News and Events
Autumn Equinox/Elul in The Park
6-8 pm, Sunday, Sept. 21
This year, the autumn equinox falls during the period of selichot, the prayers that prepare us for the new year (Rosh haShanah begins on Sept. 29). Come for a peaceful walk in the park and a reflective ritual honoring the autumn equinox and the approach of Rosh haShanah. We will join in a light meal after our ceremony, so do bring kosher vegetarian food. If it rains, the event will take place the following Sunday at the same time. We will meet at the entrance to Central Park at 103rd and CPW. If you are late, we will be somewhere in the vicinity of the pond between 97th and 103rd (but please be on time). An abundant autumn to all!
RSVP to info@telshemesh.org.
August Eco-Retreat
SPECIAL AUGUST ECO-RETREAT!
Aug. 13-19, Camp Isabella Freedman
Join Rabbi Jill Hammer, Shamu Fenyvesi, and Kavod Weider for a special Elat Chayyim retreat. During our week together, we’ll work the farm at Camp Isabella Freedman, learn sustainable skills for using nature’s resources, study Jewish texts related to the earth, engage in exciting new moon ritual, and celebrate a joyful Shabbat. Register at www.elatchayyim.org.
The Jewish Book of Days
Throughout the ages, Jews have connected legends to particular days of the Hebrew calendar. Abraham's birth, the death of Rachel, and the creation of light are all tales that are linked to a specific day and season. The Jewish Book of Days, written by Tel Shemesh director Rabbi Jill Hammer, invites readers to experience the connection between sacred story and nature's rhythms, through readings designed for each and every day of the year. These daily readings offer an opportunity to live in tune with the wisdom of the past while learning new truths about the times we live in today.
Using the tree as its central metaphor, The Jewish Book of Days is divided into eight chapters of approximately forty-five days each. These sections represent the tree's stages of growth--seed, root, shoot, sap, bud, leaf, flower, and fruit--and also echo the natural cadences of each season.
Each entry has three components: a biblical quote for the day; a midrash on the biblical quote or a Jewish tradition related to that day; and commentary relating the text to the cycles of the year. The author includes an introduction that analyzes the different months and seasons of the Hebrew calendar and explains the textual sources used throughout. Appendixes provide additional material for leap years, equinoxes, and solstices. A section on seasonal meditations offers a new way to approach the divine every day.
Makom/JCC Drum Circle with Shoshana Jedwab
Come play in the soundbox! Celebrate and listen deeply as we join our powerful physical energies. Bring your own instruments if you wish; instruments are also provided. No experience necessary.
Thursdays, 8-9:30pm, Dec. 7 and 21. $10 for members; $12 for non-members per session. Location: The Goldman-Sonnenfeldt Family Auditorium at the JCC in Manhattan, 334 Amsterdam Ave. @76th St., New York, NY. Call (646) 505-5708 to register. (Youc an also register online at www.jccmanhattan.org; registration code MAKDRM01w6 through 07w6)
Sukkahfest at Camp Isabella Freedman!
Rabbi Jill Hammer will be teaching at Sukkahfest, the annual Sukkot retreat at Camp Isabella Freedman in Falls Village, CT. The retreat takes place in a beautiful natural setting during the first three days of Sukkot, Oct. 13-16 (see www.isabellafreedman.org). Rabbi Hammer will be teaching a four-session class on Sukkot as a festival of the earth, and many other wonderful classes will be offered as well. Prayer services and rituals will occur throughout the week.
Tel Shemesh welcomes event announcements related to Judaism and the earth or earth-based spirituality. Contact info@telshemesh.org to post your event announcement. |
