Temple Bat Yam Hosts Adult Education Classes in February

January 31st, 2012 by mfruchter

WHAT: Temple Bat Yam (TBY), a reform synagogue in East Fort Lauderdale, encourages lifelong Jewish study through its educational programming for Temple members and non-members.  TBY invites the community to attend the adult education classes offered in February by the synagogue.

  • Introduction to Judaism: In this discussion-based course, Rabbi Spey will lead an exploration of the basics of Jewish history, literature, belief and practice.  This class is designed for anyone wishing to enrich their understanding of Judaism from an adult perspective, those considering joining the Jewish people through the process of conversion and couples, including those in interfaith relationships, desiring to deepen their understanding and enhance the Jewish components of their family life.  It is $25 for members and $75 for non-members to attend the 17-session series.  Classes are Tuesdays, February 7, 14, and 28 at 7 p.m.  For more information and registration please contact the Temple office at 954-928-0410.
  • Bible Study: Rabbi Spey will lead a weekly discussion based upon the traditional texts of Jewish tradition.  The class will study rabbinic texts including Midrash, Mishnah and Talmud from an ethical, moral, theological and social perspective.  There is no charge for the Bible study classes, but students may need to purchase books.  Registration is not required.  Discussions are Tuesdays, February 7, 14 and 28 at 10 a.m.

WHERE:

Temple Bat Yam

5151 NE 14th Terrace

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33334

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Visit the temple’s website at http://TempleBatYam.org, call 954-928-0410 or email Info@TempleBatYam.org.

ABOUT: A vibrant reform synagogue that caters to all who wish to celebrate Jewish life, Temple Bat Yam (TBY) in East Fort Lauderdale is dedicated to exploring and embracing Jewish heritage from a liberal perspective.  TBY encourages lifelong Jewish study through its educational programming for children, families and adults.  It also forges lifelong friendship and facilitates networking opportunities among members by hosting music, cultural and social programs, as well as being home to various civic and Jewish organizations.

Reproductive Rights and Bioethics is Topic of February Downtown Brown Bag “Lunch and Learn”

January 31st, 2012 by mfruchter

Rabbi David Spey of Temple Bat Yam leads discussion hosted at Brinkley Morgan law firm

WHAT: Temple Bat Yam, a reform synagogue in East Fort Lauderdale, will host a brown bag “Lunch and Learn” group discussion at the law offices of Brinkley Morgan in downtown Fort Lauderdale. Each month Rabbi David Spey will lead a discussion on a Jewish issue and how it relates to modern society. The February topic is reproductive rights and bioethics.

WHEN: Wednesday, February 8 at 12:15 p.m.

WHERE:

Brinkley Morgan

200 East Las Olas Blvd.

Suite 1900

Fort Lauderdale

PRICE: Free.  Please bring a brown bag lunch.

FOR RESERVATIONS: Reservations required. To reserve a spot, please call the Temple Bat Yam office at (954) 928- 0410 or email info@templebatyam.org

ABOUT: A vibrant reform synagogue that caters to all who wish to celebrate Jewish life, Temple Bat Yam (TBY) in East Fort Lauderdale is dedicated to exploring and embracing Jewish heritage from a liberal perspective.  TBY encourages lifelong Jewish study through its educational programming for children, families and adults.  It also forges lifelong friendship and facilitates networking opportunities among members by hosting music, cultural and social programs, as well as being home to various civic and Jewish organizations.  For more information, please visit www.TempleBatYam.org.

Since 1975, Brinkley Morgan has provided a proactive and innovative approach to law for its clients. The 20-attorney law firm offers a full range of services including corporate and business law, real estate, family law and commercial litigation, as well as probate, tax, estate planning, administrative law, employment law and immigration law. For more information, please visit www.BrinkleyMorgan.com.

Women’s Investment Class at Temple Bat Yam

January 31st, 2012 by mfruchter

WHAT: The Sisterhood of Temple Bat Yam (TBY), a reform synagogue in East Fort Lauderdale, invites women to learn the fundamentals of investing in a one-hour class. A certified financial advisor will explain the basics of financial planning and answer questions. The February topic is “Generating Retirement Income.”

WHEN:  Monday, February 13 at 7 p.m.

WHERE:

Temple Bat Yam

5151 NE 14th Terrace

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33334

PRICE:  All are welcome to attend this class.

