Shabbat Residency with Rabbi Adina Lewittes
We are excited to welcome Rabbi Adina Lewittes back to BJ as a Shabbat Scholar in Residence on March 3-4, when she will be exploring “Love, Hate, Politics, and Faith: Ancient Persia or Modern America?”
Far from an ancient tale, the story of Purim is filled with drama and crises that reverberate through our modern minds and souls, especially in the discussion around politics, identity, and faith. As we continue to wrestle with how to be fully engaged citizens in both our American and Jewish communities, the Book of Esther offers us insights into the search for political enfranchisement, cultural continuity, and physical safety without compromising moral or spiritual integrity. Join Rabbi Lewittes for a deep foray into these layers of Megillat Esther during her sermon on Shabbat morning and a Shabbat afternoon teaching and Havdalah.
Shabbat Morning Services | March 4 | 9:30 AM-12:00 PM | BJ Sanctuary and Online
Shabbat Afternoon Learning and Havdalah with Rabbi Adina Lewittes | March 4 | 5:00-6:30 PM | Reception Room
Rabbi Adina Lewittes (Dini) founded Sha’ar, a values-driven Jewish community that for 20 years provided creative gateways into Jewish life exemplified by a commitment to diversity, innovation, scholarship, excellence, and collaboration. She currently speaks and teaches in a wide variety of settings, including in the Rabbinical School at JTS, where she teaches a class in contemporary Jewish Law to senior rabbinical students, and is writing a book on the changing landscape of identity and belonging. Dini is a member of the senior rabbinic faculty of the Shalom Hartman Institute and is on the Board of Trustees of Keshet and the Heschel School. Between 2017 and 2020, Dini served as BJ’s Scholar in Residence, engaging the community in robust text study and discussion relating to some of the most urgent ethical and halakhic challenges of contemporary Jewish life. She is married to Andi Lewittes and is blessed with four children and two stepchildren.
This residency is sponsored by Penelope Raphaely in memory of her brother Tony, who was passionate about his family, his Judaism, and Israel, and helping the underprivileged.