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Creating a Responsible Life
Why is it so hard to be good? with Rabbi Ira Stone
Come for a weekend of learning with Scholar-in-Residence Rabbi Ira Stone, made possible by the Numero-Steinfeldt Scholar in Residence fund of Adath Jeshurun Foundation.
Rabbi Ira Stone is a leading figure in the contemporary renewal of the Mussar movement, a Jewish ethical movement. Stone was ordained as a rabbi at the Jewish Theological Seminary of America in 1979, and proceeded to serve congregations in Seattle and Philadelphia while also teaching at the Jewish Theological Seminary of America. He has been the spiritual leader at Temple Beth Zion-Beth Israel in Philadelphia since 1988. He also currently teaches at the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College and is the director of Mussar Leadership Programs (formerly known as the Philadelphia Mussar Institute). He is a scholar of Emmanuel Levinas and of the Mussar movement. His book, A Responsible Life: The Spiritual Path of Mussar (Aviv Press, 2006), draws on the thinking of Emmanuel Levinas in developing a contemporary vision of Mussar. Unlike other non-Orthodox Mussar teachers, he believes that Mussar practice must involve a commitment to the observance of Jewish law. Stone has also proposed that a dedication to Mussar should be central to the approach of Conservative Judaism. Among his other books are Reading Levinas/Reading Talmud (JPS, 1998), Seeking the Path of Life: Theological Meditations on the Nature of God, Life, Love and Death (Jewish Lights, 1993), Sketches for a Book of Psalms (Xlibris, 2000), and a commentary on Rabbi Moshe Hayyim Luzzatto's Mesillat Yesharim (Jewish Publication Society, 2010).
Stay after Friday night services and enjoy a congregational dinner with Rabbi Stone where he will discuss "Why is it so hard to be good? An Introduction to Mussar history and contemporary approach."
REGISTER by March 6.
Rabbi Stone will share a D'var Torah on "Mussar: Building a Temple in Relationships" followed by a lunch and learn on the topic of "Where Mussar and Kabbalah cross paths."
Engage with Mussar and Middot—a public event sponsored by Hineni and Adath where Rabbi Ira Stone will be the keynote speaker and discuss Mussar and Kabbalah.
10-11 am—Brunch and Keynote - Ira Stone "Spirituality as Practice"
11:15 am-12:15 pm—Breakout Session 1
Mussar and Yoga
Intro to Mussar
Deepening your Mussar practices
Mussar and Social Justice
12:15-12:30 pm—Snacks
12:30-1:30 pm—Breakout Session 2
Mussar Va'ad with Ira Stone
Cost: $20 in advance, $25 at the door, free for those under age 30
What is Mussar?
Mussar is a Jewish ethical, educational and cultural movement that was first developed in the 19th century in Lithuania. The Hebrew term Musar means moral conduct, instruction or discipline. This renewal movement focused on the central obligation of Jewish life—love your neighbor—as a means of self-improvement and spiritual growth. Through Mussar, we can learn how to start and embrace a spirituality that is generous, compassionate, and moral.
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Sunday 12th of July marks the 24th anniversary of the annual Disability Awareness Day (DAD) event at Walton Hall Gardens in Warrington, Cheshire. The event aims to bring the disabled community together to provide a platform to promote information, dispel myths, misconceptions and the often stigmatised association to mobility aides.
When was Disability Awareness Day created?
Head Ranger Nick White of Walton Hall Garden's created the event in 1992 when he discovered there was extra budget leftover and wanted to invest it into a disability scheme dedicated to providing information to the public. Since then, the DAD event has grown to become the world's largest voluntary led disability event and has inspired people across the globe to run similar events in places as far as India, Denmark, Sweden and more.
To highlight statutory, private or voluntary services that are available to enable disabled people to stay independent.
To promote equipment and aides that can maintain or improve independence.
Provide an opportunity to showcase the capabilities of the less-mobile in fields of sport, arts and entertainment.
In the lead up to 'The Big Event', there is a week-long event calendar including everything from BBQs, Quiz and Charity auctions to outdoor theatre productions and big band performances. Ending the week-long fanfare is the main event that is Disability Awareness Day which brings businesses and family based charities together to educate and entertain.
The day is open from 10am to 5pm and free for everyone to attend. The whole day is fun for all ages, with specific entertainment catered to children that include circus tricks and zoo animals to keep the kids pleased.
For those unable to attend the event, you can still do your part by bringing awareness to this event and the main point of the day which is to raise awareness and reduce the stigmatised mark within society of those with mobility impairments.
To join in on the conversation, follow us on G+ and Twitter and tell us how you plan to bring light to this day.