Dear WISDOM Subscribers:
March is almost upon us, and the deadline for registering for the WISDOM/Congregation Beth Shalom event on Sunday, March 30th entitled “Women In Judaism” is March 19th. Please get your reservation forms in soon. We hope to have a great representation of women from many faith traditions to learn about how Jewish women participate in their religion.
The registration form is copied below. Also included in this e-mail is notification of an event in Ann Arbor with the Dalai Lama. See below.
Peace,
Gail Katz
WISDOM President
Sisterhood of Congregation
Beth Shalom
(14601 West Lincoln in Oak Park, 248-547-7970)
AND
W.I.S.D.O.M.
Present:
A Day of Learning - Women in Judaism
10:30 – 2:30 on Sunday, March 30th, 2008
Introduction to Judaism with Rabbi Wolpe
“Getting to Know You” Lunch
Women’s Roles: At Home and the Synagogue
How Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform
Jewish Women Practice What They Believe
Tour of the Synagogue
Join us (bring a friend!) as we engage in interfaith dialogue over a kosher and hallal vegetarian lunch and reach out to get to know women of different faith traditions in our community of Metro Detroit!!
REGISTRATION FORM FOR MARCH 30TH EVENT
PLEASE MAKE YOUR $18.00 CHECK TO
WISDOM
(A portion of your check will be tax-deductible)
MAIL TO:
Judy Satterthwaite
Program Chairperson
1250 Dutton Road
Rochester, MI 48306
All registrations and checks must be received by Judy by March 19th
NAME _______________________________________________________
STREET ____________________________________________________
CITY _______________________________________________________
ZIP CODE ___________________________________________________
HOME PHONE _______________________________________________
CELL PHONE ________________________________________________
E-MAIL ADDRESS ___________________________________________
RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION ____________________________________
Questions???
CONTACT:
Judy Satterthwaite, 248-651-8918, GoddardEnterprises@sbcglobal.net
Fran Hildebrandt, 248-661-4179, FHildebr@aol.com
His Holiness The Dalai Lama
On Saturday and Sunday, April 19 and 20, 2008, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama will visit Ann Arbor where over the course of three sessions in two days he will teach on “Engaging Wisdom and Compassion” at the Crisler Arena of the University of Michigan.
The two-day educational program will be held in conjunction with a public talk, the Peter M. Wege Lecture on Sustainability, on environmental issues presented on April 20th by the University of Michigan at the Crisler Arena in celebration of Earth Day. The teaching is being co-sponsored by Jewel Heart, a Tibetan Buddhist Center headquartered in Ann Arbor, The Tibet Fund, and the Garrison Institute.
The Dalai Lama is recognized worldwide for his message of compassion and tolerance, his promotion of human rights and inter-religious understanding, his focus on peace through non-violent conflict resolution and his advocacy for the environment. Winner of the 1989 Nobel Peace Prize, the Dalai Lama was the recent recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor.
Engaging Wisdom and Compassion
His Holiness the Dalai Lama brings us the ancient Indian and Tibetan teachings on wisdom and compassion to inspire and guide our lives.
The teaching will be based on Nagarjuna's Commentary on Ultimate Compassion and Je Tsong Khapa's In Praise of Dependent Origination.
For more information about the Dalai Lama coming to Ann Arbor go to http://www.dalailamaannarbor.com/
Friday, February 29, 2008
Monday, February 25, 2008
Jazz Vespers at ETS in Detroit
Dear WISDOM Subscribers:
We thought this might interest some of you.
Gail Katz
WISDOM President
Ecumenical Theological Seminary (ETS) is hosting its first ever Jazz Vespers, a concert worship service, on Sunday, March 9, 2008 from 6 to 8 p.m. at its campus, 2930 Woodward Avenue in midtown Detroit. A brief tour highlighting exquisite architectural and artistic treasures of the 117-year-old Sanctuary will be held at 5:15 p.m. preceding the concert.
The free worship service in jazz is open to the public and features Detroit's world-acclaimed musicians in the newly created Ecumenical Orchestra: Don Mayberry (bass), Spencer Barefield (guitar), Sean Dobbins (drums), Kevin Grenier (piano), John Trudell (trumpet) and Kate Patterson (vocals). Selections will include such diverse composers as Billy Strayhorn, Ira Gershwin, Jerome Kern and others. This event is co-sponsored by Creative Arts Collective.
The Jazz Vespers service will be a combination of scripture readings and jazz songs in tribute to the traditional “call and response” format in which jazz originated. Jazz, once depicted as “the musical incense that collects and carries the prayers of a people,” has origins in the slave “churches” of America. Jazz Vespers is a meeting in a sacred space where the music and the spirit are honored and celebrated together.
It is fitting to hold such a historically sacred tradition as Jazz Vespers at ETS which is located in what was Detroit's oldest protestant church, First Presbyterian Church, currently listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Built in 1891, this magnificent Romanesque church is filled with Tiffany stained glass windows, Pewabic tile, and ornate stenciled motifs. The original congregation helped found Harper Hospital and its first pastor, John Monteith, was instrumental in establishing an educational institution which eventually became the University of Michigan.
Ecumenical Theological Seminary is accredited by the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada. It offers a Master of Divinity, Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministry, and Doctor of Ministry degree as well as an Urban Ministry Diploma program. ETS is known for bringing together students from all different faith traditions as well as from widely diverse racial, socio-economic, and geographical backgrounds to transcend alienation and fragmentation as they seek to understand the meaning of God's Word in their lives and in the congregations they serve. ETS alumni are leaders of many of Detroit metropolitan area's communities of faith, helping to shape the future of the 21st century Church.
