Shabbat Table Talk from the desk of Rabbi Alexander Seinfeld
August 1-2, 2025 • 8 Av 5785 • Devarim (Deut 1-3).
Last week, when you saw the new teachers website, you were probably thinking, "What's he going to come up with next?"
Yes, this week there is again something new under the sun of Jewish education and engagement!
Our newest program is a response to the following pain-points:
“My child wants a bar/bat mitzvah but the Temple requires a year’s membership and frankly we’re not so interested.”
“We want a meaningful experience that isn’t just a ritual and a party.”
“How can I give my child a connection to Judaism when we’re so far from any Jewish community?”
“My child has learning differences — are there any non-traditional options?”
First question for your table: Do any of those sound familiar? Have you ever heard anyone say any of these things? Do you know anyone who might be feeling that way?
(If so, please send them this email!)
The new Backyard Bar Mitzvah program is a not-for-profit service of yours, truly and JSLI.
It's so new that we haven't even linked to it on our home page yet (but the Rosh Hashanah countdown timer is ticking away there...)
Now, this week's title was inspired by a question one of my volunteer proofreaders asked:
My only concern is how this concept will go over with religious Jews. Will they see this as a “dilution” of a significant Jewish rite of passage?
Second question for your table: What do you think? Is the Backyard Bar Mitzvah concept a dilution of a significant Jewish rite of passage?
Shabbat Shalom
(For those fasting on the 9th of Av - Saturday night through Sunday - wishing you an easy fast.)
Appreciated this Table Talk? Like it, tweet it, forward it....{VR_SOCIAL_SHARING}
Yes, this week there is again something new under the sun of Jewish education and engagement!
Our newest program is a response to the following pain-points:
“My child wants a bar/bat mitzvah but the Temple requires a year’s membership and frankly we’re not so interested.”
“We want a meaningful experience that isn’t just a ritual and a party.”
“How can I give my child a connection to Judaism when we’re so far from any Jewish community?”
“My child has learning differences — are there any non-traditional options?”
First question for your table: Do any of those sound familiar? Have you ever heard anyone say any of these things? Do you know anyone who might be feeling that way?
(If so, please send them this email!)
The new Backyard Bar Mitzvah program is a not-for-profit service of yours, truly and JSLI.
It's so new that we haven't even linked to it on our home page yet (but the Rosh Hashanah countdown timer is ticking away there...)
Now, this week's title was inspired by a question one of my volunteer proofreaders asked:
My only concern is how this concept will go over with religious Jews. Will they see this as a “dilution” of a significant Jewish rite of passage?
Second question for your table: What do you think? Is the Backyard Bar Mitzvah concept a dilution of a significant Jewish rite of passage?
Shabbat Shalom
(For those fasting on the 9th of Av - Saturday night through Sunday - wishing you an easy fast.)
Appreciated this Table Talk? Like it, tweet it, forward it....{VR_SOCIAL_SHARING}
