Congregation Etz Chayim

Join It's a Women's Thing for a pre-Hanukkah event with learning about Hasidic teachings on light, a little meditation, and some candle-making. We'll end by 11:30 so we can join the Religious School for Tefila and the congregational Latke Lunch. Please bring $5.00 to cover the cost of materials and a can of food for the Second Harvest Food barrel.

Discussion Forum will begin at 7:30 PM

Religion and Science Albert Einstein wrote “For science can only ascertain what is, but not what should be, and outside of its domain value judgments of all kinds remain necessary. Religion, on the other hand, deals only with evaluations of human thought and action: it cannot justifiably speak of facts and relationships between facts. According to this interpretation the well-known conflicts between religion and science in the past must all be ascribed to a misapprehension of the situation which has been described”. Yet, from reproductive rights to global warming and the theory of evolution, religious views are attacking scientific facts and teachings in the United States. Are elegant theories like Einstein’s or Stephen Jay Gould’s (“science and religion deal with different domains”) useful for countering the attacks on science? Can all-knowing, all-powerful being not clash with empirical, evidence-based explanation for natural phenomenon? This discussion will explore the relationship between science and religion in the context of today’s political discourse in the US. The discussion will be led by Rabbi Cartun. Moderators: Alternating between Rabbi Cartun and Hanoch Eiron CJDF’s intent is to be a vibrant forum for discussing issues of the day, ethical and historical issues and other topics chosen by the participants. The discussions will be moderated, open and respectful. Experts may be invited to provide expert views on some topics. For some meetings suggested readings will be provided in advance. Jewish aspects will be explored in the discussions, although Jewish studies is not the focus of this Forum. Monthly, the 2nd Sunday evening, beginning November 13, 7-8:30 p.m. This is a follow up to Hanoch’s introductory discussion on Yom Kippur.

Instructor: Joanna Zimmerman Learn the basics of engaging in a modern Hebrew dialogue, emphasizing vocabulary, useful phrases, practical grammar, and trying to acquire an “Israeli accent.” Weekly on Tuesday nights, beginning October 25, 7-8:30 p.m. Class length and curriculum will be determined by the interests of the attendees.

Coordinator: Joan Sperans Join Rabbi Cartun and interested Etznikim for Jewish-themed film viewing preceded by a light dinner. Sometimes we screen movies at Etz. Sometimes we go out to see first-run movies of Jewish interest, especially to the Jewish Film Festivals. Bring yourself, friends, and your questions. Let Rabbi Cartun know if you wish to participate in selecting films. 12/13/11 – Film to be determined

Ellen

Holiday Sing and cookie exchange.

Rossner