MJCBY to Host Scholar in Residence, Fri., Dec. 8, Sat., Dec. 9

Rabbi Sid Schwarz, noted educator, spiritual leader and author, named by Newsweek as one of America’s 50 most influential rabbis, will be Morristown Jewish Center Beit Yisrael’s Scholar in Residence (SIR) Friday night and Saturday, December 8 and 9. The public is invited to attend the weekend’s programs, which are designed to stimulate Commentary and Conversation on Judaism in the 21st Century: Challenges and Opportunities.

The SIR weekend begins Friday, Dec. 8, 7 p.m., with the first of Rabbi Schwarz’s lectures: Jewish Megatrends Charting the Course of the American Jewish Future, followed by Shabbat services at 8:15 p.m. In his talk, Rabbi Schwarz will identify the social trends challenging today’s Jewish institutions and offer a formula that can lead to a Jewish Renaissance.

Saturday morning, services will begin at 9:30, followed promptly at 10:30 by Rabbi Schwarz’s singular presentation: Davening Out of the Box, “a prayer experience unlike any other.” Through discussion, song, movement and sharing, participants, young and old, will gain a new appreciation for the Shabbat liturgy and the transformative power of prayer.

A festive Kiddush will follow.

At 1 p.m., Rabbi Schwarz will lead a study of rabbinic sources on the keva and kevannah – fixed liturgy vs. spiritually spontaneous prayer – and facilitate a discussion on the morning davening experience.

“We are especially excited about this year’s Scholar in Residence weekend,” noted MJCBY Co-Presidents Jeremy Diringer and Steve Gardberg. “Rabbi Schwarz is an ideal speaker to catalyze our thinking about Judaism from both a broader community and a personal perspective.

“On Friday night, we will be eager to learn Rabbi Schwarz’s thoughts on creating a Jewish Renaissance, and on Saturday, whether you’re a regular at Shabbat services or are unsure of what’s going on, Davening Out of the Box is sure to add new meaning to one’s Shabbat experience.”

Rabbi Schwarz founded and for the past 21 years has led PANIM: The Institute for Jewish Leadership and Values. He is the founding rabbi of Adat Shalom Reconstructionist Congregation in Bethesda, MD. As an emeritus rabbi, he continues to teach and lead services at the congregation.

He created and directs the Clergy Leadership Incubator (CLI), a program that trains rabbis to be visionary spiritual leaders, and also created and directs the Kenissa: Communities of Meaning Network, which is growing spiritual communities across the country.

Rabbi Schwarz holds a Ph.D. in Jewish History and is the author of two ground-breaking books: Finding a Spiritual Home: How a New Generation of Jews Can Transform the American Synagogue and Judaism, and Justice: The Jewish Passion to Repair the World. His latest book is Jewish Megatrends Charting the Course of the American Jewish Future.

There is no charge to attend Rabbi Schwarz’s lectures and Shabbat services. However, there is a charge for the Friday evening Shabbat dinner and a Benefactors’ and Patrons’ reception Saturday evening, at which Rabbi Schwarz will discuss Israel: Between Conscience and Solidarity. For further information on these special events or the SIR weekend in general, contact Peppi Glass at 973-538-7960 or via e-mail: peppiglass@aol.com.