Rabbi Maurice Harris, Associate Director for Thriving Communities at Reconstructing Judaism, will lead an enriching weekend of study and discussion. He is joining us from Reconstructing Judaism to reach out to our members and teach about contemporary issues in Jewish community.

Saturday, December 7, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Torah study: “Jacob and Our Evolving Jewish Understanding of Family”
Please contact the office for the location.

Rabbi Maurice will explore Parashat Vayeitzei, leading a discussion in which we attempt to define what constituted a family in the world of the Bible by looking at the life of our ancestor, Jacob. We'll then explore connections to other parts of the Hebrew Bible and reflect on the values and ideals in our ancient sacred writings, specifically in regards to family, love, and social change in our times.

Following Torah study we will gather for lunch. We will provide the bagels and coffee. Please bring a vegetarian side dish to share.

Saturday, December 7, 7:00 p.m.
Havdalah Program: “The Hero Nobody Expected”
First Unitarian Society, Gaebler Living Room.

Join us for an intergenerational program led by Rabbi Maurice (appropriate for school aged children, teens, and adults of all ages). We’ll sing, do Havdalah, and Rabbi Maurice will share some stories and teachings. Please bring a dessert or snack to share.

Sunday, December 8, 9:50 a.m.
Adult Discussion: Reconstructionism Today: Successes, Challenges, and Contradictions
RISE, 2120 Fordem Avenue

Rabbi Maurice will offer a sketch of what's happening across the Reconstructionist movement, sharing new developments, trends, and ongoing projects. He specifically wishes to hear from our members about what's important to them and their thoughts on the movement; we encourage all our members to join us.

Ordained by the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College in 2003, Rabbi Maurice served as Associate Rabbi and Head of School at Temple Beth Israel in Eugene, Oregon, from 2003-2011. He is the author of The Forgotten Sage, Moses: A Stranger Among Us, and Leviticus: You Have No Idea.