FOR RESERVATIONS: Visit the temple’s website at http://TempleBatYam.org, call 954-928-0410 or email info@templebatyam.org.

ABOUT: A vibrant reform synagogue that welcomes all who wish to celebrate Jewish life, Temple Bat Yam (TBY) in East Fort Lauderdale is dedicated to exploring and embracing Jewish heritage from a liberal perspective.  TBY encourages lifelong Jewish study through its educational programming for children, families and adults.  It also forges lifelong friendship and facilitates networking opportunities among members by hosting music, cultural and social programs, as well as being home to various civic and Jewish organizations.

February Shabbat Services at Temple Bat Yam

January 31st, 2012 by mfruchter

WHAT: Temple Bat Yam (TBY), a Reform synagogue in East Fort Lauderdale, invites the community to attend joyous and musical Sabbath services throughout February.  Light refreshments follow Friday evening services at the Temple.

WHEN: Fridays at 8 p.m.:                  February 3, 17 and 24

Saturdays at 10:30 a.m.:                   February 4, 11, 18, 25

Friday at 7 p.m.:                                 February 10

Friday at 6:30 p.m.:                            February 24

NOTES: Services on Friday, February 3 will feature music for Shabbat performed by the Temple’s band, Dor L’Dor.

Students in fifth and sixth grades will conduct Shabbat services on Friday, February 10.

A Tot Shabbat for toddlers through second grade and their families will be held on Friday, February 24 beginning at 6:30 p.m. and will be followed by an activity and snacks.  The brief service will conclude before the 8 p.m. service also on that night.

WHERE:

Temple Bat Yam

5151 NE 14th Terrace

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33334

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Visit the temple’s website at http://TempleBatYam.org, call 954-928-0410 or email Info@TempleBatYam.org.

ABOUT: A vibrant reform synagogue that caters to all who wish to celebrate Jewish life, Temple Bat Yam (TBY) in East Fort Lauderdale is dedicated to exploring and embracing Jewish heritage from a liberal perspective.  TBY encourages lifelong Jewish study through its educational programming for children, families and adults.  It also forges lifelong friendship and facilitates networking opportunities among members by hosting music, cultural and social programs, as well as being home to various civic and Jewish organizations.

King David String Ensemble Performs Klezmer and Israeli Music Concert at Temple Bat Yam

January 20th, 2012 by mfruchter

FORT LAUDERDALE – (January 20, 2012) – The King David String Ensemble will perform a Jewish Klezmer and Israeli music concert on Thursday, February 2 at 7 p.m. at Temple Bat Yam, a reform synagogue in East Fort Lauderdale.

The ensemble is comprised of musicians originally from the former Soviet Union who also perform with the Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra.

“We are thrilled to have an internationally renowned group such as the King David String Ensemble perform at Temple Bat Yam,” said Cantor Wendy Autenrieth, who also will be performing a song with the group.  “Music is an important part of our culture and we are proud to be able to share this experience with the community.”

This event is free and open to the public; however there is a $10 suggested donation. Temple Bat Yam is located at 5151 NE 14th Terrace in Fort Lauderdale. For more information, visit the temple’s website at http://TempleBatYam.org or call 954-928-0410.

Women’s Investment Class at Temple Bat Yam

January 6th, 2012 by mfruchter

WHAT: The Sisterhood of Temple Bat Yam (TBY), a reform synagogue in East Fort Lauderdale, invites women to learn the fundamentals of investing in a one-hour class. A certified financial advisor will explain the basics of financial planning and answer questions.

WHEN:  Monday, January 23 at 7 p.m.

WHERE: Temple Bat Yam

5151 NE 14th Terrace

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33334

PRICE:  All are welcome to attend this class.

FOR RESERVATIONS: Visit the temple’s website at http://TempleBatYam.org, call 954-928-0410 or email info@templebatyam.org.

ABOUT: A vibrant reform synagogue that welcomes all who wish to celebrate Jewish life, Temple Bat Yam (TBY) in East Fort Lauderdale is dedicated to exploring and embracing Jewish heritage from a liberal perspective.  TBY encourages lifelong Jewish study through its educational programming for children, families and adults.  It also forges lifelong friendship and facilitates networking opportunities among members by hosting music, cultural and social programs, as well as being home to various civic and Jewish organizations.