ETS is committed to making a difference in its Detroit community by presenting meaningful events and outreach services. Last October 21, 2007, ETS hosted a rare concert with famed opera soprano Jessye Norman at the Detroit Opera Theatre. The Seminary's ongoing “Everyone Eats” program provides approximately 300 hot meals to Detroit's homeless and hungry each Wednesday.
Jazz Vespers began in New York City in 1961 when the late Reverend John Garcia Gensel started an evening service at St. Peters Lutheran Church. It was designed for those musicians who couldn't make it to Sunday morning service after playing late Saturday night gigs. He invited them to perform “a worship service by and for jazz musicians…the public is invited.” The legendary “Duke” Ellington became a frequent worshiper - he called Pastor Gensel “the shepherd who watches over the night flock.” Duke's famous tune “Shepherd of the Night Flock” has been widely recorded and performed. Since then, Jazz Vespers Services have become popular across the country.
For more information, contact Ms. Lydia Holmes at 313-831-5200, ext. 209 or visit ETS website www.etseminary.edu. Free will donations will be accepted.
We thought this might interest some of you.
Gail Katz
WISDOM President
Ecumenical Theological Seminary (ETS) is hosting its first ever Jazz Vespers, a concert worship service, on Sunday, March 9, 2008 from 6 to 8 p.m. at its campus, 2930 Woodward Avenue in midtown Detroit. A brief tour highlighting exquisite architectural and artistic treasures of the 117-year-old Sanctuary will be held at 5:15 p.m. preceding the concert.
The free worship service in jazz is open to the public and features Detroit's world-acclaimed musicians in the newly created Ecumenical Orchestra: Don Mayberry (bass), Spencer Barefield (guitar), Sean Dobbins (drums), Kevin Grenier (piano), John Trudell (trumpet) and Kate Patterson (vocals). Selections will include such diverse composers as Billy Strayhorn, Ira Gershwin, Jerome Kern and others. This event is co-sponsored by Creative Arts Collective.
The Jazz Vespers service will be a combination of scripture readings and jazz songs in tribute to the traditional “call and response” format in which jazz originated. Jazz, once depicted as “the musical incense that collects and carries the prayers of a people,” has origins in the slave “churches” of America. Jazz Vespers is a meeting in a sacred space where the music and the spirit are honored and celebrated together.
It is fitting to hold such a historically sacred tradition as Jazz Vespers at ETS which is located in what was Detroit's oldest protestant church, First Presbyterian Church, currently listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Built in 1891, this magnificent Romanesque church is filled with Tiffany stained glass windows, Pewabic tile, and ornate stenciled motifs. The original congregation helped found Harper Hospital and its first pastor, John Monteith, was instrumental in establishing an educational institution which eventually became the University of Michigan.
Ecumenical Theological Seminary is accredited by the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada. It offers a Master of Divinity, Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministry, and Doctor of Ministry degree as well as an Urban Ministry Diploma program. ETS is known for bringing together students from all different faith traditions as well as from widely diverse racial, socio-economic, and geographical backgrounds to transcend alienation and fragmentation as they seek to understand the meaning of God's Word in their lives and in the congregations they serve. ETS alumni are leaders of many of Detroit metropolitan area's communities of faith, helping to shape the future of the 21st century Church.
ETS is committed to making a difference in its Detroit community by presenting meaningful events and outreach services. Last October 21, 2007, ETS hosted a rare concert with famed opera soprano Jessye Norman at the Detroit Opera Theatre. The Seminary's ongoing “Everyone Eats” program provides approximately 300 hot meals to Detroit's homeless and hungry each Wednesday.
Jazz Vespers began in New York City in 1961 when the late Reverend John Garcia Gensel started an evening service at St. Peters Lutheran Church. It was designed for those musicians who couldn't make it to Sunday morning service after playing late Saturday night gigs. He invited them to perform “a worship service by and for jazz musicians…the public is invited.” The legendary “Duke” Ellington became a frequent worshiper - he called Pastor Gensel “the shepherd who watches over the night flock.” Duke's famous tune “Shepherd of the Night Flock” has been widely recorded and performed. Since then, Jazz Vespers Services have become popular across the country.
For more information, contact Ms. Lydia Holmes at 313-831-5200, ext. 209 or visit ETS website www.etseminary.edu. Free will donations will be accepted.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Fat Tuesday, Ash Wednesday and Lent
Dear WISDOM Subscribers:
Plans are in full swing for our March 30th WISDOM event (10:30 AM – 2:30 PM) with the Sisterhood of Congregation Beth Shalom in Oak Park entitled “A Day of Learning – Women in Judaism.” Join us for interfaith dialogue during lunch and a wonderful educational experience. Please send your checks made out to WISDOM for $18.00 to Judy Satterthwaite, 1250 Dutton Road, Rochester, MI 48306 by March 19th.
I’m sure that many of you have read in the papers or heard in the news that today is Fat Tuesday. What is this all about? Please read the explanations below for help in understanding the Christian holidays of Fat Tuesday, Ash Wednesday, and Lent.
Gail Katz, WISDOM President
Fat Tuesday is Mardi Gras, the festival New Orleans, Louisiana, is famous for. "Gras" is French for fat and "Mardi" is French for Tuesday. The annual festivities start on January 6, the Twelfth Night Feast of the Epiphany, when the three kings are supposed to have visited the Christ Child, and build to a climax on Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday, which always occurs on the day before Ash Wednesday, which is February 6th. The parties and parades will continue until Lent begins at the stroke of midnight on Tuesday (February 5th).
