Jewish Current Events

This discussion program gives participants an opportunity to consider and share ideas about issues that affect the Jewish community here at home or worldwide.  No prior knowledge is necessary.  Before each session, Rabbi Burt will choose a current topic that is in the news.  When you register for a session in advance, you will receive a copy of recent articles on the selected topic to read in advance of the discussion.  These lively and informative discussions will be led by Rabbi Burt at the Open Center.   Advance registration is a must. Feb 17, 2011; May 19, 2011

Interfaith Workshop

Handling the Holidays and Other Issues for Interfaith Families

There is much talk about the “December Dilemma” when Christmas and Hannukah overlap and can create pressures for interfaith families. Profound “April Angst” can also come with Passover and Easter, which celebrate the central stories of Judaism and Christianity, respectively, and raise deep theological, as well as cultural issues.

If you are “keeping” Passover, can your child eat a chocolate Easter bunny? If your Christian spouse or in-laws observe Good Friday, should you expect them to come to a Passover meal on that Friday evening? What are the two holidays about? What issues do they raise for interfaith families? How can interfaith families see these two historically, Biblically and ceremonially inter-related holidays as an opportunity to deepen their spiritual connections and respect for the other? The Workshop will be led by Sheila Gordon, PhD, founder and CEO of Interfaith Community Inc, with the assistance of a Christian educator and Rabbi Burt. At the Open Center Feb 3, 2011