Temple Bat Yam Hosts Club 50

January 3rd, 2012 by mfruchter

Dinner and Discussion

WHAT: Temple Bat Yam, a reform synagogue in East Fort Lauderdale, invites local active adults to join Club 50 for its January evening activity.  Guests will enjoy an Italian dinner at Pa’Degennaro’s Restaurant followed by a lecture with Professor Jack Fischel, who will discuss current events in the Middle East.

Jack Fischel is professor emeritus of history at Millersville University in Pennsylvania where he taught for 37 years. He is the author of The Holocaust and Historical Dictionary of the Holocaust and is regarded as a worldwide expert on the Holocaust.

Temple Bat Yam’s Club 50 is a social group for active adults in East Fort Lauderdale and others who want to be part of this warm and welcoming Temple family. The club meets six Sundays a year for dinner at local restaurants followed by a brief meeting or entertainment back at the synagogue. Membership in Club 50 is open to the community.

WHEN:  Sunday, January 22

5:15 p.m. – Dinner at Pa’Degennaro’s Restaurant

7:30 p.m. – Professor Jack Fischel lecture at Temple Bat Yam

WHERE: Dinner at Pa’Degennaro’s Restaurant

4331 North Ocean Blvd.

Lauderdale-By-The-Sea, FL 33308

Temple Bat Yam

5151 NE 14th Terrace

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33334

FOR MORE INFORMATION: To learn more about the event and for price, please call the Temple office at 954-972-5465.

Temple Bat Yam Hosts Adult Education Classes in January

January 3rd, 2012 by mfruchter

WHAT: Temple Bat Yam (TBY), a reform synagogue in East Fort Lauderdale, encourages lifelong Jewish study through its educational programming for Temple members and non-members.  TBY invites the community to attend the adult education classes offered in January by the synagogue.

  • Introduction to Judaism: In this discussion-based course, Rabbi Spey will lead an exploration of the basics of Jewish history, literature, belief and practice.  This class is designed for anyone wishing to enrich their understanding of Judaism from an adult perspective, those considering joining the Jewish people through the process of conversion and couples, including those in interfaith relationships, desiring to deepen their understanding and enhance the Jewish components of their family life.  It is $25 for members and $75 for non-members to attend the 17-session series.  Classes are Tuesdays, January 10, 17, 24 and 31 at 7 p.m.  For more information and registration please contact the Temple office at 954-928-0410.
  • Bible Study: Rabbi Spey will lead a weekly discussion based upon the traditional texts of Jewish tradition.  The class will study rabbinic texts including Midrash, Mishnah and Talmud from an ethical, moral, theological and social perspective.  There is no charge for the Bible study classes, but students may need to purchase books.  Registration is not required.  Discussions are Tuesdays, January 10, 17, 24 and 31 at 10 a.m.

WHERE: Temple Bat Yam

5151 NE 14th Terrace

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33334

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Visit the temple’s website at http://TempleBatYam.org, call 954-928-0410 or email Info@TempleBatYam.org.

January Shabbat Services at Temple Bat Yam

December 30th, 2011 by mfruchter

WHAT: Temple Bat Yam (TBY), a Reform synagogue in East Fort Lauderdale, invites the community to attend joyous and musical Sabbath services throughout January.  Light refreshments follow Friday evening services at the Temple.

WHEN: Fridays at 8 p.m.: January 6, 13 and 27

Saturdays at 10:30 a.m.: January 7, 14, 21, 28

Friday at 7 p.m.: January 20

Friday at 6:30 p.m.: January 27

NOTES: A Tot Shabbat for toddlers through second grade and their families will be held on Friday, January 27 beginning at 6:30 p.m. and will be followed by an activity and snacks.  The brief service will conclude before the 8 p.m. service also on that night.

WHERE: Temple Bat Yam

5151 NE 14th Terrace

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33334

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Visit the temple’s website at http://TempleBatYam.org, call 954-928-0410 or email Info@TempleBatYam.org.

Death is a Part of Life. Are You Prepared?

December 30th, 2011 by mfruchter

Sisterhood of Temple Bat Yam to host symposium on “Making Positive Choices for End-of-Life Decisions”

FORT LAUDERDALE – (December 9, 2011) – Rock singer John Lennon once said, “Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans.”  The community is invited to learn how to prepare for unexpected life-changing moments at the free symposium “Making Positive Choices for End-of-Life Decisions” on Sunday, January 29 from 1 to 4 p.m. at Temple Bat Yam, a reform synagogue in East Fort Lauderdale.  This event is hosted by the temple’s Sisterhood.

