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NEW BEDFORD — Jews rekindle their spirituality at Hanukkah by lighting the eight-branched menorah, a symbol of their victory of light over darkness, and by reading the ancient writings of their struggle for religious freedom against the powerful Syrian-Greek empire.
Nearly 2,200 years ago, Antiochus IV forbid their religious practices, as well as the study of the Torah.
“We de-emphasize the military victory and underscore the spiritual victory associated with the holiday — the idea that good overcomes evil, the weak overcome the strong, the righteous overcome the wicked,” said Rabbi Raphael Kanter of Tifereth Israel Congregation. “Jews need to be immersed in the lessons of their tradition, not just for one day but every day.”
The educational emphasis is paramount at Tifereth Israel Congregation.
“There are so many Jews who are alienated from Jewish life and Jewish living,” said Kanter. “I would like to see us being a place, a gateway, to a richer Jewish experience.”
Consequently, Tifereth has created an intensive and even more comprehensive education program.
“We’re always trying to improve our adult education offerings,” he said. “This year we’ve really upped the ante. It is a huge undertaking. Milton Goodman (executive director of the synagogue) is the point person in the terms of the logistics, and he deserves the credit in really pushing this forward.”
Tifereth recently unveiled The SouthCoast 2011-2012 Jewish Speaker Series, beginning with the topic “Perspectives on Israel.”
“We are starting an in-depth conversation about how to move the peace process forward,” he said.
The lectures follow a 9:30 a.m. brunch.
Professor Nina Tennenwald of Brown University, a political science lecturer who specializes in the role of international institutions, will share her views at 10 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 29. Jason Stanley, the Greater Boston area director of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), will speak at 10 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 26.
According to Kanter, Tifereth is also making better use of the resources they have in the community.
“We’ve asked Dr. Stuart Forman to lead a Torah study group once a month,” he said.
The president of the Jewish Federation of Greater New Bedford. Forman is a Jewish scholar, a doctoral candidate who holds a master’s degree in Jewish Studies.
“We feel fortunate to have him,” said Kanter. “He combines his academic skills with his political skills in the context of the Jewish community in New Bedford.”
Classes follow Shabbat services and a Kiddush lunch reception.
“You have prayer in community, food in community and study together in community,” said Kanter. “We try to emphasize the importance of life experienced in a group, which is crucial. Ultimately, we are social beings.”
For the second year, the synagogue will sponsor the SouthCoast Jewish Film Festival. “Beau Jest” is the next film to be featured at 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 9.
Tifereth also offers a Wednesday night series of one-hour classes devoted to the study of Ancient Judaism and the histories of Jewish movements within the American Judaism community. The series of video lectures are facilitated by Ross Chartoff.
In addition, Kanter teaches a series of classes at 10 a.m. Monday on the Book of Samuel, and at 11 a.m. Cantor Nathaniel Schudrich leads a Torah study on the Book of Genesis.
Kanter said that education is vital to the life of the community.
“When we narrow educational opportunity, society is a less rich place for us,” he said. “When we expand educational opportunities, that community is going to succeed economically, spiritually and emotionally. Hopefully this is an indirect way for us to contribute to the health of New Bedford’s religious life.”
For more information, contact Tifereth Israel Congregation, 145 Brownell Ave, New Bedford, at (508) 993-3171 or visit ti@tinewbedford.org
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