Shabbat Services and & Torah Study: Parsha Ki Tisa
Saturday, March 15th
Emeryville, CA & online
9:30am Shabbat service // 10:30am Torah study
Register Here
You can join us either in person or on Zoom for Shabbat services and/or Torah study. If you are in the Bay Area, we’d love to have you join us in person. After Torah study, we enjoy a vegetarian potluck meal together and have an opportunity to deepen our connection with one another. If you are able, please bring a vegetarian dish to share with others. For those joining us online, we invite you to also bring food to eat after the service. We will keep the room open so folks can connect with each other after the service.
A peek into Torah study with us and the parsha this week
This week, we will discuss the Torah parshat Ki Tisa. In this parsha, the Israelites build the Golden Calf. We will explore:
- Why the people may have wanted or needed an idol.
- What they hoped it would replace or how it would serve them.
- Whether there are any similarities today.
We will also discuss Purim and the Book of Esther, which is read during Purim, taking place this week on March 13th-14th.
Purim is traditionally a time of joy and celebration. We are taught that Purim reveals how the boundaries between good and evil are blurred and confusing—a reminder that we too can become the oppressor.
In the Book of Esther, particularly the often-omitted last chapter, Esther orders the genocide of an entire people, believing that murdering the other is the only way to save the Jews. This raises deep and relevant questions for today.
Some Israelis attack Palestinians during Purim, believing that the mandate to wipe out the other to protect Jews is justified both biblically and ethically.
In our discussion, we will explore:
- The meaning of this story.
- Whether we should read the Book of Esther or celebrate Purim.
- And more.
We hope you can join us for these rich and thought-provoking discussions.
Access Information
- Location: Rabbi Cat’s home in Oakland, about 0.5 miles from MacArthur BART Station. Address will be provided once you register.
- Accessibility: There are 4 steps to enter the house and 4 steps to the backyard (if people choose to go there.) The bathroom is not wheelchair accessible. There are couches, chairs, and floor pillows for seating. Please try to be scent-free. A retriever/labrador dog lives in the home but will not be present. A cat has lived there previously.
- COVID: Masks are optional. Please don’t come if you have any symptoms. Air filter provided. Windows can be opened if requested.
- Please email us if you have questions or other accessibility needs.