But I would propose, alternatively, that our sense of mission as Jews and as a shul community is defined no less by our learning (which we share, by the way, across minyan lines). Judaism is a thoroughly intellectual tradition, from beginning to end. From the Beginning: The Midrash says that God looked into the Torah to create the world, using sacred text as a blueprint for creation. To the end: Isaiah envisions an end time when the world will be filled with knowledge of God, as water fills the sea.

The spiritual and religious experience implicit in these texts is that the intellectual life – the realm of the holy books, of traditions, of questions of meaning and value, of analysis – this is the realm for Israel and God to encounter each other.

At Ansche Chesed we excel in this critical dimension of Jewish life. In our programs at the synagogue (scholars-in-residence, classes, reading groups and synagogue skills worskshops) and in our own lives (study partnerships, book groups), in classical texts, modern ones and alternative ones (like cookbooks and musical scores), our members revel in Torah study in broad and deep ways. We are A Community of Learners, studying our way toward being 21st century Jews.

We at the adult education committee, under the leadership of co-chairs Marcia Talmage Schneider and Burt Visotzky, are trying to learn how we can help you grow in your learning. We want to help you explore those areas of Jewish tradition and life that speak to you.

Please write us at learning@anschechesed.org. We want to know what you learn now and where, and whether you’d like to bring more people into your groups. More importantly, we like to know what you’d like to learn next. We’ll connect you with fellow learners, help you find resources, curriculums, match you to partners and teachers – do what we can to help you grow.

Why is study so important in Judaism? Through study, God and Israel are said to share a conversation on the meaning of living in this world.

Our Torah knows that there is some limit to human comprehension, as no person can see God’s face and live. But most of the world lies not at the edge of our ken; actually it is very near to you, in your mouth and heart, so you may live it out. Judaism believes that you can make sense of the world. You have a mind that is in the image of the Divine Mind. So you can understand how to live justly, how to build ethical societies, how to enjoy poetry, how to create grace, how to celebrate birth, how to mourn death, how to carry forward the heritage of our ancestors, how to make meaning out of chaos, and how to be holy as the Lord your God is holy, as this week’s reading will command. That is why study is such a prominent commandment: Learning is not for schoolchildren alone. It applies to every person, every day.

The ideal study, in Jewish tradition, is called Torah Lishma, study for its own sake. Classically, this means study not for the sake of professional advancement (though many of our members are professional students) or for besting other people in argument (though some of us here excel at that too) or for ostentatious erudition (God forbid) or to flee from life into a cloister. Rather, it is study for the sake of deepening our understanding of how to live; study that makes us better people, and enables us to live in a better world.

At AC, we are blessed to have much of this sort of Torah Lishma. Along with the other members of the Adult Ed committee, I appeal to you to write to learning@anschechesed.org and help us have more of it in the coming years.

Opening Reception and Exhibition: 7:00 pm.
Barbara Mann: 8:00 pm
Wine, refreshments, culture and fun.

On May 14, 2006 (a.k.a. Mother’s Day) Congregation Ansche Chesed presents a fascinating and moving musical program celebrating the many facets and faces of mothers. The Sanctuary will be filled with the combined voices of Shirei Chesed, AC’s Community Chorus, and Brooklyn’s Shiru Shir Jewish Community Chorus, both led by Music Director Hazzan Natasha J. Hirschhorn. They will be joined by the world-renowned klezmer violinist Alicia Svigals and other musicians.

Adults $20, at the door $25, children under 13 free. For tickets and reservations please call 212.865.0600 or visit www.anschechesed.org. Click on “Make a donation” and scroll down to “Special Instructions.” Indicate what your payment is for.

Become a Sponsor!
$1,000 Angel/Malakh: Listing and 10 tickets
$540 Temple Conductor/Menatzeah: Listing and 8 tickets
$360 Temple Musician/Levi: Listing and 4 tickets
$180 Beloved/Yedid: Listing and 4 tickets
$72 Friend/Haver: Listing and 2 tickets

Each student will receive a tape with a simple version of the service and is invited to record additional melodies in class. Active participation is expected and encouraged, and individual follow-up sessions will be offered at a mutually convenient time.

Sanctuary Minyan members are encouraged to pick a date with the Sanctuary Minyan davening coordinators in the summer or early fall with the goal of trying out her/his newly acquired skill. Members of other minyanim are invited to explore leadership possibilities with their minyan coordinators.

FAMILY ISRAEL FAIR POSTPONED
The fair scheduled for May 7 has been postponed and will take place at a later date.
 

B’NAI MITZVAH RETREAT IN THE CITY
Sunday, May 21, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Families with children who will celebrate a bar or bat mitzvah in the coming year are invited to the First Annual Ansche Chesed B'nai Mitzvah Retreat in the City on Sunday, May 21 from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. The program, led by Rabbi Lauren Kurland, Education Director, and Sarah Chandler, Youth Educator, will allow parents and pre-b'nai mitzvah children to spend the day at AC and outdoors exploring what it means to become a bar and bat mitzvah, and the importance that this transition has in our lives. The cost for the program (including all resource materials and food) is $30 per adult and $20 per child. Childcare for younger siblings will be available at a minimal fee for those who pre-enroll. To register, email LKurland@AnscheChesed.org or call her at 212- 865-0600 x 208. We look forward to you having you join us on this new adventure at Ansche Chesed!

EIGHTH GRADE CLASS BEGINS NEXT YEAR
Ansche Chesed is delighted to announce the formation of an 8th grade class next year on Wednesday evenings from 6pm to 8pm. The class will be a place for 8th graders to learn, to challenge and explore, and to spend time with old and new friends. Each class session will begin with dinner, allowing the teens an opportunity to socialize and hang out. After dinner, the class will discuss topics ranging from the impact of the Holocaust to Zionism and their relationship to the State of Israel, to what it means to be an American Jewish teen in the 21 st century. We are in discussion with a dynamic and experienced educator for this teaching position. Various sessions will also be taught by guest speakers, including Rabbi Kalmanofsky. For an application, please contact Rabbi Lauren Kurland at 212-865-0600 x208 or LKurland@AnscheChesed.org.

MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND AT CAMP RAMAH
Friday, May 26 to Monday, May 29
This is a fun-filled weekend at Camp Ramah in the Berkshires. Highly recommended! The early-bird deadline for discount reservations is Monday, May 15 and all reservations are due by 5:00pm on Friday, May 19. Mention the AC group when you register. Details and reservation forms are available at http://www.ramahberkshires.org/memorialday/.