“Many people try to avoid making end-of-life decision until it is absolutely necessary.  It is important to make these decisions while in good health and without the stress of illness or life’s unexpected turns,” said Coni Foster, Temple Bat Yam Sisterhood member and the event organizer.

A panel of five experts will present on guardianship, wills and trusts, medical choices, Jewish ethics, funeral arrangements and grieving.  Attendees will learn how to take immediate control of their lives and determine which choices, personal wishes and quality-of-life priorities they seek from their end-of-life decisions.  There will be a question and answer session following each speaker.

“It is through events like this that Temple Bat Yam is becoming more than a place of worship, but a community center inviting personal, professional and spiritual development,” said Rabbi David Spey.

The panel of experts includes:

  • Naomi Behar Smith, Esq. has been practicing guardianship law since 1989 and has been involved in more than 1,500 guardianship cases, and she has extensive experience with wills and trusts.
  • Dr. Marc G. Kaprow, DO, FACOI is the associate medical director for Vitas Innovative Hospice in Broward County and a team physician for Vitas Palliative Care Solutions, providing healthcare that alleviates and relieves suffering.  He also is a member of the ethics committee at Memorial Hospital West.
  • Rabbi David Spey joined Temple Bat Yam in July 2010 and has nearly 10 years of experience as a congregational leader and spiritual advisor to families faced with illness or loss.
  • Mark Weissman, a former member of the Florida House of Representatives and current Vice Mayor of Parkland, owns and operates Savino-Weissman Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Margate and has been in the funeral industry for nearly 40 years.
  • Mary A. Watson, RN, CHTP is a Certified Healing Touch Practitioner, Reiki Master, Certified Medical Intuitive and Quantum Healer Practitioner who works at Hospice by the Sea as Nurse Educator for Broward County, instructing nurses, social workers and CNA s on how to be better caregivers for their clients through heart-centered care.  She also volunteers at Leeza’s Place in Pembroke Pines, offering support to caregivers of loved ones with Alzheimer’s.

Temple Bat Yam is located at 5151 NE 14th Terrace in Fort Lauderdale.  For more information, please call 954-928-0410.

Temple Bat Yam Hosts Club 50

December 5th, 2011 by mfruchter

Dinner and a Concert

WHAT: Temple Bat Yam, a reform synagogue in East Fort Lauderdale, invites local active adults to join Club 50 for its December evening activity.  Guests will enjoy dinner at U.S. Steakhouse Bar & Grill, a restaurant offering all-American favorites and regional specialties, followed by a performance at the Temple by singer and RCA recording artist Jimmy Chapel.

Chapel sings some of the greatest hits ever recorded by Frank Sinatra and Neil Diamond, as well as Broadway classics and more. He has performed throughout the United States and Europe, including performances with Don Rickels, Mel Torme, Carol Lawrence, Rita Moreno, Nipsey Russell and Michele Lee.

Temple Bat Yam’s Club 50 is a social group for active adults in East Fort Lauderdale and others who want to be part of this warm and welcoming Temple family. The club meets six Sundays a year for dinner at local restaurants followed by a brief meeting or entertainment back at the synagogue. Membership in Club 50 is open to the community.

WHEN:  Sunday, December 11

5:15 p.m. – Dinner at U.S. Steakhouse Bar & Grill

7:30 p.m. – Singer Jimmy Chapel will perform at Temple Bat Yam

WHERE:

U.S. Steakhouse Bar & Grill

1208 N. Ocean Blvd.

Pompano Beach, FL 33062

Temple Bat Yam

5151 NE 14th Terrace

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33334

FOR MORE INFORMATION: To learn more about the event and for price, please call the Temple office at 954-972-5465.

ABOUT: A vibrant reform synagogue that embraces all who wish to celebrate Jewish life, Temple Bat Yam (TBY) in East Fort Lauderdale is dedicated to exploring and embracing Jewish heritage from a liberal perspective.  TBY encourages lifelong Jewish study through its educational programming for children, families and adults.  It also forges lifelong friendship and facilitates networking opportunities among members by hosting music, cultural and social programs, as well as being home to various civic and Jewish organizations.  For more information, please visit the Temple’s website at http://TempleBatYam.org.

