MOVEABLE MINYAN - Nurturing Jewish Spirituality

And last but not least -- a 5th and final idea!

2010-11-04T21:45:00.000-07:00

Just to confuse things - let me offer a fifth choice.
If we want to keep our study bible based, I could announce a section of the bible each month and we could discuss, debate, ponder, write midrash, modernize, or just plain explore the text. I am sure we could generate some lively discussion.

THE RED TENT GROUP - 4 OF 4 CHOICES FOR 2011 STUDY SERIES

2010-11-04T12:09:00.000-07:00

The Triumph of Eve and Other Subversive Bible Tales by Matt Biers-Ariel.

The topics are:
The Triumph of Eve
Cain's Co-Defendant
Noah's Cracked Rainbow
The Trickster Transformed
Joseph's School
God's Stutterer
Uncorked Perfume
The Last Lesson
The Suicide Bomber
The Second Sling

You would need to purchase this paperback. From the preface:
The Triumph of Eve and Other Subversive Bible Tales is a collection of Stories - some whimsical, some serious -- that start from a close reading of the original text and its commentaries. Sometimes they attempt to resolve the ambiguity of the Bible. Sometimes they try to shed light on a part of a story that is often overlooked. Either way, these stories challenge several of the monolithic understandings and teachings of the Bible. They ask the reader to grapple with questions and insights that are often hidden in the original text. Examples include:

Can the tension between justice and mercy be resolved?
How can knowledge of one's death be life-affirming?
What makes someone become a suicide bomber?
Why does a physical disability often bring strength/
What is the essential nature of the human being?

THE RED TENT GROUP - 3 OF 4 CHOICES FOR 2011 STUDY SERIES

2010-11-04T11:59:00.000-07:00

We could study the practice of Kabbalah -- not the esoteric nature of it, but how to incorporate the Kabbalistic energy into our various religious practices. Kabbalah is about Oneness and what unites us rather than what separates us.

The topics we would study, using the Tree of Life as a guide, would be:
Body perceptions
Ego, Self-image, and stability
Communication, thinking and receiving
Emotional Self Mastery
Self/Soul, Harmony, and Higher Consciousness
Self Discipline and Boundaries
Forgiveness and unconditional love
Discernment, vision and repentance
Prophecy and Revelation
Oneness, Will, Humility and Selflessness

You would need to purchase the paperback by Penny Cohen: Personal Kabbalah.

from the blurb: "Learn about the hidden teachings of the Kabbalah using this practical workbook, which takes and inclusive, universal perspective and is designed for people of all faiths. Accessible explanations, exercises and meditations can help you experience the love, joy, and harmony within yourself and live in a way that brings these same attributes to others."

THE RED TENT GROUP - 2 OF 4 CHOICES FOR 2011 STUDY SERIES

2010-11-01T11:58:00.000-07:00

I am posting 4 very different, yet equally interesting books or discussion topics for our 2011 series. Here is the second:

2. ReVisions, Seeing Torah Through a Feminist Lens by Rabbi Elyse Goldstein.

Here are some of the topics:
Women in the Torah:
Power and Powerlessness
Male and Female Were They Created: Eve, Lilith and the Snake
Leah and Rachel: A Study in Relationship

Blood and Water: the Stuff of Life
Blood and Its Symbolism in the Torah
Laws pertaining to Menstruation
A Jewish Feminist Reexamination of Menstruation
Laws of Circumcision
Women and Water in the Torah

God, Goddess, Gender and The Torah
Searching for the Female Spirit in the Torah
Female Imagery and Paganism
The Place of the Goddess and Shekhinah in Judaism
God Language

You will need to purchase this paperback book for the class.
from the blurb: "I use the title ReVisions for this book because I want readers both to revise -- in the classic definition of reexamine and alter - and to see the text anew, to have a new vision, a "revision" of Torah...It begins with the notion that women see the text differently than men do, ask different questions and bring different answers...This book is not about rewriting the Torah. It is about rereading it."

THE RED TENT GROUP - 1 OF 4 CHOICES FOR 2011 STUDY SERIES

2010-11-01T11:51:00.000-07:00

I am presenting you with four varying options for our upcoming studies together -- review all four and then vote for the one you like best.

1. Jewish Magic and Superstition, a Study in Folk Religion by Joshua Trachtenberg - book now available by Forgotten Books for purchase at a reasonable price or free online. Here are some of the topics:

The Legend of Jewish Sorcery
The Powers of Evil
Man and The Demons
The Spirits of the Dead
The Powers of Good
The Bible in Magic
Amulets
Medicine
Dreams

Even though this book is titled, "Jewish Magic," folk magic was common in all peoples at this time and all faiths will find this discussion of ancient practices interesting. We can see where some of our rituals and beliefs originate.

