Lech L'Cha V'Yism'chu
Sukkot "The Time of Our Joy"
Throughout the 2007-08 year, members of our congregation are traveling the path of Jewish self-discovery through an innovative and experimental project called Lech Lecha V’Yismechu.
Our stepping stones are Shabbat and the Shelosh Regalim (three pilgrimage holidays): Sukkot, Pesach and Shavuot. We are using these holidays as opportunities for intergenerational worship, learning alongside fellow spiritual seekers of all ages, helping to repair the world (tikkun olam), and just plain having fun. Together, we are exploring the meaning and value of Jewish time and Jewish celebration in today’s world.
Through Lech Lecha V’Yismechu, Shaarai Shomayim is part of the international Legacy Heritage Innovation Project. We belong to a select group of 35 congregations in the United States and Israel receiving grants for programs designed to lead to systemic change.
We invite you to visit our photo galleries from time to time throughout the year to see our project in action.
Programs:
What's a Chug Limmud?
Chug (pronounced "choog") Limmud is Hebrew for Learning Circle -- a term commonly used in schools for groups that discuss books or chapters of books, poetry, articles, and other materials. As part of the Lech Lecha v'Yism'chu project, we are kicking off a Shabbat-centered Chug Limmud series that will continue once a month on Shabbat throughout the winter months. Emily Ritholz (a reading specialist in real life) and I will model an intergenerational Chug Limmud. After that, you'll be able to choose your own materials for future sessions, if you wish.
How does Chug Limmud differ from other book discussions or Jewish growth opportunities?
Chug Limmud is different in several ways: first, Chug Limmud is structured to maximize inclusion by people of all ages, children and adults; second, in our Chug Limmud, you, the participants, will choose your own materials based on your own interests; finally, and this is the only rule, Chug Limmud is designed to be held sometime during Shabbat, preferably rotating to several different homes and beginning or concluding with a ritual, both to enhance the observance of Shabbat and to foster a sense of Shabbat-centered community.
What if I'm not in the Lech Lecha project... can I still attend the Chug Limmud sessions?
Yes! Lech Lecha activities -- like the soup-making and Sukkah hopping several weeks ago -- are open to EVERYONE in our congregation. No prior knowledge necessary.
* Synaplex(TM) is a network of synagogues offering relevant, inspirational, and signifant Shabbat-centered programs.
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