We are living in a unique era in Jewish history. Two vibrant, powerful Jewish communities—one in Israel, and the other in the United States—are contributing to and defining the content and future of Jewish life.

In Israel, this life is developing in the context of a sovereign Jewish state that boasts a Jewish majority. The issues Israel faces are almost unprecedented. How does a sovereign state respond to the challenge of power? How do values and traditions developed in a period of powerlessness stand up in light of a new reality?

At the same time, a feeling of disenchantment and disinterest toward Israel grows among an ever-increasing number of Jews worldwide. Can we develop a new narrative that will recast the relationship between our two communities, moving it from a crisis- and survival-based focus to one rooted in Jewish values and ideas?

The Engaging Israel project, created by the Shalom Hartman Institute in Jerusalem, is an attempt to address these profound questions in a deep and meaningful way. Led by a team of internationally renowned scholars in the fields of Jewish studies, Middle East politics, and history, the Engaging Israel project is being offered in the Washington area for the first time this fall at Temple Shalom, in partnership with the Foundation for Jewish Studies.

Through video presentations, text study, traditional teaching and partnered exploration (chevruta-style learning), we will examine core questions pertaining to the necessity and significance of the Jewish national enterprise; how a Jewish state should exercise power; why a Jew who lives outside of Israel should care about Israel; and what the State of Israel can offer the world.

Engaging Israel brings together a team of world-leading scholars and public intellectuals who specialize in areas such as Jewish thought, political theory, and international law, and who are leading forces in rethinking the meanings and significance of Zionism and Israel and communicating these ideas to Jews worldwide.

We come together for Tuesday evening sessions, beginning in the Fall, in what promises to be one of the most powerful and important Adult Education opportunities ever offered at our congregation.

Engaging Israel: Foundations for a New Relationship
(A Project of the Shalom Hartman Institute)
Co-sponsored by Temple Shalom and the Foundation for Jewish Studies
Dates: Tuesday Evenings, October 18 and 25, November 1, 8 and 15, December 6, 13 and 20, 2011; January 3, 10 and 17, February 7, 14, 21 and 28, March 6, 13 and 27 and April 3, 2012,
Time: 7:30-9:30 PM
Cost: $180 for members of Temple Shalom and/or the Foundation for Jewish Studies; $210 for all others
To register or for further information contact Rabbi Michael Feshbach at 301-587-2273 or rabbifeshbach@templesnhalom.net.

Our program includes weekday brown-bag lunch Bible study; book groups; classes in religious studies and rabbinic texts; opportunities to learn Hebrew; and topics of contemporary interest developed at members' requests and inspired by current events. Recent programs have included workshops for interfaith couples, Jewish identity at mid-life, Jewish meditation, a weekly Talmud study group, and music of the High Holidays, as well as courses offered at Leisure World, the JCC and in downtown Washington D.C. through the Foundation for Jewish Studies. Classes are taught by our professional staff, lay leaders, and scholars-in-residence.

A pre-High Holy Day exploration of the themes, sounds and traditions of the Days of Awe, meant to make for a more meaningful Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur season for all participants.

Explorations in Elul: Preparing Your Heart for the High Holy Days
A Thursday Brown-Bag Lunch Series, taught by Rabbi Michael Feshbach, Cantor Lisa Levine and Rabbi Rachel Ackerman
When:Thursday afternoons, September 1, 8, 15 and 22, 2011
Time:12 Noon-1 PM; bring a lunch if you would like.
Cost: No charge.

For over a decade, members of Temple Shalom and friends and guests who have joined them have come together on Thursday afternoons to read through the Hebrew Bible. We have finished the Torah, worked through the Prophets, studied Psalms and, last year, tackled the Book of Job. Now we stand ready to dive into possibly the single most mysterious book in the entire Bible, the erotic and exotic love poetry found in the Song of Songs. Drop by for a single session or come for the entire year; no previous experience in Bible study is needed to benefit by exploring this amazing book, beloved of artists, lyricists and lovers throughout the ages.

Reading the Writings: Shir HaShirim
A Thursday Brown-Bag Lunch Series, taught by Rabbi Michael Feshbach and Others
When:Thursday afternoons, November 3, 10 and 17, December 1, 8 and 22, 2011; January 5, 12 and 19, February 9, 16 and 23, March 1, 8, 15 and 29, April 5, 19 and 26 and May 3, 10, 17 and 24, 2012.
Time:12 Noon – 1 PM, bring a lunch if you would like.
Cost: No charge