For this choice, you should get a copy of this book.

Celebrate Shabbat in St. Pete

2010-04-15T11:05:00.001-07:00

Rabbi Shulamit and I will be hosting a Shabbat pot luck dinner and service to celebrate Shabbat on the first Friday in June: June4th at 6:30.

Are you interested?
Bring friends and family and a yummy vegetarian dish to share.

Contact me at NatureRabbi@gmail.com if you are interested.

Celebrate Shabbat in Venice/Sarasota

2010-04-15T11:01:00.000-07:00

Dr. Rachel Dulin, my bible teacher and the author of the incredible: Alive, Unabashed and Passionate, Women of the Bible, and I are looking to conduct Shabbat Services in the Venice/Sarasota area beginning in June.

We envision a family/friend style Shabbat pot luck dinner, candles, service, singing and a lively Torah commentary and discussion.

If you would like to be a part of this gathering to celebrate the joy of Shabbat - alive, unabashed and passionate -- let me know at: NatureRabbi@gmail.com.

CLASSES IN VENICE

2010-02-28T10:48:00.000-08:00

Reb Ann will be teaching at The Venice Holistic Center at 251 Tamiami Trail, on the Island of Venice every other Friday.

In the month of March, she will be teaching Kabbalah Revealed at 1 p.m. on the 12th and the 26th.

The Red Tent Group South will meet at the Jewish Center of Venice on March 9th at 10 a.m. to study Ruth -- more details to follow.

Email Reb Ann at: NatureRabbi@gmail.com for details on her study groups.

Come Celebrate Purim and Havdalah!

2010-02-17T21:51:00.000-08:00

Join us on Saturday, February 27th for a Purim Pot Luck -- yes, if you really want to, you can wear a costume! We will meet at the home of Nature Rabbi Ann White at 5 p.m. and share the reading of the Scroll of Esther, enjoy getting to know our Spiritual Seeking neighbors, of course: eat; and then celebrate Havdalah together.

Bring friends, neighbors, spread the word.

UPCOMING CLASSES

Kabbalah with Reb Ann on Sunday, February 21st at 1 p.m.

Meditation with Reb Shulamit on Wednesday, February 24th at 7 p.m.

For questions and to RSVP:
Reb Ann at NatureRabbi@gmail.com

Reb Shulamit at Shulamit@dancingbearmail.com

THE LATEST CLASS SCHEDULE

2010-01-25T10:00:00.000-08:00

STUDY CHANTING AND JEWISH KIRTAN WITH REB SHULAMIT ON FEBRUARY 11, 2010 AT 7 p.m.

and/or

MEDITATION WITH REB SHULAMIT ON FEBRUARY 24, 2010 AT 7 p.m.

rsvp for these classes, or get more information by emailing her at: Shulamit@dancingbearmail.com

STUDY KABBALAH WITH REB ANN -- email her at NatureRabbi@gmail.com for information and sign up.

Donations from the heart appreciated

Upcoming Classes

2010-01-09T15:27:00.000-08:00

MEDITATION FOR EVERYONE

Are you a meditator? Would you like to be? Would you like to learn how to meditate and what it can do for your mind and body? Join us for a simple, joyful exploration and practice of the how, why, when, and where of meditation, including its connection to Judaism. We'll start with guided journeys into the silence, share our experiences, and learn to love this calming, centering practice.

All levels of experience welcome. First class is on Wednesday, January 27, 2010 at 7 p.m. Love offering appreciated.

Taught by Kate Shulamit Fagan, Rabbinic Chaplain

To register or obtain more information, contact Reb Shulamit at: Shulamit@dancingbearmail.com

January 9th -- Saturday Morning Shabbat Celebration

2009-12-27T14:20:00.001-08:00

Gather with us on Saturday Morning, January 9th at 10 a.m. to celebrate Shabbat with morning blessings, chanting, singing, brunch and torah discussion.

We begin at 10 a.m.

RSVP -- NatureRabbi@gmail.com
941-544-6687

January 5th - Kabbalah

2009-12-27T14:18:00.001-08:00

KABBALAH UNVEILED

ALL SPIRITUAL SEEKERS WELCOME
Join Reb Ann in learning how to incorporate the teachings of Kabbalah into your life to make your journey more spiritual and meaningful.

Class is at 7 p.m. on January 5th. Call to enroll.

Shabbat Morning -- December 19, 2009

2009-12-17T13:18:00.001-08:00

Join us for morning blessings, brunch and some torah study Saturday Morning, December 19, 2009 at 10 a.m. Call me for details: 941-544-6687. We welcome all spiritual seekers.