Shrove Tuesday is the term used in the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Australia to refer to the day before Ash Wednesday. The word “shrove” is a past tense of the English verb “shrive,” which means to obtain absolution for one’s sins by confessing and doing penance. This day is also known as Pancake Tuesday, because it is customary to eat pancakes on this day. The reason that pancakes are associated with the day preceding Lent is that the 40 days of Lent form a period of liturgical fasting, during which only the plainest foodstuffs may be eaten. Therefore, rich ingredients such as eggs, milk, and sugar are disposed of immediately prior to the commencement of the fast. Pancakes and doughnuts were therefore an efficient way of using up these perishable goods besides providing a minor celebratory feast prior to the fast itself. In Hamtramck, there is an annual Paczki-Day (Fat Tuesday) Parade, and lines at bakeries can be seen up to 24 hours before the deep-fried delights go on sale Tuesday morning. Many bars in town open early in the morning, and provide free entertainment, a party atmosphere, and Paczki-clad mascots. Prunes are considered the traditional filling, but many others are used as well. In other parts of the world, such as historically Catholic and French-speaking parts of the United States – this day is called Mardi Gras. Mardi Gras is a legal holiday in New Orleans. It is scheduled to occur 46 days before Easter. Since the actual date Easter occurs on changes yearly, Mardi Gras can happen on any Tuesday between February 3 and March 9. For two centuries it has been an annual event in New Orleans, except during the two World Wars.
Below is an explanation of Ash Wednesday and Lent written for the members of St. Hugo of the Hills Roman Catholic Church in Bloomfield Hills.
Tomorrow Feb 6th is Ash Wednesday and is the beginning of the season of Lent. We spend forty days of prayer and penance each year as a time for renewal, discipline, spiritual regeneration and growth. Lent is also the season in which the church evangelizes and reconciles her own members. The church joins in prayer and teaching with all the catechumens (people receiving instruction to pursue full membership in the church) as they undergo an intense period of preparation for their initiation into the church. Indeed, as the catechumens prepare for their first Baptism during the coming Easter, the rest of the church, prepare to renew our own Baptismal commitment. Each year at this time we try to realize that we are called to participate in the life of the Church by dying and rising with the Lord Jesus in the Easter Mystery. We are called to be transformed but such a transformation can only be achieved if we accept this season as a time of personal prayer and discipline wherein we put ourselves in God’s hands. We have to be willing to let him shape our lives, our values, our thoughts, our attitudes and our own personal destinies.
How Might We Put These Beliefs into Action During the Lenten Season
Here are several examples of how someone might work on renewal, discipline and spiritual regeneration:
1. PRAY PRIVATELY. Start with a few minutes a day in a private place and a moment to center yourself in Christ. Discover in prayer what is His will is for you. Ask Him to allow you to see clearly what you must do in faith and have the strength to do it. Encourage other family members to do the same and then let them alone to do it. Keep your thoughts as private as a conversation with God should be.
2. PRAY PUBLICLY. Seek out and participate in liturgies and special Lenten services, from the Stations of the Cross to daily Mass. Share your overflow of grace with your second family—your parish family…particularly in the way you participate in Sunday liturgies.
3. MAKE YOUR SACRIFICES A POSITIVE AFFIRMATION. Make certain that you understand that Lent is not only a time in which we “Do without” it is also a time in which we “Do for”. Don’t stop at material denials. Offering up a favorite show or Sunday morning coffee is nothing compared to giving up the pleasures of having the last word or being infallible. At least once a day refrain from saying” I told you so”, “I knew I was right” and “It wasn’t my fault”. For the next forty days, we should all try to keep our mouths shut and our hearts open.
4. GIVE OF YOUR TIME. Give of yourself. Give of your time, energy, effort, ear, and heart unsparingly. Give without counting the cost or reward. Work in whatever capacity you are needed. If you don’t know where you are needed, ask for God’s guidance to lead you there. Scripture tells us often that we find Christ most clearly by serving those who are in need.
5. GIVE OF ALL YOUR MATERIAL BLESSINGS. Be good Stewards of the goods of the earth. Give of your money and do so without expecting anything in return. Learn that tithing is a gift given to us in Scripture. Sit down with your family and determine a percentage of your income that will go to the Church and a percentage that will go to other charities. The key is to determine a specific percentage that you know you will offer and when you make your offering, do it in the same way that you imagine Christ would…entirely out of love.
6. BE ACTIVELY CONCERNED ABOUT THE ENTIRE WORLD. We live in a small specific world. But the Church calls us to ministry that is universal. Read, listen, learn, and become involved in making a more Christ-like life by working for Gospel values in politics, the environment, world hunger, peace, pro-life issues, nuclear power, armaments dispersal etc. We have heard so much about these topics that they lose their meaning for many people. This Lent, make them real. Remember that the bottom line is this: We are all one family trying to make a just and loving home out of this world.
7. KEEP A JOYFUL SENSE OF HUMOR. Don’t let your imperfections or lapses…or those of others…get you down. If we were perfect, we wouldn’t be here. Wear a face that says “Be of good cheer”. Secret, silent martyrs only make martyrs out of those who have to live with them. Keep a cheerful countenance and have a serene heart…one that says in attitude “all is well…all is very well”.
Plans are in full swing for our March 30th WISDOM event (10:30 AM – 2:30 PM) with the Sisterhood of Congregation Beth Shalom in Oak Park entitled “A Day of Learning – Women in Judaism.” Join us for interfaith dialogue during lunch and a wonderful educational experience. Please send your checks made out to WISDOM for $18.00 to Judy Satterthwaite, 1250 Dutton Road, Rochester, MI 48306 by March 19th.
