Congregation Ner Shalom

Join me on Wednesday February 2nd for author night at the Aquarian Minyan. Details below.

Please join me at the Aquarian Minyan's author night on February 2, 7 pm for a lively book discussion. Details below.

https://www.nershalom.org//you-shall-not-go-empty-2021june6

An exploration of the lived experience of reconnecting with Judaism through engagement with Jewish mysticism, Jewish Renewal and Reconstructing Judaism. Traces our own journeys of leaving the exile of disconnection wrought by historical trauma to reconnection, from a Jungian, feminist and Jewish mystical perspective. Click for link to publisher's site with more info and 20% off discount. Beautiful cover art by our own Elaine Greenwood! https://www.routledge.com/.../Fershtman/p/book/9780367537135

Please join us for this beautiful, mystical, poetry-infused event with Rabbi Diane Elliot. The practice of counting the 49 days of the Omer connects the two great spring festivals of Passover (celebrating liberation) and Shavuot (commemorating the receiving of Torah). Over the centuries this ancient practice, which began in biblical times as a theurgic agricultural ritual, accreted layers of historical and mystical significance, becoming a powerful kabbalistic tool for spirit...ual transformation. In this workshop, Rabbi Diane will unpack the layers of this ancient practice, from its appearance in Torah through Hassidic and contemporary commentaries that speak to the spiritual essence and purpose of counting the Omer. She’ll read from her book "This Is the Day, Ha-Yom Yom," consisting of 49 poems composed on a daily basis during one year’s cycle of Omer counting, and she’ll teach the powerful chanting technique that inspired the writing of the poems. Come and experience the transformative potential of the Omer practice! No prior knowledge or experience necessary. https://shalomevents.ticketleap.com/this-is-the-day/

Other Together: Black Jewish Solidarity SUNDAY, MAY 23 2021 2:00 PM 3:30 PM In "Other Together," Rebecca Pierce explores the ways that racism and antisemitism are inherently linked, how these issues manifest in our communities, and how to navigate tensions created by a white supremacist system that pits marginalized people against each other.... Rebecca will discuss how white supremacy has historically impacted Jewish and Black communities in the United States, and how this has impacted their relationships with each other. She will use case studies from history to help illuminate the way "Black Jewish relations" have changed over time and impacted movements against antisemitism and racism. Finally she'll discuss that struggle Black and Jewish communities share in fighting US white supremacy today. Proudly co-sponsored by Workers Circle/Arbeter Ring of Northern California and Tzedek, the Social Justice Action Arm of Congregation Ner Shalom. Rebecca Pierce is a writer and filmmaker based in San Francisco, California. Her editorial writing and public speaking on racial justice issues affecting African American and Jewish communities has been featured by The Nation, The New Republic, Jewish Currents, The Forward, and NPR's All Things Considered. https://shalomevents.ticketleap.com//dates/May-23-2021_at_

For those interested in a Jungian perspective...

How does Jewish law apply to same sex marriage? How might it do better? Come join us as Rabbi Irwin Keller leads us through history and possibilities with "I will Go Where You Go: Same Sex Marriage and Jewish Law" on Sunday, April 25, noon to 2 Pacific. Let us not be Ruthless.... Here's a quick and easy way to register for Rabbi Irwin Keller's moving and innovative class on same-sex marriage and Jewish law on Sunday, April 25: https://shalomevents.ticketleap.com//dates/Apr-25-2021_at_

Bring your bodacious talents to our open mic sukkah Thursday night at 7! Sign up info below!

If you've signed up for Rosh Hashanah services tonight and haven't gotten your confirmation email, CHECK YOUR SPAM FOLDER! I've heard from some people that it landed there. L'shanah tovah!

From Reb Irwin: "You have made the human slightly less than angels." Which is, I'm sure, meant as a compliment. But just under the angels is a bummer of a spot to be in. Not high enough to really get the big picture we need and want. And not rooted in the earth enough to have the ways of knowing that other animals do, who do not have to try to figure out what is motivating them.

Where are we at in this epidemic, and what are the values and spiritual teachings that can carry us through? Join Reb Irwin in conversation with host Michael Lerner. https://tns.commonweal.org/events/irwin-keller/#.XscYzBNKjOQ

"Can I let go of my need for every moment of this terrible time to be productive or meaningful or insight-giving? What will it be like to let this time be: let it be its frustrating, tedious, anxious and sad self, without the pressure of having to be the source of global transformation or personal enlightenment?" Read Reb Irwin's weekly reflection on living through this pandemic.