conversation!
Sunday, March 23
8:45 – 10:30 a.m.: Religious School Activities with Mordechai Rosenstein
Religious School students are invited to create a take-home piece of art co-signed by the artist.