I’m sure that many of you have read in the papers or heard in the news that today is Fat Tuesday. What is this all about? Please read the explanations below for help in understanding the Christian holidays of Fat Tuesday, Ash Wednesday, and Lent.
Gail Katz, WISDOM President
Fat Tuesday is Mardi Gras, the festival New Orleans, Louisiana, is famous for. "Gras" is French for fat and "Mardi" is French for Tuesday. The annual festivities start on January 6, the Twelfth Night Feast of the Epiphany, when the three kings are supposed to have visited the Christ Child, and build to a climax on Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday, which always occurs on the day before Ash Wednesday, which is February 6th. The parties and parades will continue until Lent begins at the stroke of midnight on Tuesday (February 5th).
Shrove Tuesday is the term used in the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Australia to refer to the day before Ash Wednesday. The word “shrove” is a past tense of the English verb “shrive,” which means to obtain absolution for one’s sins by confessing and doing penance. This day is also known as Pancake Tuesday, because it is customary to eat pancakes on this day. The reason that pancakes are associated with the day preceding Lent is that the 40 days of Lent form a period of liturgical fasting, during which only the plainest foodstuffs may be eaten. Therefore, rich ingredients such as eggs, milk, and sugar are disposed of immediately prior to the commencement of the fast. Pancakes and doughnuts were therefore an efficient way of using up these perishable goods besides providing a minor celebratory feast prior to the fast itself. In Hamtramck, there is an annual Paczki-Day (Fat Tuesday) Parade, and lines at bakeries can be seen up to 24 hours before the deep-fried delights go on sale Tuesday morning. Many bars in town open early in the morning, and provide free entertainment, a party atmosphere, and Paczki-clad mascots. Prunes are considered the traditional filling, but many others are used as well. In other parts of the world, such as historically Catholic and French-speaking parts of the United States – this day is called Mardi Gras. Mardi Gras is a legal holiday in New Orleans. It is scheduled to occur 46 days before Easter. Since the actual date Easter occurs on changes yearly, Mardi Gras can happen on any Tuesday between February 3 and March 9. For two centuries it has been an annual event in New Orleans, except during the two World Wars.
Below is an explanation of Ash Wednesday and Lent written for the members of St. Hugo of the Hills Roman Catholic Church in Bloomfield Hills.
Tomorrow Feb 6th is Ash Wednesday and is the beginning of the season of Lent. We spend forty days of prayer and penance each year as a time for renewal, discipline, spiritual regeneration and growth. Lent is also the season in which the church evangelizes and reconciles her own members. The church joins in prayer and teaching with all the catechumens (people receiving instruction to pursue full membership in the church) as they undergo an intense period of preparation for their initiation into the church. Indeed, as the catechumens prepare for their first Baptism during the coming Easter, the rest of the church, prepare to renew our own Baptismal commitment. Each year at this time we try to realize that we are called to participate in the life of the Church by dying and rising with the Lord Jesus in the Easter Mystery. We are called to be transformed but such a transformation can only be achieved if we accept this season as a time of personal prayer and discipline wherein we put ourselves in God’s hands. We have to be willing to let him shape our lives, our values, our thoughts, our attitudes and our own personal destinies.
How Might We Put These Beliefs into Action During the Lenten Season
Here are several examples of how someone might work on renewal, discipline and spiritual regeneration:
1. PRAY PRIVATELY. Start with a few minutes a day in a private place and a moment to center yourself in Christ. Discover in prayer what is His will is for you. Ask Him to allow you to see clearly what you must do in faith and have the strength to do it. Encourage other family members to do the same and then let them alone to do it. Keep your thoughts as private as a conversation with God should be.
2. PRAY PUBLICLY. Seek out and participate in liturgies and special Lenten services, from the Stations of the Cross to daily Mass. Share your overflow of grace with your second family—your parish family…particularly in the way you participate in Sunday liturgies.
3. MAKE YOUR SACRIFICES A POSITIVE AFFIRMATION. Make certain that you understand that Lent is not only a time in which we “Do without” it is also a time in which we “Do for”. Don’t stop at material denials. Offering up a favorite show or Sunday morning coffee is nothing compared to giving up the pleasures of having the last word or being infallible. At least once a day refrain from saying” I told you so”, “I knew I was right” and “It wasn’t my fault”. For the next forty days, we should all try to keep our mouths shut and our hearts open.
4. GIVE OF YOUR TIME. Give of yourself. Give of your time, energy, effort, ear, and heart unsparingly. Give without counting the cost or reward. Work in whatever capacity you are needed. If you don’t know where you are needed, ask for God’s guidance to lead you there. Scripture tells us often that we find Christ most clearly by serving those who are in need.
5. GIVE OF ALL YOUR MATERIAL BLESSINGS. Be good Stewards of the goods of the earth. Give of your money and do so without expecting anything in return. Learn that tithing is a gift given to us in Scripture. Sit down with your family and determine a percentage of your income that will go to the Church and a percentage that will go to other charities. The key is to determine a specific percentage that you know you will offer and when you make your offering, do it in the same way that you imagine Christ would…entirely out of love.
6. BE ACTIVELY CONCERNED ABOUT THE ENTIRE WORLD. We live in a small specific world. But the Church calls us to ministry that is universal. Read, listen, learn, and become involved in making a more Christ-like life by working for Gospel values in politics, the environment, world hunger, peace, pro-life issues, nuclear power, armaments dispersal etc. We have heard so much about these topics that they lose their meaning for many people. This Lent, make them real. Remember that the bottom line is this: We are all one family trying to make a just and loving home out of this world.
