JTS Torah Commentary

Making Our Democracy Work

Oct 5, 2012

The 2012 Bernard G. Segal Memorial Lecture in Law and Ethics
Why does the American public accepts the Court’s decisions? What must the Court do to maintain the public’s trust? How do our courts make our democracy work? This and more is discussed in this lecture by Associate Justice Stephen G. Breyer of the United States Supreme Court.

Nusah: A Key to the Meaning of Prayer

Oct 5, 2012 By Jack Chomsky | Commentary

Of all the traditional melodies in the liturgical year, I have long been impressed by the remarkable musical setting of the kaddish preceding the prayers for Geshem (rain) at Shemini Atzeret, near the conclusion of the fall festival, and Tal (dew) at the beginning of Pesah in the spring).

An Interreligious Dialogue on Tragedy

Oct 5, 2012 By The Jewish Theological Seminary | Public Event video

You or someone you know has suffered a tragedy; how would you proceed? Many people turn to their religion in these situations. Many religions have similar practices and beliefs when it comes to tragedy, and therefore, this program will explore the views different religions have on tragedy.

Jewish Responses to Tragedy

Oct 5, 2012 By Burton L. Visotzky | Public Event video

You or someone you know has suffered a tragedy; how would you proceed? Many people turn to their religion in these situations. Many religions have similar practices and beliefs when it comes to tragedies, and therefore, in commemoration of September 11th, 2001, this program will explore the Jewish view on tragedy.

Jewish Traditions on Healing

Oct 5, 2012 By Burton L. Visotzky | Public Event video

You or someone you know is ill; how would you proceed? Many people turn to their religion in these situations. Many religions have similar practices and beliefs when it comes to healing, and therefore, in commemoration of September 11th, 2001, this program will explore the Jewish view on healing.

Ushpizin in the Sukkah

Oct 5, 2012 By Rabbi Ayelet Cohen | Commentary | Sukkot

By Rabbi Ayelet Cohen

Immediately on the heels of the intense spiritual work of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, Sukkot challenges us to turn our lives inside out again, this time quite literally. The Talmud tells us that for the duration of Sukkot we must leave our permanent dwellings and reside in temporary dwellings (BT Sukkah 2b). By its very nature, the sukkah must feel temporary; we must experience the elements in a way that we do not when we are at home.

And the Gates Opened: Women in the Rabbinate

Oct 5, 2012 By The Jewish Theological Seminary | Documentary

“And the Gates Opened” investigates the legacy that women are creating for Jewish religious and lay leaders. This program explores the rich history behind the move to ordain women and the current status of female religious leaders.

Choosing Life: Ways of Jewish Healing

Oct 5, 2012 By The Jewish Theological Seminary | Documentary

How does Judaism respond to tragedy, and how can it help one with healing? This and more are discussed in the documentary, “Choosing Life: Ways of Jewish Healing”

Legacy of Our Ancestors

Oct 5, 2012 By The Jewish Theological Seminary | Documentary

Legacy of Our Ancestors: 350th Anniversary Celebration of Early Jewish America This program brings to light the story of the first wave of Jewish immigration that occurred between 1654 and 1820. “Legacy” features leading Jewish historians in the field- Jonathan Sarna, Hasia Diner and Eli Faber, among others – who bring to life this rich chapter in American history.

To God’s Ear: Music and Song of the Jewish Liturgy

Oct 5, 2012 By The Jewish Theological Seminary | Documentary

A rich tapestry of traditional liturgical prayer, contemporary lyrical renditions, and fascinating commentary is interwoven with colorful scenes, from a congregational choir practice to a vibrant children’s Shaharit service. This program offers an excellent introduction to liturgical prayer. Features JTS’s H.L.Miller Cantorial School. Produced in 2000. Co-produced with Diva Media. Nominated for a 2001 New York Emmy Award for Outstanding Religious Programming.

To Lead a Jewish Life: Education for Living Part 1

Oct 5, 2012 By The Jewish Theological Seminary | Documentary

This program investigates the mechanisms Judaism has used for generations to disseminate knowledge and forge a solid connection to one’s heritage. Featuring a Solomon Schechter day school, and Camp Ramah Darom in Georgia, plus commentary from Jewish educational leaders.

To Lead a Jewish Life: Education for Living Part 2

Oct 5, 2012 By The Jewish Theological Seminary | Documentary

The Sh’ma says, “Impress them [the Torah] upon your children” (Deuteronomy 6:7), but how has Judaism done that? This program investigates the mechanisms Judaism has used for generations to disseminate knowledge and forge a solid connection to one’s heritage. Featuring a Solomon Schechter day school, and Camp Ramah Darom in Georgia, plus commentary from Jewish educational leaders.

A Feminist Commentary on Massekhet Taanit

Oct 4, 2012 By Library of the Jewish Theological Seminary | Public Event audio

As part of The Library’s series of book talks, Dr. Tal Ilan delivers a lecture on A Feminist Commentary on Massekhet Taanit: How to Read Gender into a Commentary of the Mishnah and the Babylonian Talmud.

Uneasy Communion: Jews, Christians, and the Alterpieces of Medieval Spain

Oct 4, 2012 By Vivian B. Mann <em>z”l</em> | Public Event audio

Dr. Vivian Mann, director emerita of the Master’s Program in Jewish Art and Visual Culture, discusses Uneasy Communion: Jews, Christians, and the Alterpieces of Medieval Spain in this Library Book Talk.

The Philosophy of Hebrew Scripture

Oct 4, 2012 By Library of the Jewish Theological Seminary | Public Event audio

What if the Hebrew Bible wasn’t meant to be read as “revelation”? What if the authors of the Bible meant to present us with a book that is not about miracles or the afterlife-but about how to lead our lives in this world? In this Library Book Talk, Dr. Yoram Hazony addresses these questions while discussing his latest book, The Philosophy of Hebrew Scripture.

Community

Oct 4, 2012 By Arnold M. Eisen

Community is very important in Judaism, but how does it affect Conservative Judaism? What can a strong community do to a synagogue, if instead of everyone just coming to pray, they also come in to study? How can a strong community improve on what Conservative Judaism already has?

Covenant

Oct 4, 2012 By Arnold M. Eisen

We know that in the Torah, a covenant is made between God and Israel. But, how is this covenant still relevant today? Is it? And how does it relate to Conservative Judaism?

Peoplehood

Oct 4, 2012 By Arnold M. Eisen

Judaism, especially Conservative Judaism sees the need for Jews to be a people, different from the rest of the community in which they live. However, Conservative Judaism is also inherently pluralistic, in that Conservative Jews can feel comfortable in a variety of services, whether they are Orthodox or Reform. What other ways can peoplehood benefit Judaism?

Continuing the Conversation

Oct 4, 2012 By Arnold M. Eisen

Chancelor Eisen has previously recorded three essays relating to Conservative Judaism. One on Covenant, one on Community, and one on Peoplehood. All of these essays received many comments, and such a debate is encouraged. Therefore, Chancellor Eisen now responds to a selection of the comments he received.

Learning

Oct 4, 2012 By Arnold M. Eisen

Judaism gives a lot of emphasis towards learning. Every generation of Jews engaged in learning, an activity that connets us to our past. How can we, as Conservative Jews learn Torah not only seriously, but also relatably with the modern world?