Shabbat Celebrations

Every Friday evening Temple members gather to greet the Shabbat. For Humanistic Jews, Shabbat is a time to slow down, connect to our Jewish heritage, and consider how we can become better human beings. We meditate, enjoy our traditional songs, listen to the rabbi’s sermon, and remember our loved ones who passed away. All Celebrations are held at 8:00 pm unless otherwise noted. All are welcome.

 

March 7 at 8:00 pm

“The Tipping Point and The Birmingham Temple.”

RABBI KOLTON

The book, The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference, by Malcolm Gladwell is a celebrated New York Times bestseller. In this work, Gladwell discusses how human behaviors are like epidemics in that are capable of sudden and dramatic change. Whether we are talking about smoking, teenage delinquency, suicide, or even fashion, no trend is static and everyone can be influenced.

How can Gladwell’s ideas be applied to the landscape of Jewish identity today? What does the Tipping Point have to do with the future of American Judaism? Most importantly, how can the theories of The Tipping Point be applied to the growth of The Birmingham Temple? What is the vision for the future of this congregation and why is it reasonable to predict that Humanistic Judaism can be The Next Big Thing? How and when will WE, “tip?”

Optimism will be the theme of the service. Join us for an original and uplifting evening.

March 14 at 8:00 pm

“Revising the Past: The Ongoing Impact of Archeological Discovery from Ancient Israel” Guest Speaker: Professor Brian Schmidt from the University of Michigan

Rabbi Kolton

 

What were the 10 most important archeological discoveries of the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries that have transformed our modern understands of early Israel’s religious, historical and cultural traditions?  Join Professor Brian Schmidt from the University of Michigan for this fascinating journey through what we once thought we knew, and what wenow can come to know.

The weekend will continue with a seminar taught by Professor Schmidt and open to all Temple members located at The Birmingham Temple.  Registration is through The International Institute for Secular Humanistic Judaism or the Temple office.  

 

March 21 at 7:30 pm

The Great Purim Carnival and DANCE PARTY!

Rabbi Kolton

Purim is one of the most joyous times of the Jewish year.  It is a celebration of life and an invitation to play.  Join us for an evening of carnival.  This year we will have a professional Disc Jockey and the teens of the Temple will host a Purim Dance party! 

Rabbi Kolton will read the Megilah and all the children will play games and win prizes.  Please come in costume and ready to play!

 

March 28 at 8:00 pm

Guest Speaker: Robin Frisch-Gleason Antarctica: What's a Nice Jewish Girl doing in a Place Like That? Part Two

Rabbi Kolton

She is coming back from another trip on the ice!  Robin Frisch-Gleason will soon be returning from Antarctica where she was part of a select team of educators and scientists in the ANDRILL (Antarctic Geologic Drilling) Program. Robin was on "the ice" from early October through early December doing a geophysical study of the McMurdo Sound area and working on cores drilled below the sea ice. She is part of an outreach program to raise public awareness about Antarctic scientific drilling and to integrate polar geoscience content into a range of learning environments. 

Robin Frisch-Gleason is a teacher at Bach Elementary School in Ann Arbor and the daughter of Manny and Debbie Frisch!  During this Shabbat she will share her experiences through a photographic journey. 

Excellence will be the theme of the service.

 

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