7. KEEP A JOYFUL SENSE OF HUMOR. Don’t let your imperfections or lapses…or those of others…get you down. If we were perfect, we wouldn’t be here. Wear a face that says “Be of good cheer”. Secret, silent martyrs only make martyrs out of those who have to live with them. Keep a cheerful countenance and have a serene heart…one that says in attitude “all is well…all is very well”.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
WISDOM Day of Learning - Women in Judaism
Dear WISDOM Subscribers:
Below are a flyer and a registration form to our March 30th WISDOM/Sisterhood of Congregation Beth Shalom “Day of Learning - Women in Judaism.” Please inform anyone else you think might be interested – friends, family, and especially the women who are members of your house of worship. We look forward to your presence at this very important day of learning about Judaism and reaching out to dialogue with women of different faith traditions.
Gail Katz
WISDOM President
Sisterhood of Congregation
Beth Shalom
(14601 West Lincoln in Oak Park, 248-547-7970)
AND
W.I.S.D.O.M.
Present:
A Day of Learning - Women in Judaism
10:30 – 2:30 on Sunday, March 30th, 2008
Introduction to Judaism with Rabbi Wolpe
“Getting to Know You” Lunch
Women’s Roles: At Home and the Synagogue
How Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform
Jewish Women Practice What They Believe
Tour of the Synagogue
Join us (bring a friend!) as we engage in interfaith dialogue over a kosher and hallal vegetarian lunch and reach out to get to know women of different faith traditions in our community of Metro Detroit!!
REGISTRATION FORM FOR MARCH 30TH EVENT
PLEASE MAKE YOUR $18.00 CHECK TO
WISDOM
(A portion of your check will be tax-deductible)
MAIL TO:
Judy Satterthwaite
Program Chairperson
1250 Dutton Road
Rochester, MI 48306
All registrations and checks must be received by Judy by March 19th
NAME _______________________________________________________
STREET ____________________________________________________
CITY _______________________________________________________
ZIP CODE ___________________________________________________
HOME PHONE _______________________________________________
CELL PHONE ________________________________________________
E-MAIL ADDRESS ___________________________________________
RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION ____________________________________
Questions???
CONTACT:
Judy Satterthwaite, 248-651-8918, GoddardEnterprises@sbcglobal.net
Fran Hildebrandt, 248-661-4179, FHildebr@aol.com
Below are a flyer and a registration form to our March 30th WISDOM/Sisterhood of Congregation Beth Shalom “Day of Learning - Women in Judaism.” Please inform anyone else you think might be interested – friends, family, and especially the women who are members of your house of worship. We look forward to your presence at this very important day of learning about Judaism and reaching out to dialogue with women of different faith traditions.
Gail Katz
WISDOM President
Sisterhood of Congregation
Beth Shalom
(14601 West Lincoln in Oak Park, 248-547-7970)
AND
W.I.S.D.O.M.
Present:
A Day of Learning - Women in Judaism
10:30 – 2:30 on Sunday, March 30th, 2008
Introduction to Judaism with Rabbi Wolpe
“Getting to Know You” Lunch
Women’s Roles: At Home and the Synagogue
How Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform
Jewish Women Practice What They Believe
Tour of the Synagogue
Join us (bring a friend!) as we engage in interfaith dialogue over a kosher and hallal vegetarian lunch and reach out to get to know women of different faith traditions in our community of Metro Detroit!!
REGISTRATION FORM FOR MARCH 30TH EVENT
PLEASE MAKE YOUR $18.00 CHECK TO
WISDOM
(A portion of your check will be tax-deductible)
MAIL TO:
Judy Satterthwaite
Program Chairperson
1250 Dutton Road
Rochester, MI 48306
All registrations and checks must be received by Judy by March 19th
NAME _______________________________________________________
STREET ____________________________________________________
CITY _______________________________________________________
ZIP CODE ___________________________________________________
HOME PHONE _______________________________________________
CELL PHONE ________________________________________________
E-MAIL ADDRESS ___________________________________________
RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION ____________________________________
Questions???
CONTACT:
Judy Satterthwaite, 248-651-8918, GoddardEnterprises@sbcglobal.net
Fran Hildebrandt, 248-661-4179, FHildebr@aol.com
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
WISDOM Upcoming Events
Dear WISDOM Subscribers:
I would like to remind you of some upcoming WISDOM interfaith events that I hope many of you can attend. Please mark your calendars. The first one is this Sunday!!
The World Sabbath for Religious ReconciliationAn Interfaith Service for World PeaceSunday, January 27, 2008 4:00 – 6:00 PM
Led by children of many faiths from the religious institutions in Metro Detroit, at Christ Church Cranbrook, 470 Church Road in Bloomfield Hills. The flyer for the event is attached. You won’t want to miss this uplifting program, filled with prayer, music and dance, showcasing the Children of Peace and their peace banners that will be made into a Children’s Peace Quilt and displayed at various religious institutions in Metro Detroit. The annual World Sabbath Peace Award will be presented to Thomas and Susan Cucuzza and Robert Cucuzza who produced and directed “The Armed Man: A Concert for Peace”. Details about the program and the participants are available at the World Sabbath website www.wsdayofpeace.org
Other upcoming events are listed below. Please mark your calendars!!
WISDOM/Congregation Beth Shalom
Educational Day about Judaism
14601 Lincoln, Oak Park
Sunday, March 30, 2008
10:30 AM – 2:30 PM
There will be a charge for lunch
Flyer will be e-mailed out very soon!!
