בקר טוב Boker Tov and Good Morning! The sun rising in Jerusalem is strong, blanching the limestone facing on every building, a zoning requirement since before the state was established. In the afternoon, as the sun sets, it bathes the limestone in warm, golden hues thus giving the city the name "Jerusalem of God."
The 1/2 walk to the Hartman Institute passes through wonderful neighborhoods. The past two days, a pomegranate tree has caught my eye.
A pomegranate tree in Jerusalem
Trees so beautiful, even the iphone can even capture them! Life at the Hartman Institute is focused on the Beit HaMidrash, the study hall were much of our learning takes place. From 8:30 am - 11:00 we study in pairs or small groups and then a scholar gives an interactive lecture. The other rabbis in the program are a talented and eclectic bunch representing orthodox, conservative, reform, reconstructionist and those without labels. No ultra orthodox, unfortunately. Our studies continue until four pm. We have free time until six, when dinner and an evening learning program happen. Below is a photo I took yesterday morning during our "hevruta", or small group learning, session.
The Beit Midrash, the study hall at the Hartman Institute. A beautiful octogonal room where we spend the morning.
Often, during the 4:00 - 6:00 pm slot, we go to a nearby avenue, Emek R'faim, sit in a coffee shop and continue our wide ranging conversations.
The conversation continues over coffee. Rabbis Eric Gurvis and, Milwaukee's own, Jacob Herber. This morning, a small complication: we couldn't get the front door of our apartment locked - the mechanism had seized. A call to the "installator", or handy man, brought Uri and his helper, who disassembled the door. I left hoping (and praying) that the door will be working when I get home. But, hey!, this is Jerusalem! All things are possible.  Uri, the handy man, on the left, trying to take our door apart or put it back together.
This afternoon, we met with Rabbi Rick Jacobs, the president elect of the Union for Reform Judaism. Rabbi Jacobs spoke about the challenges and opportunities he sees on the horizon for American Liberal Judaism.  Rabbi Rick Jacobs speaks to RLI4 (Rabbinic Leadership Initiative)
Tonight, Julie and I and some friends are going to a concert in Gan HaPa'amon (Liberty Bell Park). The artist playing is Kobi Oz. To hear a little of his music and to learn about him go here.  | |
Kobi Oz - If you leave me
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There's so much culture happening in Jerusalem! A huge film festival this week, an international puppet festival and lots and lots of music. Here's one offering I won't be able to partake of:  A poster for a concert upcoming by a nice Jewish boy from Brooklyn. I saw him in the same venue with Art Garfunkel in 1983. true magic. Tomorrow evening, or perhaps next week, we'll have a chance to join in one of the most lively ways to welcome the Shabbat - at the port in Haifa. Take a look at this video that shows what it's all about. I hope your Shabbat is sweet and filled with opportunities to rest and enjoy the summer. Shabbat Shalom, Rabbi David B. Cohen  | | Kabbalat Shabbat at Tel Aviv Port promenade |
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