Scholar in Residence Weekend
Temple Beth Shalom welcomes Rabbi David Ellenson, PhD, as our Scholar in Residence from Thursday, March 26 through Saturday, March 28, 2020. The theme of this weekend is "American Jewish Thought: Where We Have Been, Where We Are, Where We Might Be Heading."
Rabbi David Ellenson is Chancellor Emeritus of Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion (HUC-JIR) and is the I.H. Anna Grancell Professor of Jewish Religious Thought. As a distinguished scholar and leader of the Reform Movement, he is recognized for his research in Jewish religious thought, ethics, and modern Jewish history. He received his Ph.D. from Columbia University and was ordained by HUC-JIR. Read more about Rabbi Ellenson and listen to his thoughts in "What Makes Me a Reform Jew."
Thursday, March 26, 7:00 p.m.
Temple Beth Shalom Sanctuary and Social Hall
From the Demand for Equality to the Quest for Transformation: Feminism, Gender and Sexuality in Modern American Jewish Life
A lecture by Rabbi Ellenson. How has our community moved from the first liberal demands for equality for women in the 1970s and 1980s to the added quest for transformation, inclusion, and full equality for women and LGBTQ persons in our own day? These developments are ongoing, and the writings of Judith Plaskow, Susannah Heschel, Cynthia Ozick, Rachel Adler, Blu Greenberg, and others will help to inform and frame this lecture and conversation on an issue of primary importance to so many of us in the Jewish and larger worlds today.
Friday, March 27, 12:00 p.m.
Temple Beth Shalom Social Hall
The Future of Reform Judaism
An informal discussion with Rabbi Ellenson. Please join us for this lunch and conversation with Temple Beth Shalom members and staff.
You may read this article written by Rabbi Ellenson to prepare for our discussion.
Friday, March 27, 7:00 p.m.
Temple Beth Shalom Sanctuary
An Approach to Jewish Faith and Life: One Reform Rabbi’s Stance
Rabbi Ellenson will deliver the sermon during this service.
Saturday, March 28, 9:00 a.m.
Torah Study, Temple Beth Shalom
Diverse notions of Jewish Peoplehood and Unity
Rabbi Ellenson will reflect on and discuss the evolution and state of the Jewish community in present-day America, and together we will speculate on the future.
Saturday, March 28, 5:30-7:00 p.m.
Shalom Austin Community Hall
American Jews and Israel: Different Voices in the American Jewish Community
Join Rabbi Ellenson for a lively and civil communal discussion. We will explore selections from the writings of Judith Butler, Ruth Wisse, Daniel Gordis, Peter Beinart, and others to get a sense of the diversity of opinions that mark the American Jewish community and its attitudes towards Israel today.
Questions about this weekend's events? Please contact our temple office at 512-735-8900.