Walk2gether with WISDOM
and the Michigan Roundtable for Diversity and Inclusion
Saturday, May 10th at Belle Isle
Registration 9:00 am, Walk 10:00 am
More information to come
PEACE THROUGH WISDOM
Joint program with Peace X Peace
May 18, 2008 4:00 – 7:00 PM
St. John’s Episcopal Church
26998 Woodward AveRoyal Oak, MI
More information to come
Shabbat dinner and WISDOM Presentation at Birmingham Temple
28611 W. Twelve Mile Road
Farmington Hills, MI
Friday evening, June 6, 2008
Feel free to e-mail me from the WISDOM website with any questions!!
Gail Katz
WISDOM President
I would like to remind you of some upcoming WISDOM interfaith events that I hope many of you can attend. Please mark your calendars. The first one is this Sunday!!
The World Sabbath for Religious ReconciliationAn Interfaith Service for World PeaceSunday, January 27, 2008 4:00 – 6:00 PM
Led by children of many faiths from the religious institutions in Metro Detroit, at Christ Church Cranbrook, 470 Church Road in Bloomfield Hills. The flyer for the event is attached. You won’t want to miss this uplifting program, filled with prayer, music and dance, showcasing the Children of Peace and their peace banners that will be made into a Children’s Peace Quilt and displayed at various religious institutions in Metro Detroit. The annual World Sabbath Peace Award will be presented to Thomas and Susan Cucuzza and Robert Cucuzza who produced and directed “The Armed Man: A Concert for Peace”. Details about the program and the participants are available at the World Sabbath website www.wsdayofpeace.org
Other upcoming events are listed below. Please mark your calendars!!
WISDOM/Congregation Beth Shalom
Educational Day about Judaism
14601 Lincoln, Oak Park
Sunday, March 30, 2008
10:30 AM – 2:30 PM
There will be a charge for lunch
Flyer will be e-mailed out very soon!!
Walk2gether with WISDOM
and the Michigan Roundtable for Diversity and Inclusion
Saturday, May 10th at Belle Isle
Registration 9:00 am, Walk 10:00 am
More information to come
PEACE THROUGH WISDOM
Joint program with Peace X Peace
May 18, 2008 4:00 – 7:00 PM
St. John’s Episcopal Church
26998 Woodward AveRoyal Oak, MI
More information to come
Shabbat dinner and WISDOM Presentation at Birmingham Temple
28611 W. Twelve Mile Road
Farmington Hills, MI
Friday evening, June 6, 2008
Feel free to e-mail me from the WISDOM website with any questions!!
Gail Katz
WISDOM President
Friday, January 18, 2008
January Holidays for Muslims and Jews
Dear WISDOM Subscribers:
We are looking forward to seeing some of you at the Hartford Memorial Baptist Church on Sunday, January 20th and at the Charles Wright Museum of African American History following the services. If you are coming to the Church, get there early to get a parking space. The services begin at 11:00 AM.
Please take the time to read below about two special days approaching, one for those of the Muslim faith, and one for those of the Jewish faith.
Gail Katz
WISDOM President
Ashura is a holiday for the Shi’a Muslims that will occur on Saturday, January 19th. The following explanation comes by way of Eide Alawan, the chief adviser to Imam Qazwini of the Islamic Center of America in Dearborn.
Ashura is the annual commemoration of the battle of Karbala, which took place in 680 C.E. when the government of then-caliph Yazid ordered for the wholesale massacre of the family, friends, and companions of Husayn, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad. Although Ashura is mostly practiced by Shia Muslims, some Sunni Muslims and even non-Muslims commemorate this event.
After a series of complicated political events unfolded under the Islamic government following the death of the Prophet Muhammad in 632, Yazid ibn Muawiya became the caliph (or ruler) of the Islamic world in 680. It was no secret that Yazid had unlawfully usurped the throne from a man named Husayn ibn Ali, who happened to be the grandson of Muhammad. To make matters worse, Yazid had forced many Muslims to pledge allegiance to him as caliph, and was now ordering Husayn to do the same. Husayn refused, and his bold move inspired many others to support him. But the tables turned rapidly when Yazid amassed a tremendous army to pursue Husayn and his followers and to exterminate them. At that point, many of Husayn’s followers betrayed him out of fear of Yazid’s wrath, and only seventy-two followers remained. On the plains of Karbala (in what is now south Iraq,) Husayn and his few followers combated Yazid’s magnificent army. But they were overpowered, and Yazid’s army destroyed them all, including Husayn. Their bodies were mutilated, beheaded, and trampled by horses. Their women and children were chained and taken as war prisoners, and the dismembered bodies were left to rot on the plains of Karbala.
Revered by some Muslims as one of the holy Imams, and by others as a righteous companion, Husayn was from the family of the holy Prophet. To imagine that such a grotesque fate befell him is painful beyond description. The details of Ashura are gravely grim, gory, and terribly heartbreaking. Nonetheless, Husayn’s defiance of tyranny continues to be a glorious inspiration for those who recall its details and hold it dear to their hearts.
On this day Shi'a are in remembrance, mourning attire is worn and they refrain from music. It is a time for sorrow and respect of the person’s passing and it is also a time for self reflection. Weddings and parties are never planned on this date. Shi’a also express mourning by crying and listening to poems about the tragedy. They listen to sermons on how Husayn and his family were martyred. Shi’a may also refrain from eating and drinking on this day.
Victor Begg, founding member of the Muslim Unity Center in Bloomfield Hills, (and husband of our co-founder and treasurer, Shahina Begg), has requested that I send out the following additional information on Ashura.
