What Are All These Dots, Then? Part 1. Originally Published February 7-8, 2020.
So as Rabbi Akiva was dying, reciting the Shema, as he drew out the last letter of the word אֶחָד he likely was pronouncing a soft “d” sound, rather than the hard sound which we emphasize today.
Immigrant Detention Centers
The Following is sourced from the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism (USCJ) https://www.rabbinicalassembly.org/story/conservativemasorti-movement-expresses-anger-immigrant-detention-centers Conservative/Masorti Movement Expresses Anger at Immigrant Detention Centers Posted on: Tuesday June 25, 2019 The Conservative/Masorti movement of Judaism expressed intense anger today at the status of immigrant detention in the United States, particularly reports of children being held in inhumane conditions and […]
Was Maimonides Really a Physician? Originally Published May 24-25, 2019.
We often study the work of Rabbi Moses ben Maimon, known as Maimonides or Rambam, who lived from 1135-1204. Born in Cordoba, Spain, he was part of a long line of scholars. As he reached his 13th birthday, Cordoba fell to the Almohads in Spring 1148, and under the resultant religious persecution the family was […]
Strategic Plan Community Conversation
Thursday, May 16 at 6:30 p.m. | Samuel & Minnie Hyman Ballroom Light refreshments will be served. Have you been a member of Beth Shalom for 5 years or less? We'd like your help gathering information about synagogue life to help us pinpoint areas of focus for our Strategic Plan. To RSVP call 412-421-2288 or […]
It's Game Time! Pitt Women's Basketball
MARCH 3, 2019 at 1:45 p.m. | Petersen Events Center RSVP by February 8! | Costs: $5.00 Join the Youth Department and the Beth Shalom Men's Club as we watch The Pitt Women's Basketball Team VS. Louisville Tickets paid and picked up in advance! Tickets will be available for pickup at Beth Shalom after 2/20. […]
Mondays: Morning Talmud Study
Come join us for a fresh start in a brand new tractate of the Talmud Bava Kamma. We welcome both Beth Shalom community and members the broader Pittsburgh Jewish community to learn together. The class is one hour long in duration, and recordings of the class are posted online. No experience necessary. All abilities welcome. […]
Why Do All Past Presidents Take Out Their Sifrei Torah and Walk Around the Sanctuary at Kol Nidrei? Originally published September 21-22, 2018.
During Kol Nidrei we traditionally hold at least two Sifrei Torah, Torah scrolls. Many congregations have transformed this into conferring the honor of holding Sifrei Torah to the distinguished and respected members of the community. It is a blessing to have many scrolls, and that is displayed by honoring individuals with holding them. The scrolls […]