Ma Hadash Blog from CSH

A group of Shir Hadash congregants are off to the Hadar Institute in New York City for their three-day "July Learning Seminar." I surprised my wife and myself by deciding to go, too!

I've been to Torah study, enjoyed talks by visiting rabbis, and attended Rabbi Nico's "Seekers" class series during the last year, but this seminar in New York will be something new: three days of classes, discussion, and learning in small groups or pairs, plus morning, afternoon, and evening services. I'm pretty sure this will be something more than simply "what you've done before, just longer," but I'm not sure how. The joy and anticipation of something new!

So why did I choose to go? I do just enjoy learning in general -- and the older I get, the more it seems I *don't* know. But in particular, I've had many meaningful moments, and "aha!" and "so, that's why!" during the "Seekers" class series, and similarly in talks at Shir Hadash from visiting Hadar Rabbis Kaunfer and Kasher. Along the way, I've begun new friendships with other Seekers class students, and when I heard rumblings that other Seekers were planning to attend the Hadar seminar in New York City, I talked with Rabbi Nico to learn more and decided to take the plunge.

Look for more blog updates from our group on our Hadar experience!