Temple Bat Yam Hosts Book Review of “Wherever You Go”

November 30th, 2011 by mfruchter

WHAT: Temple Bat Yam, a reform synagogue in East Fort Lauderdale, invites the community to attend a thought-provoking book review and discussion about the novel Wherever You Go by award-winning author Joan Leegant. This timely novel weaves together the lives of three Americans living in Israel who face the attractions and dangers of Jewish extremism and its threat to the modern, democratic state. Refreshments will be served.  This event is hosted by the Temple Bat Yam Sisterhood.

WHEN:  Thursday, December 15 at 7 p.m.

WHERE:

Temple Bat Yam

5151 NE 14th Terrace

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33334

PRICE: Free and open to the public.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Visit the temple’s website at TempleBatYam.org, call 954-928-0410 or email Info@TempleBatYam.org.

ABOUT: A vibrant reform synagogue that caters to all who wish to celebrate Jewish life, Temple Bat Yam (TBY) in East Fort Lauderdale is dedicated to exploring and embracing Jewish heritage from a liberal perspective.  TBY encourages lifelong Jewish study through its educational programming for children, families and adults.  It also forges lifelong friendship and facilitates networking opportunities among members by hosting music, cultural and social programs, as well as being home to various civic and Jewish organizations.

###

December’s Ask the Rabbi

November 29th, 2011 by mfruchter

Question: When I buy chickens at the supermarket, I find that non-kosher chickens have fewer residual feathers in the skin than the kosher chickens.  Why?

Answer: For an animal to be considered kosher, it must be handled according to traditional Jewish law from before it is slaughtered until it is consumed.  First, the animal must come from a species that is considered fit, kasher, for Jewish consumption.  The living animal must be inspected, prior to slaughtering, to make sure that it is healthy and free from visible injuries and disease.  It must then be slaughtered in a ritually appropriate manner: a blessing recited, its larynx and esophagus cut with a perfect, nick free blade in one quick, smooth motion, and its blood, or life force, allowed to drain.  The animal is then examined for any internal defects, and residual blood is removed from the flesh through a process of purging, soaking, and salting.

In the case of fowl, the removal of the feathers usual precedes the process for the removal of residual blood.  A simple method for plucking feathers from fowl is to dip the slaughtered bird in boiling water for between 5 and 30 seconds to soak and loosen the feathers.  Any residual, fine feathers can be removed with an open flame like a lighter.  However, according to halachic authorities, overseeing the laws of kashrut, exposure of the fowl to a heat source prior to the removal of the residual blood, through the soaking and salting process, causes the residual blood to coagulate.  Coagulated blood can not be removed and the bird is then considered terayfa, not fit for Jewish consumption.  Therefore, kosher chickens must be plucked by means which do not expose the pre-salted birds to heat sources, which are perhaps less effective.

Please send your questions to the office or to asktherabbi@templebatyam.org.

December Shabbat Services at Temple Bat Yam

November 29th, 2011 by mfruchter

WHAT: Temple Bat Yam (TBY), a Reform synagogue in East Fort Lauderdale, invites the community to attend joyous and musical Sabbath services throughout December.  Light refreshments follow Friday evening services at the Temple.

WHEN:

Fridays at 6:30 p.m.:                    December 2 and 30

Fridays at 8 p.m.:                            December 2, 16 and 23

Friday at 7 p.m.:                              December 9

Saturdays at 10:30 a.m.:            December 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31

NOTES: A Tot Shabbat for toddlers through second grade and their families will be held on Friday, December 2 beginning at 6:30 p.m. and will be followed by an activity and snacks.  The brief service will conclude before the 8 p.m. service also on that night.

A Kabbalat Shabbat service emphasizing musical liturgy will be held on December 30 at 6:30 p.m., with wine and cheese at 6 p.m. and an Oneg Shabbat following services.

On December 23, TBY will hold its annual Chanukah Shabbat service with music for Shabbat and the holiday by the Temple’s band, Dor L’Dor, and lighting of the Menorah.

WHERE:

Temple Bat Yam

5151 NE 14th Terrace

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33334

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Visit the temple’s website at http://TempleBatYam.org, call 954-928-0410 or email Info@TempleBatYam.org.

ABOUT: A vibrant reform synagogue that caters to all who wish to celebrate Jewish life, Temple Bat Yam (TBY) in East Fort Lauderdale is dedicated to exploring and embracing Jewish heritage from a liberal perspective.  TBY encourages lifelong Jewish study through its educational programming for children, families and adults.  It also forges lifelong friendship and facilitates networking opportunities among members by hosting music, cultural and social programs, as well as being home to various civic and Jewish organizations.

