TSTI invites public to delve into Jewish history and culture

SOUTH ORANGE, NJ — Temple Sharey Tefilo-Israel, a Reform synagogue in South Orange, invites the public to learn about Judaism in November. The programs are as follows:

• The Introduction to Judaism course begins on Wednesday, Nov. 9; classes will run from 7 to 9 p.m. and will be taught by Rabbi Alexandra Klein and Cantor Rebecca Moses of TSTI in coordination with rabbis Renee Edelman and Josh Stanton. The 16-week program is designed for individuals and couples from Jewish or other faith backgrounds. Classes will explore Jewish holidays and lifecycle ceremonies, Jewish liturgy and texts, and Jewish values, symbols and traditions. The curriculum is ideal for those who are part of a Jewish family, are considering conversion to Judaism or wish to gain a deeper understanding of Jewish life. Tuition is charged. To register, contact Cantor Caitlin Bromberg atcbromberg@urj.org or go to www.reformjudaism.org/intronj.
• TSTI, in partnership with AIPAC and other area synagogues, will host an evening with Rabbi Donniel Hartman at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 9; he will discuss “Judaism in the 21st Century.” Hartman is president of the Shalom Hartman Institute, author of “Putting God Second: How to Save Religion from Itself,” and a prominent essayist, blogger and lecturer about Israeli politics, policy, Judaism and the Jewish community. For security purposes, register with AIPAC for this event by sending an email to jkelly@aipac.org or visiting http://tinyurl.com/gtug8z6.
• On Sunday, Nov. 20, TSTI’s Adult Education Committee and Women’s Connection will host a film screening and discussion at 7 p.m. with the director of “The Sturgeon Queens,” a documentary about the famed Lower East Side emporium, Russ & Daughters. The film introduces viewers to 100-year-old Hattie and 92-year-old Anne, the two original daughters, and traces four generations of the Russ family, from patriarch, founder and Austro-Hungarian immigrant Joel Russ to his great-grandchildren who run the store today. The iconic establishment, founded in 1914 on Houston Street, is a destination for shoppers seeking smoked fish and other traditional European Jewish delicacies. Director, producer, and writer Julie Cohen will lead a discussion immediately following the film, and attendees will enjoy light refreshments specially brought that evening from Russ & Daughters. The event is free for TSTI members and charged for non-members. Register by Nov. 16 at https://www.tsti.org/calendar/adult-education-film-the-sturgeon-queens.

Temple Sharey Tefilo-Israel is located at 432 Scotland Road in South Orange. For more information, visit www.tsti.org.

  Temple Sharey Tefilo-Israel