Jewish Reconstructionist Federation

RABBI DAVID TEUTSCH AS SCHOLAR-IN-RESIDENCE AT DOR HADASH
APRIL 4-6, 2008

LIVING A JEWISH LIFE: SPIRITUAL JOURNEY AND MORAL CHALLENGE

Rabbi David Teutsch serves as Director of the Center for Jewish Ethics at the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College in Wyncote, Pennsylvania, where he has been a professor of Contemporary Jewish Civilization since 1997. For 25 years, he has been active as a private consultant for Jewish organizations nationwide.
He is the author of numerous books, including Spritual Community: The Power to Restore Hope, Commitment and Joy (2005), and several volumes in the series, A Guide to Jewish Practice, on the topics of Bioethics, the Ethics of Speech, Kashrut and Tzedaka. An additional volume, on Economic Justice and Organizational Ethics, is forthcoming.

Rabbi Teutsch is also the author of a forthcoming textbook on Jewish Leadership and Not-for-Profit Management. He served as editor of the Daily and High Holy Day prayer books published by the Reconstructionist Press (1996 and 1999).

Rabbi Teutsch received his Ph.D. from the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, and was ordained by Hebrew Union College in New York.

THE SCHEDULE OF EVENTS IS AS FOLLOWS:

CONGREGATION TO COMMUNITY: A SPIRITUAL JOURNEY
Rabbi Teutsch has played a central role in shaping the Reconstructionist movement. He will tell his personal story in a way that will explore key episodes in the development of the movement and its philosophy and practice.

Shabbat Service, Friday, April 4, 7:00 pm. Oneg reception following.

THE MARCH OF HISTORY AND THE CYCLING OF RITUAL: PASSOVER, PURITY AND THE POWER OF REDEMPTION
An interactive study session devoted to the week’s Torah portion, Parshat Tazria.

Torah Study, Saturday, April 5, 10:00 am. Refreshments provided.

FAMILY VALUES AND POSTMODERN INDIVIDUALISM: NEW ISSUES IN JEWISH SEXUAL ETHICS
It is not easy to maintain a balanced view of our sexual and gender identity choices. Rabbi Teutsch uses a values-based approach that draws on awareness of contemporary scientific and social scientific data in exploring how we can shed light on these moral challenges.

Saturday Evening, April 5, 8:00 pm. Dessert reception following.

COMMITMENTS OF HEART AND ACTION: THE OBLIGATIONS OF PARENTS TO CHILDREN AND CHILDREN TO PARENTS
We will examine biblical and rabbinic texts as we explore ethical responses to the contemporary challenges that face families.

Sunday Morning, April 6, 10:00 am. Refreshments provided.

All events are free and open to the public. For more information, contact Congregation Dor Hadash at 858-268-3674.