Temple Bat Yam Hosts Club 50

November 7th, 2011 by mfruchter

WHAT: Temple Bat Yam, a reform synagogue in East Fort Lauderdale, invites local active adults to join Club 50 for its first outing of the year.  Guests will enjoy an Italian dinner at Zuckerello’s restaurant followed by a performance by singer and pianist Sheila Shteyrenberg at the Temple.

Shteyrenberg received a master’s degree in music from Florida International University and a master’s degree in classical piano and classical voice from Beltz Pedagogical University in Beltz, Moldova. She has performed throughout South Florida and abroad in Vienna, Florence, Rome, Sydney and London. Her repertoire includes songs in English, Italian, French, Hebrew, Russian and Spanish.

Temple Bat Yam’s Club 50 is a social group for active adults in East Fort Lauderdale and others who want to be part of this warm and welcoming Temple family. The club meets six Sundays a year for dinner at local restaurants followed by a brief meeting or entertainment back at the synagogue. Membership in Club 50 is open to the community.

WHEN:  Sunday, November 20

5:30 p.m. – Dinner at Zuckerello’s

8 p.m. – Singer and pianist Sheila Shteyrenberg will perform at Temple Bat Yam

WHERE:

Zuckerello’s

3107 E. Commercial Blvd.

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308

Temple Bat Yam

5151 NE 14th Terrace

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33334

FOR MORE INFORMATION: To learn more about the event and for price, please call the Temple office at 954-928-0410.

ABOUT: A vibrant reform synagogue that embraces all who wish to celebrate Jewish life, Temple Bat Yam (TBY) in East Fort Lauderdale is dedicated to exploring and embracing Jewish heritage from a liberal perspective.  TBY encourages lifelong Jewish study through its educational programming for children, families and adults.  It also forges lifelong friendship and facilitates networking opportunities among members by hosting music, cultural and social programs, as well as being home to various civic and Jewish organizations.  For more information, please visit the Temple’s website at http://TempleBatYam.org.

Tour Bonnet House Museum and Gardens With Temple Bat Yam’s Sisterhood

November 1st, 2011 by mfruchter

WHAT: The Sisterhood of Temple Bat Yam (TBY), a reform synagogue in East Fort Lauderdale, is hosting a tour of the historic Florida Bonnet House Museum and Gardens. The guided walking tour filled with wonderful artistry will include the main house, a nature trail plus a tram ride. Comfortable clothing and flat walking shoes are recommended. Lunch will follow the tour at P.F. Chang’s China Bistro.

Bonnet House Museum & Gardens is accredited by the American Association of Museums.  The site was listed on the National Register of Historic places in 1984 and declared a historic landmark by the City of Fort Lauderdale in 2002. Due to the threat posed by nearby development, the National Trust and the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation designated listed Bonnet House as one of America’s 11 most endangered sites in 2008.

WHEN:  Sunday, November 13

9:45 a.m. Tour

12:30 p.m. Lunch

WHERE: Bonnet House Museum & Gardens

900 N. Birch Rd.

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304

P.F. Chang’s China Bistro

24118 E. Sunrise Blvd.

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304

PRICE: $36 per person.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Visit the temple’s website at http://TempleBatYam.org, call 954-928-0410 or email info@templebatyam.org.

November Shabbat Services at Temple Bat Yam

November 1st, 2011 by mfruchter

WHAT: Temple Bat Yam (TBY), a Reform synagogue in East Fort Lauderdale, invites the community to attend joyous and musical Sabbath services throughout November.  Light refreshments follow Friday evening services at the Temple.

WHEN:

Fridays at 8 p.m.: November 4 and 11

Saturdays at 10:30 a.m.: November 5, 12, 19 and 26

Friday at 7 p.m.: November 18

Friday at 6:30 p.m.: November 25

NOTES: Shabbat family worship service will be held on November 18 at 7 p.m.

A Kabbalat Shabbat service emphasizing musical liturgy will be held on November 25 at 6:30 p.m., with wine and cheese at 6 p.m. and an Oneg Shabbat following services.

WHERE: Temple Bat Yam

5151 NE 14th Terrace

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33334

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Visit the temple’s website at http://TempleBatYam.org, call 954-928-0410 or email Info@TempleBatYam.org.