The 10th day of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic Lunar calendar, is significant for all Muslims, Shia and Sunni alike, and, from the Muslim perspective, also for the Jews. This day is also known as Ashura.What is the Jewish connection? The story is narrated by the companions of Prophet Muhammad, upon whom be God's peace and blessings, who heard that Jews were celebrating on the 10th of Muharram. The Prophet was informed that it is a Jewish celebration of the victory of Moses, peace be upon him, over the Pharaoh's army. Out of love for Moses, who is also a revered Prophet of Islam, Prophet Muhammad asked his followers to fast in gratitude to God for granting Moses victory. Therefore, on the day of Ashura, Muslims fast from dusk to dawn. This observance is most predominant among Sunni Muslims.Muslims also, on this day, remember the sacrifices made by the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, in his fight for justice. Martyrdom of Hussein, the beloved grandson of Muhammad is remembered and mourned, as it was described in Gail's email to the WISDOM group.Stories of wars and victory of Godly men over evil is a frequent theme in all faiths. For example, the epic war of Maha Bharata, the greatest war, is a very important part of the Hindu faith. Similarly, the defeat of Pharaoh and the victory of David over Goliath are important events of the Abrahamic faiths. Our Holy days are important milestones and therefore important to share with each other in order to find common links and to understand each other better.
Peace,Victor G. Begg
Tu b’Shevat is a Jewish holiday that will begin at sundown on Monday, January 21st and end at sundown on Tuesday, January 22nd.
From the Detroit Jewish News:
“Tu” is a word formed from the two Hebrew letters, “tet” and “vav”, which together represent the number 15. Shevat is the name of the month. “B” in Hebrew means “in” or “of”. Thus, Tu b’Shevat meant the 15th of Shevat. Tu b’Shevat often is called the New Year of the Trees or Jewish Arbor Day. Although it is a special day on the calendar, it is not a holiday. Rather, it is the time the Jewish ancestors began a new year of a specific taxation. The Temple in ancient Israel was supported by a system of mandatory contributions from what was then largely an agrarian economy. Farmers were required to tithe, or donate, a certain percentage of their harvest to the priest and Levites who maintained the workings of the Temple and its daily services.
Just as April 15 is the cutoff date for taxes in modern America, so, too, did ancient Israel have its day for taxpayers. It was decided that the tax year for tree-borne fruit would begin on the 15th of Shevat. By then, the rabbis reasoned, the winter rains tapered off, the sap started to rise in the trees and new fruit began to form. The laws for the tithing for fruit apply only in the Land of Israel. Jewish farmers elsewhere need not set aside fruit. However, Jews at this time around the world would donate money to plant trees in Israel. Many observe this day by eating the traditional fruits of the Land of Israel, such as wheat, barley, grapes, figs, pomegranates, olives and dates. Since wheat, barley and grapes do not grow on trees, many Jews consume any fruit produced on tress, including apples, pears and oranges. Tu b’Shevat is viewed by some as a day of great mystical significance. In the 16th century, the mystics of Safed in Israel, devised a Tu b’Shevat seder (like the Passover seder) of multiple courses and foods, including four cups of wine.
Tu b’Shevat is an excellent opportunity to teach about the tremendous economic and environmental values of trees. Judaism teaches common sense about trees – useful for the betterment of humanity and respected for their value to the life of the earth.
We are looking forward to seeing some of you at the Hartford Memorial Baptist Church on Sunday, January 20th and at the Charles Wright Museum of African American History following the services. If you are coming to the Church, get there early to get a parking space. The services begin at 11:00 AM.
Please take the time to read below about two special days approaching, one for those of the Muslim faith, and one for those of the Jewish faith.
Gail Katz
WISDOM President
Ashura is a holiday for the Shi’a Muslims that will occur on Saturday, January 19th. The following explanation comes by way of Eide Alawan, the chief adviser to Imam Qazwini of the Islamic Center of America in Dearborn.
Ashura is the annual commemoration of the battle of Karbala, which took place in 680 C.E. when the government of then-caliph Yazid ordered for the wholesale massacre of the family, friends, and companions of Husayn, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad. Although Ashura is mostly practiced by Shia Muslims, some Sunni Muslims and even non-Muslims commemorate this event.
After a series of complicated political events unfolded under the Islamic government following the death of the Prophet Muhammad in 632, Yazid ibn Muawiya became the caliph (or ruler) of the Islamic world in 680. It was no secret that Yazid had unlawfully usurped the throne from a man named Husayn ibn Ali, who happened to be the grandson of Muhammad. To make matters worse, Yazid had forced many Muslims to pledge allegiance to him as caliph, and was now ordering Husayn to do the same. Husayn refused, and his bold move inspired many others to support him. But the tables turned rapidly when Yazid amassed a tremendous army to pursue Husayn and his followers and to exterminate them. At that point, many of Husayn’s followers betrayed him out of fear of Yazid’s wrath, and only seventy-two followers remained. On the plains of Karbala (in what is now south Iraq,) Husayn and his few followers combated Yazid’s magnificent army. But they were overpowered, and Yazid’s army destroyed them all, including Husayn. Their bodies were mutilated, beheaded, and trampled by horses. Their women and children were chained and taken as war prisoners, and the dismembered bodies were left to rot on the plains of Karbala.
Revered by some Muslims as one of the holy Imams, and by others as a righteous companion, Husayn was from the family of the holy Prophet. To imagine that such a grotesque fate befell him is painful beyond description. The details of Ashura are gravely grim, gory, and terribly heartbreaking. Nonetheless, Husayn’s defiance of tyranny continues to be a glorious inspiration for those who recall its details and hold it dear to their hearts.
