March 04, 2008
Whether it’s Talmud or Bible or the intersection of science and Judaism, the 23rd annual Torathon at Congregation Beth Ohr in Old Bridge has a topic for anyone interested in exploring their Jewish heritage.
The March 8 adult education program will feature rabbis and Jewish leaders from across the denominational spectrum speaking on topics ranging from Jewish music to biblical verses.
“You will find all facets of Jewish civilization and culture,” said Beth Ohr’s rabbi, Eugene Wernick. “Anyone with any interest in Jewish studies will find something here.”
The “taste of Torah” will feature 50-minute classes presented in a schedule that will allow participants to choose as many as three consecutive sessions.
“It’s important because Torah is the lifeblood of the Jewish people,” said Wernick. “The study of Torah is above everything. Torah informs us how we live our lives, gives us spiritual and philosophical reasons for all our actions.”
Wernick will teach a session on midrash, rabbinical interpretations of the Bible through story.
“I will teach about how we tend to reform the Bible to be a new document by changing times,” he explained, “and how we’ve demythologized the early Israelite religion.”
Linda Benish, the program’s chair for some 20 years, considers her role a labor of love.
“When I moved here more than 20 years ago, Rabbi Matthew Futterman was already doing the program and I learned about it through him,” she said. “It’s one of my favorite things. We’re always providing different points of view and classes.”
A loyal following attends the annual event, which is open to the general public, coming from other parts of Middlesex, Somerset, and Monmouth counties. It draws about 125 people each year.
Returning teachers include Rabbi Benjamin Levy of Congregation Etz Chaim Monroe Township Jewish Center, Rabbi Eliezer Zaklikovsky of the Chabad Jewish Center of Monroe, and Dr. Judah Landa of East Brunswick.
Landa, a physicist, is the author of numerous books on physics and two books on the intersection of Judaism and science.
Among the new class leaders will be Rabbi Robert Wolkoff of Congregation B’nai Tikvah in North Brunswick and Eve Eichenholtz, a rabbinical student at the Jewish Theological Seminary. Other teachers will be added to the agenda.
Eichenholtz will spend the weekend with Beth Ohr as part of its Shabbat Across America celebration and will also participate in Friday evening and Saturday morning Shabbat services.
As in other years, the Torathon is free, but participants are asked to bring canned food to be donated to the Old Bridge Food Bank.
Registration is at 7:30 p.m., Havdala at 7:45, and classes begin at 8. For information, contact Lisa in the synagogue office at 732-257-1523.
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