Temple Bat Yam Hosts Adult Education Classes in November

November 1st, 2011 by mfruchter

WHAT: Temple Bat Yam (TBY), a reform synagogue in East Fort Lauderdale, encourages lifelong Jewish study through its educational programming for Temple members and non-members.  TBY invites the community to attend the adult education classes offered in November by the synagogue.

  • Introduction to Judaism: In this discussion-based course, Rabbi Spey will lead an exploration of the basics of Jewish history, literature, belief and practice.  This class is designed for anyone wishing to enrich their understanding of Judaism from an adult perspective, those considering joining the Jewish people through the process of conversion and couples, including those in interfaith relationships, desiring to deepen their understanding and enhance the Jewish components of their family life.  It is $25 for members and $75 for non-members to attend the 17-session series.  Classes are Wednesdays, November 2, 9, 16 and 30 at 7 p.m.  For more information and registration please contact the Temple office at 954-928-0410.
  • Bible Study: Rabbi Spey will lead a weekly discussion based upon the traditional texts of Jewish tradition.  The class will study rabbinic texts including Midrash, Mishnah and Talmud from an ethical, moral, theological and social perspective.  There is no charge for the Bible study classes, but students may need to purchase books.  Registration is not required.  Discussions are Tuesdays, November 1, 8, 15, and 29 at 10 a.m.

WHERE: Temple Bat Yam

5151 NE 14th Terrace

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33334

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Visit the temple’s website at http://TempleBatYam.org, call 954-928-0410 or email Info@TempleBatYam.org.

Lunch and Learn

November 1st, 2011 by mfruchter

Important Women in Jewish Bible and Tradition Is

Topic of November Downtown Brown Bag “Lunch and Learn”

Rabbi David Spey of Temple Bat Yam leads discussion

hosted at Brinkley Morgan law firm

WHAT: Temple Bat Yam, a reform synagogue in East Fort Lauderdale, will host a brown bag “Lunch and Learn” group discussion at the law offices of Brinkley Morgan in downtown Fort Lauderdale. Each month Rabbi David Spey will lead a discussion on a Jewish issue and how it relates to modern society. The November topic is important women in the Jewish bible and tradition.

WHEN: Wednesday, November 9 at 12:15 p.m.

WHERE: Brinkley Morgan

200 East Las Olas Blvd.

Suite 1900

Fort Lauderdale

PRICE: Free.  Please bring a brown bag lunch.

FOR RESERVATIONS: Reservations required. To reserve a spot, please call the Temple Bat Yam office at (954) 928- 0410 or email info@templebatyam.org

November’s Ask the Rabbi

October 31st, 2011 by mfruchter

Question: I am a Jew by choice, do I say kaddish and sit shiva when members of my family of origin die?

Answer: As usual the answer is not simple.  Most traditional sources view the process of conversion as a process of rebirth, where the conversion candidate is reborn with new parents when the conversion is complete.  The new name adopted by the convert reflects this as they are known by “(their name) son or daughter of Abraham and Sarah.”  Following this train of thought, a Jew by Choice (our preferred term for one who has chosen to be Jewish though not born Jewish) would be divorced from all the members of their family of origin.  Since their relationship was dissolved, there is no obligation to observe any of the familial responsibilities commanded by our tradition.

However, contemporary Jewish thought, and in particular progressive Jewish thought, tends to incorporate the influence our prevailing culture and thought.  The development of the study of psychology has had great influence on contemporary Jewish thought.  Today, many progressive and especially Reform rabbis believe that our personalities are the result of genetics and a lifetime of experiences.  Many of our formative experiences are those we have with our families of origin, making our families of origin an integral part of who we are.  The traditional notion that we can divorce ourselves from our families of origin is no longer thought to be psychologically possible.

One repercussion of our new understanding is that many rabbis, me included, name our Jews by choice “(their name) son or daughter of Israel” acknowledging the ongoing relationship that they share with their families of origin which is not severed when they are reborn into the people known as the Children of Israel.  As a result, we are faced with a new situation, Jewish children of non-Jewish families.

Jewish mourning rituals traditionally begin after the deceased has been buried.  At this time, the rituals and tradition seem to change their focus of concern from the deceased to the survivors.  As a result, we are now concerned with the Jewish child.  Therefore, if sitting Shiva, reciting kaddish, and observing all of the mourning rituals of our tradition will be helpful to promote a healthy grieving process then there is nothing that would prohibit the Jew by choice from following them.  It may even be that observing them would be fulfilling the commandments.

David A. Spey