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Mitzvot
This year, we will follow the theme of Mitzvot:
"From Moses (of the Torah) to Moses (Maimonides) there was none like Moses (Greater Teachers)," as declared by a
popular Jewish expression of the Middle Ages.
Moses had given us the commandments, the mitzvot to follow, but it took the ingenuity of a twelfth- century
sage, Rabbi Moses ben Maimon (Maimonides), to systematically codify the 613 Mitzvot of the Torah into
the Mishna Torah, the book of commandments. The question is: what is the difference between a mitzvah
and a commandment? A Mitzvah ("Good Deed") is a voluntary act; "Commandments" implies an obligatory
act. The Talmud teaches us that if one follows the obligatory acts in a consistent manner, the voluntary
"Good Deeds" will follow. As it is said: "Mitzvah goreret Mitzvah" - one good deed grows to encompass
the entire community.
Today we practice fewer than 300 of the mitzvot. This upcoming year let us focus and study in depth
some of the mitzvot through lectures, exhibits, concerts, Shabbatonim, festivals celebrations and acts of
lovingkindness. Let us learn from fine contemporary teachers, and follow in the footsteps of Moses and
Maimonides.
This theme is tied to the Mitzvah Intiative put forth by
Arnold M. Eisen, Chancellor of the Jewish Theological Seminary,
The Program Committee has been working diligently in planning
for the calendar year 2008-2009. From S’lichot night on, all
throughout the year, we will feature lectures, films, concerts and culture events.
On the Same Page -
A TBS/SAJES Event
 On The Same Page is a unique
opportunity for the Long
Island Jewish community to
come together to explore
meaningful topics. Sponsored
by SAJES, hundreds of adults
in communities throughout
Long Island read the same book at the same time
and participate in a variety of creative and educational
programs in different settings and formats.
The 2008 book is Coming Together, Coming Apart by
Daniel Gordis. Gordis’ memoir depicts a vivid portrayal
of life in Israel. Having made aliyah in 1998, with then
small children, Gordis shares aspects of a typical Israeli
life with family, friends and colleagues that might be
considered anything but normal. Through his eyes,
Israel is set apart from other places; to quote him: "Israel
is a place where life goes through you".
Temple Beth Sholom is proud to be a co-sponsor of
the On The Same Page mega-event hosting the book’s
author, Daniel Gordis. This is a rare chance to hear
insights from a fantastic speaker, teacher and writer.
Monday, October 27, 2008 7:15pm
Eyes Wide Open
TBS Screening with Producer Jonathan Lopatin
Monday, November 17, 2008
Every year, thousands of American Jews visit Israel.
Some come to see the sites, some go off the beaten
track, and some do things they never would have
imagined. But everyone who comes makes a personal
journey. What is the relationship of American Jews
to Israel? What is your relationship to Israel? How do
you navigate that relationship? This film will provoke
discussion and enable us to think about these
questions in our own lives. Link to website
Praying with Lior
An engrossing, wrenching, and tender documentary
film, PRAYING WITH LIOR introduces Lior Liebling, also
called "the little rebbe." Lior has Down syndrome, and
has spent his entire life praying with utter abandon.
Is he a "spiritual genius" as many around him say? Or
simply the vessel that contains everyone’s unfulfilled
wishes and expectations? While everyone agrees Lior
is closer to God, he’s also a burden, a best friend, an
inspiration, and an embarrassment, depending on
which family member is speaking. The movie poses
difficult questions such as what is "disability" and who
really talks to God? Told with intimacy and humor,
PRAYING WITH LIOR is a family story, a triumph story, a
grief story, a divinely-inspired story. Link to website
TBS Screening Monday, December 22, 2008
TBS Shabbaton with
Ron Wolfson
Join the TBS community
for a Shabbat filled with
programming, food (of course!),
great learning, and great fun. A
community Shabbaton is the
perfect occasion to:
- Study and learn together
- Ask questions and ponder ideas
- Experience a traditional Shabbat Dinner
- Enjoy Jewish songs and music
- Participate in services
- Learn from our Scholar-in-Residence
 Ron Wolfson is a visionary Jewish educator whose
enthusiasm for bringing Judaism alive in homes
and synagogues has shaped his work in the
community. Over the years, he has visited hundreds
of synagogues across North America as a consultant,
teacher, and scholar-in-residence widely recognized
for his passionate, insightful, and often humorous
presentations. Join the TBS community for a unique
opportunity to spend Shabbat with one of North
America’s most pre-eminent Jewish educators.
Friday, May 15, 2009 - Saturday, May 16, 2009
* The Shabbaton with Ron Wolfson is supported by a grant from
the Legacy Heritage Innovation Project of Legacy Heritage
Programming, an affiliate of the Legacy Heritage Fund for the Moreh Derech Beth Shalom Project.
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