Rabbi Henry Glazer, known to his online readers as The Grateful Rabbi, wants Jews to be in wonder of the surrounding world and conscious of the blessings each day brings.
On Nov. 18 he’ll discuss “A Blessing As A Way To A Fuller Life” during his keynote address at the Global Day of Jewish Learning at Temple Beth Shalom.
“The word ‘blessing’ in Hebrew can be understood in a variety of ways,” he said. “If we foster humility we can respond to life around us more graciously; we can face the wonders of the universe.”
Silver, who resides in New Jersey, is the author of “I Thank Therefore I Am: Gratefulness As Healing.”
“Blessing is at the very heart and structure of who we are as human beings and as Jews. We’re called upon to recite as many blessings we possibly can; when we eat, drink, see a rainbow, hear thunder — but it requires a discipline. It can be very mechanical so you have to keep your heart open … have to have patience and a level of discipline to make it work for you,” Glazer said.
He said that will be the focus on the entire Global Day of Jewish Learning weekend, which is an annual international celebration, designed to bring Jewish people together by examining Jewish texts through community based learning.
It’s the first time the event is being recognized in Spokane. The theme this year is “Blessing as the Gateway to Fuller Lives.”
In Washington, celebrations are also being held in Olympia, Seattle and Belleview.
The shabbaton weekend will kick off Nov. 16 at 5:30 p.m. with a potluck and will conclude Nov. 18 with an art project, music, dancing and singing, explained Iris Berenstein, co-education director at Temple Beth Shalom (TBS). Nov. 17 will be a day of Havdalah, desserts and adult learning with Glazer. Besides the keynote address (at 10 a.m.), events on Nov. 18 will include children’s story telling and learning centers, adult education, a kosher lunch and family activities.
“We really hope people will come,” Berenstein said. “This is something really unique to our community.”
Jews from across Eastern Washington have been invited and she hopes the event will draw people from out of state as well.
Guests are asked to RSVP by Nov. 13 by calling 747-3304. Admission free for members of Temple Beth Shalom, Congregation Emanu-el and college students (lunch not included in admission). For non-members, registration is $20 for families or $10 for individuals.
