Spotlight on CLAL

Welcome to Spotlight on CLAL. Here you will find stories about what is happening at CLAL and about the work that CLAL is doing across North America. Sometimes we will focus on a program, or a special event, or upon a CLAL faculty member's work and interests. Bookmark this page if you want to get to know us better.

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Israel, Islam And The American Dilemma: Orthodox Rabbi and Imam Hold Dialogue at Reform Temple  

By Judy Epstein, Director of Public Affairs

On October 8, 2002, Rabbi Brad Hirschfield, Vice President of CLAL, led a dialogue on Israel, “Islam and the American Dilemma” with Feisal Abdul Rauf, Imam of Masjid al-Farah in New York City.  The program looked at what the traditions teach about what it means to be Jewish, what it means to be Muslim, and how we should regard each other -- especially in this volatile time.  The discussion was followed by a question and answer period with the audience. 

This event was the first in a series of adult learning programs sponsored by several leading Jewish institutions of Nassau County. It was held at Temple Israel of South Merrick in Merrick, Long Island.   

“It is critical at a time when walls are going up between whole communities -- religious, national, and ethnic – that we create some doorways as well,” said Rabbi Hirschfield. 

Other lectures (from 9:00-10:00 pm) to be led by CLAL faculty include: 

October 15 – “A Rabbi-Psychologist Looks at Jewish Identity”

October 22 – “A New Way of Looking at the Jewish Future”

October 29 – “Religion and Politics in Modernity”

November 5 – “Jewish Power and Jewish Politics”

November 12 – “Health and Healing: Personal and Communal” 

Accompanying the lectures will be seven five-week classes (from 8:00-9:00 pm) with local rabbinic scholars.  Topics include “Pirke Avot,” “Family Relationships in the Bible and Jewish Law,” “Post-Biblical Jewish Literature,” “Can the Whole World Be Wrong?” (about Israel), “Jewish Music Through the Ages,” “Israel as a Religious Reality,” and “Business Ethics.”   

The cost for the lectures/class series is $25 (door registration - $30, under 21 - free).  Checks should be made payable to the Merrick-Bellmore Jewish Adult Education Program, c/o Temple Israel, 2655 Clubhouse Road, Merrick, NY 11566, or phone 516-378-1963.            

    

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