Scholar-In-Residence on Making Prayer More User-Friendly

In an effort to make Jewish liturgy more understandable and meaningful, First Hebrew has invited Jewish educator and Professor of Mathematics Joseph Rosenstein to spend the weekend of November 15 discussing Judaism and answering questions at multiple free events. Regardless of a person’s faith or degree of observance “Liturgy and Laypeople with Joe Rosenstein” offers unexpected insights into prayer.

“People often have obstacles to meaningful prayer experiences,” said Mr. Rosenstein, “and my goal is to help people address those obstacles.”

Mr. Rosenstein is the author of the “Eit Ratzon” Jewish prayer book recently added to services at First Hebrew Congregation. Spiritual seekers will find new translations and commentaries on traditional Hebrew text to help them make more personal connections to prayer. According to Rosenstein, “Eit Ratzon,” which means the right time for prayer, is actually anytime.

First Hebrew’s Rabbi Dana z. Bogatz likens it to a layman’s guide to prayer, making liturgy more user-friendly. It is based on Rosenstein’s 50 years as an educator, at synagogues and conferences as well as in the Mathematics Department at Rutgers University. Rabbi Dana, as she likes to be called, describes his knowledge of liturgy and other Jewish topics as “soul deep,” and his educational style as “moving, inspiring and enlightening.”

Several events have been arranged to get the most from this “Scholar-In-Residence” program. On November 15, Rosenstein will discuss the making of his prayer book during First Hebrew’s new Speaker Series, held on the third Friday of each month at 7:30 p.m. During the morning of Novetmber16, starting at 9:30 a.m., meditations and teaching will be woven throughout the Shabbat service. At 10 a.m. on Sunday, November 17, he will be teaching about The Psalms of Hallel, which are life affirming celebratory songs of praise, joy and gratitude sung on certain holidays.

First Hebrew has been inspiring pride in Jewish heritage for over 125 years. Located on the border of Cortlandt and Peekskill, at 1821 Main St., Route 6, First Hebrew serves the Jewish and interfaith communities in many of its surrounding towns. Visit www.firsthebrew.org, call 914-739-0500, or contact Rabbi Dana at rabbi@firsthbrew.org.