Committees/Interfaith & Outreach

Sponsored by the merkin outreach institute   Committee Contacts

Events

Classes


 

Interfaith "Building Bridges" Trip to Ecuador
Please join us on our 10th annual humanitarian trip that is sure to be a life changing experience.

Be part of this yearly effort to provide an ongoing program of education, medical care and service to this third world community.

Your presence conveys a strong message that people around the world, from a variety of backgrounds and spiritual orientations, care about those in economic poverty. Singles, couples, and families are all welcome to immerse themselves in a unique way of Tikkun Olam.Join us June 28-July 7th.

Space is limited and deposits are required by the end of this month. Trip cost is $2,350/person and includes airfare, lodging, food, and one day of sightseeing.

For further information contact Kelly Gaines (704) 641-7775 kelly@personalnetgaines.com.

Get Ready for Wildacres!

The Wildacres tradition begins August 29th so reserve the date! Wildacres is our annual temple retreat in the mountains of North Carolina. It is a time of spiritual connection and relaxation, of making new friends and spending time with family.

Whether experiencing Shabbats ervices overlooking a mountain vista, hiking in the woods under waterfalls, participating in meaningful and relevant programs, or eating a lot, you will make memories that will last you a lifetime. If you are interested in going to Wildacres this year, please let us know in advance by contacting Stephanie DiPaolo at 704-749-3051 or sdipaolo@beth-el.com.

Our theme this year is Eat, Pray, Love! Look for detailed information to be sent to your home in the early summer.


Conversion Program Website Coming

A new Merkin Outreach Institute conversion website is under construction for to those who are considering or who are becoming "Jews by choice." There are many who have gone before you and want to make your journey as easy as possible. Making a decision to convert to Judaism is a very personal commitment. We hope your journey is a meaningful one and that this site will be helpful in the steps ahead of you. The clergy of Temple Beth El welcome you with open arms as do your classmates.


CLASSES

FIJI (Finding Inner Jewish Identity):
Meets Saturday mornings 9:30-10:30 am
in the Luski Lobby.

Please contact Stephanie DiPaolo at 704-749-3051 or
sdipaolo@beth-el.com for more information on this ongoing class, or any questions about conversion


MOJO CLASS
Making Our Judaism Official

2nd Sunday of the month
9:30-10:30 am

Get your MOJO working! Isn’t it time you did? This class is designed for people who have been living a Jewish life for a long time, and/or those who have raised, or are raising Jewish children, but have not yet converted. Class will meet monthly, beginning January 8, 2006,and the curriculum will span 12-18 months. Philosophy, Theology, Text, History, Death and other topics will be covered. There is no fee for the class, only the cost of the books. For more information or to join, please contact Stephanie DiPaolo at 704-749-3051 or
sdipaolo@beth-el.com
 


Hebrew 101
This 10-week course is for adults who are new to Hebrew. It is designed to give students a mastery of the Aleph Bet, consonants and vowels.

Students will learn to approach the Hebrew language through modern and biblical words, learning Hebrew sentences and connecting them to prayers and familiar concepts.


Time: 7:00 pm-8:00 pm
Winter Session: Feb. 6, 13, 20, 27, March 5, 12, 19, 26, April 2 and 9, 2008

$85/person $125/couple
To register, please call 704-749-3051


HEBREW 102
Taught by one of our most knowledgeable teachers, you will expand your vocabulary, learn to put words and sentences together and begin conversations. Hebrew 101 or an equivalent course is required.

Spring Session: May 28, June4, 11, 18, 25, July 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30, 2008

Time: 8:00 pm-9:00 pm

Cost: $55/person/$105 couple ($65/115 non-members)

To register, please call 704-749-3051 or
sdipaolo@beth-el.com


 

A Taste of Judaism …Are You Curious?
Three classes exploring or re-exploring the foundations of Jewish tradition for those who may want to reconnect or who may be searching for an entrée into Jewish life.

The course covers the Jewish perspective on spirituality, values and community. Our clergy will use traditional and modern Jewish texts to discuss the ways that Judaism addresses issues in our personal and professional lives.

Do you have friends who have asked you questions about Judaism? Do you know any unaffiliated Jews or interfaith families who want an easy-access introduction to Jewish life?

Tell them about this special program given in three weekly sessions and designed for beginners, Jewish or not.

Welcome the unaffiliated into our congregation
Invite them to learn about Jewish spirituality, Jewish values and Jewish community.

Admission is FREE.   
Times: 7:00 pm-9:00 pm
Summer Session: May 7, 14, & 21

For information and to register, contact
704-749-3051 or
sdipaolo@beth-el.com

 Register online 


Introduction to Judaism

This course is designed to give a basic understanding of Judaism — its beliefs, values and practices.

Topics include: Fundamental Jewish Beliefs, Jewish History, Jewish Holidays, Lifecycle, Liturgy, Sacred Texts, The Commandments, Israel, Philosophy and Judaism and Christianity. This 8-week class will delve deeply into these fundamentals of Judaism.

Times: 8:00 pm-9:00 pm
Summer Session:
May. 28, June 4, 11, 18, 25, July 2, 9, 16

Cost: $65 per person/$115 per couple ($75/125  non-members). All are welcome.

For more information or to register, please contact Stephanie DiPaolo, Interfaith & Outreach Coordinator at 704-749-3051 or
sdipaolo@beth-el.com

Register online


The Interfaith and Outreach Committee of Temple Beth El supports the large numbers of interfaith families and Jews-by-choice within our community, and affirms the important role they play in Temple life.

Our philosophy of inclusion and self-determination reflects the philosophy of our Temple and the Reform movement. Every individual and every family has to find their own path to, and definition of a religious life. At this Temple, you will find others who are also finding their own way.

For more information:
Stephanie DiPaolo, Coordinator 704-749-3051
Chris & Tracey Totten, Committee Co-chairs

2006 Interfaith & Outreach Committee
Beth Daniels
Micah Ben-Yehuda
Faylinda Lindner
Karen Knox
Laura Stein
Sheryl Marx
 


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