Reform Jewish Views on Contemporary Topics

Over the centuries Jewish communities have turned to the rabbis of their times to ask religious questions dealing with rituals and ethics. For many decades, very knowledgeable Reform rabbis have been writing these "teshuvot"--answers to modern day questions about observance and ethical/moral issues.

Participate in discussions of Reform Rabbinic thought on a variety of modern topics such as:
* The Jewish position on abortion and when is it acceptable to take someone off life supports
* Reform Judaism's position on homosexuality
* The Jewish view of tattooing and body-piercing

Many other topics will follow. Please join this 6-session class where you will have many opportunities to learn and share your own views. No Hebrew is required.

Book: Teshuvot for the Nineties (CCAR 1997)

About the speaker:
Rabbi Steven Kaplan is Rabbi Emeritus at Temple Beth Torah in Fremont, California. He was previously involved in the Ethiopian Jewry Rescue Movement to bring Ethiopian Jews to Israel. He was selected to represent the Bay Area and go on a mission to Ethiopia and Israel in the fall of 1981. He remained active in the movement for twelve years. Rabbi Kaplan has participated in all aspects of congregational life. This is his 2nd year teaching classes here at Shir Hadash, where he is also a member.

Relevant website link: http://www.ccarnet.org/documentsandpositions/responsa

Please contact Patty at patty@shirhadash.org or (408) 358-1751, Ext 7 to reserve your place.