On this day Shi'a are in remembrance, mourning attire is worn and they refrain from music. It is a time for sorrow and respect of the person’s passing and it is also a time for self reflection. Weddings and parties are never planned on this date. Shi’a also express mourning by crying and listening to poems about the tragedy. They listen to sermons on how Husayn and his family were martyred. Shi’a may also refrain from eating and drinking on this day.
Victor Begg, founding member of the Muslim Unity Center in Bloomfield Hills, (and husband of our co-founder and treasurer, Shahina Begg), has requested that I send out the following additional information on Ashura.
The 10th day of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic Lunar calendar, is significant for all Muslims, Shia and Sunni alike, and, from the Muslim perspective, also for the Jews. This day is also known as Ashura.What is the Jewish connection? The story is narrated by the companions of Prophet Muhammad, upon whom be God's peace and blessings, who heard that Jews were celebrating on the 10th of Muharram. The Prophet was informed that it is a Jewish celebration of the victory of Moses, peace be upon him, over the Pharaoh's army. Out of love for Moses, who is also a revered Prophet of Islam, Prophet Muhammad asked his followers to fast in gratitude to God for granting Moses victory. Therefore, on the day of Ashura, Muslims fast from dusk to dawn. This observance is most predominant among Sunni Muslims.Muslims also, on this day, remember the sacrifices made by the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, in his fight for justice. Martyrdom of Hussein, the beloved grandson of Muhammad is remembered and mourned, as it was described in Gail's email to the WISDOM group.Stories of wars and victory of Godly men over evil is a frequent theme in all faiths. For example, the epic war of Maha Bharata, the greatest war, is a very important part of the Hindu faith. Similarly, the defeat of Pharaoh and the victory of David over Goliath are important events of the Abrahamic faiths. Our Holy days are important milestones and therefore important to share with each other in order to find common links and to understand each other better.
Peace,Victor G. Begg
Tu b’Shevat is a Jewish holiday that will begin at sundown on Monday, January 21st and end at sundown on Tuesday, January 22nd.
From the Detroit Jewish News:
“Tu” is a word formed from the two Hebrew letters, “tet” and “vav”, which together represent the number 15. Shevat is the name of the month. “B” in Hebrew means “in” or “of”. Thus, Tu b’Shevat meant the 15th of Shevat. Tu b’Shevat often is called the New Year of the Trees or Jewish Arbor Day. Although it is a special day on the calendar, it is not a holiday. Rather, it is the time the Jewish ancestors began a new year of a specific taxation. The Temple in ancient Israel was supported by a system of mandatory contributions from what was then largely an agrarian economy. Farmers were required to tithe, or donate, a certain percentage of their harvest to the priest and Levites who maintained the workings of the Temple and its daily services.
Just as April 15 is the cutoff date for taxes in modern America, so, too, did ancient Israel have its day for taxpayers. It was decided that the tax year for tree-borne fruit would begin on the 15th of Shevat. By then, the rabbis reasoned, the winter rains tapered off, the sap started to rise in the trees and new fruit began to form. The laws for the tithing for fruit apply only in the Land of Israel. Jewish farmers elsewhere need not set aside fruit. However, Jews at this time around the world would donate money to plant trees in Israel. Many observe this day by eating the traditional fruits of the Land of Israel, such as wheat, barley, grapes, figs, pomegranates, olives and dates. Since wheat, barley and grapes do not grow on trees, many Jews consume any fruit produced on tress, including apples, pears and oranges. Tu b’Shevat is viewed by some as a day of great mystical significance. In the 16th century, the mystics of Safed in Israel, devised a Tu b’Shevat seder (like the Passover seder) of multiple courses and foods, including four cups of wine.
Tu b’Shevat is an excellent opportunity to teach about the tremendous economic and environmental values of trees. Judaism teaches common sense about trees – useful for the betterment of humanity and respected for their value to the life of the earth.
Saturday, January 5, 2008
Gail Katz's Interfaith Journey
Dear Friends,
I would like to share with you the story about my personal journey that led me to become so passionate about interfaith initiatives, the story that David Crumm (former Religions writer for the Free Press) published on Friday, January 4th on his Read the Spirit global website. I feel most honored that David felt that my story was worth sharing, and delighted that my interfaith soul mates out there have this opportunity to understand and appreciate why WISDOM, the World Sabbath, the Religious Diversity Journeys, and the Michigan Roundtable for Diversity and Inclusion’s Interfaith Partners mean so much to me at this point in my life.
If you would like to read about my personal journey, and get familiar with David Crumm’s Read the Spirit, please go to
http://www.readthespirit.com/explore/2008/01/073-one-womans.html
Enjoy!!
Gail Katz
WISDOM President
World Sabbath Chairperson
Religious Diversity Journeys for Seventh Graders Coordinator
Interfaith Partner with the Michigan Roundtable for Diversity and Inclusion
I would like to share with you the story about my personal journey that led me to become so passionate about interfaith initiatives, the story that David Crumm (former Religions writer for the Free Press) published on Friday, January 4th on his Read the Spirit global website. I feel most honored that David felt that my story was worth sharing, and delighted that my interfaith soul mates out there have this opportunity to understand and appreciate why WISDOM, the World Sabbath, the Religious Diversity Journeys, and the Michigan Roundtable for Diversity and Inclusion’s Interfaith Partners mean so much to me at this point in my life.
If you would like to read about my personal journey, and get familiar with David Crumm’s Read the Spirit, please go to
http://www.readthespirit.com/explore/2008/01/073-one-womans.html
Enjoy!!
Gail Katz
WISDOM President
World Sabbath Chairperson
Religious Diversity Journeys for Seventh Graders Coordinator
Interfaith Partner with the Michigan Roundtable for Diversity and Inclusion
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)