Congregation Beth Israel to Host Scholar-in-Residence Weekend

Congregation Beth Israel (CBI) in Scotch Plains will hold a Scholar-In-Residence Shabbat program from Friday, January 10 through Sunday, January 13, featuring Rabbi Bradley Shavit Artson of the American Jewish University in Los Angeles. This weekend of learning is open to the community, with most of the events offered for free.

Rabbi Artson holds the Abner and Roslyn Goldstine Dean’s Chair of the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies and is Vice President of American Jewish University in Los Angeles. He is a passionate advocate for social justice, human dignity, diversity and inclusion. A member of the Philosophy Department, he is particularly interested in theology, ethics, and the integration of science and religion. A frequent contributor for the Times of Israel, and a Contributing Writer for the Jewish Journal of Greater Los Angeles, Rabbi Artson is the author of twelve books and more than 250 articles. His most recent publication is “Renewing the Process of Creation: A Jewish Integration of Science and Spirit.”

“We are so excited to host Rabbi Artson, Dean of the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies, where I attended. Rabbi Artson is a fantastic teacher and speaker and is truly one of the most influential people in shaping the rabbi I am today,” said Rabbi Howard Tilman of Congregation Beth Israel.

The Scholar-in-Residence weekend begins on Friday night, January 10. Shabbat services will start that evening at 6 PM. During Friday night services, Rabbi Artson will deliver the d’var Torah, lending insight into the weekly Torah portion. A traditional Shabbat dinner will follow at 7 PM in the synagogue’s social hall. After dinner, at 8 PM, Rabbi Artson will present a lecture entitled, “Bound to Israel: Why Do We Care?” In light of recent events in the Middle East and a rise in antisemitism, Rabbi Artson will discuss why American Jews continue to maintain a strong connection with Israel. A complimentary Oneg Shabbat dessert reception will follow Friday night’s lecture.

On Saturday, January 11, Shabbat morning services will start at 9:30 AM. Rabbi Artson will once again give a d’var Torah during services. A complimentary kiddush lunch will follow services at 11:45 AM. At 12:30 PM, Rabbi Artson will lead a study session on the topic, “Almighty? No Way! Embracing the God We Actually Love.” The discussion will focus on replacing beliefs in a powerful God who doles out rewards and punishments from the sky with a more modern conception of God that focuses on the oneness of the universe and a mindfulness that lures us toward greater goodness.

The Scholar-in-Residence weekend will wrap up on Sunday, January 12, with a “Brunch and Learn” at 11 AM. The topic will be “Love Your Neighbor: Inclusion as the Core Jewish Value.” Rabbi Artson will share insights and stories about life with his autistic son, conveying renewed hope for a world that celebrates and embraces everyone.

While most of the Scholar-in-Residence weekend is free to attend, registration is required for all events. To register online, go to cbinj.org/event/artsonshabbat25. Friday night dinner costs $20 per adult (13+) and $10 per child (2-12). Children under 2 are free. Sunday’s brunch costs $10 per person.

For more information, call the synagogue office at 908-889-1830. Congregation Beth Israel is located at 18 Shalom Way, Scotch Plains, NJ (corner of Martine Avenue).