Limmud Seattle

Bringing together Mussar (Jewish practical ethics) and modern-day parenting advice, we will learn together how to bring Judaism into our homes as we parent and raise our families. Jewish values are for every day, and the best way to teach them in the home is to model them through our parenting. From birth to teens, we are our children's greatest Jewish teachers. We will study the middot (Jewish virtues) of humility, patience, generosity, and simplicity. We will take a special look at the Jewish holidays and how we can bring Jewish values into our homes and parenting through the cycle of the Jewish year.

The dreidel is recognized universally as a festive symbol of Hanukkah. It has become one of the most iconic images of Jewish culture. But how much do we really know about this humble Judaica object?

In our homes, opportunities to engage Jewishly are in every corner. From bedtime blessings to doorpost marking, we are more present to our days when we participate in Jewish rituals, new and ancient. At holiday time, beyond celebrating communally, the ways we bring Jewish festivities into our homes is invaluable. In this session, we'll use the upcoming holiday of the trees and nature, Tu B’Shevat, to demonstrate how it is possible to “do Jewish” at home. Experience the celebratory Sephardic practice of “Fruticas,” and join in breaking down perceived barriers to discover a wealth of resources—for Tu B’Shevat and beyond. All experience levels and backgrounds welcome!

In creating West Side Story, Leonard Bernstein transformed Romeo and Juliet, Shakespeare's story about chance and fate, into a story about choice and T'shuvah. In this presentation, Carl will show you how Leonard Bernstein used the musical modes of the S'lichot service (part of the High Holiday liturgy) to not only write the music but also infuse the score with Jewish concepts of S'lichot and T'shuvah, forgiveness and repentance.

Music has been one of the most effective conveyors of meaning and feeling throughout the history of human civilization. Engaging melodies bound to inspiring texts have transmitted transcendent values for generations. And text-based music within a worship context has elevated intellectual, emotional, and spiritual experiences for Jews and the synagogue. Join Rabbi Daniel Weiner and Cantorial Soloist Chava Mirel for an exploration of liturgical and contemporary songs that secure sacred stories for a needy future.

Did you know that most Torahs weigh only 15–25 lb—despite the common belief that the mitzvah of Hagbah can be performed only by the same 5 guys in their community? Leave this session able to: 1) handle a Torah scroll confidently and successfully; 2) understand the mitzvah’s history, customs, and spiritual meaning; and 3) answer, “Hineini…I am here,” when your Gabbai next asks, “Is there anybody who can do Hagbah?” All welcome, regardless of age or body strength. "You only need to be strong to do it wrong," so come enjoy the learning and lifting, and inspire yourselves and your congregations