Founded on May 15, 1842, Har Sinai Congregation is the oldest continuously Reform Jewish Congregation in the United States.
During its first year, regular services were conducted at the home of Moses Hutzler on Exeter Street and Eastern Avenue in Baltimore.
Rabbi Linda Joseph was born in Melbourne, Australia. “Discovered” by a professor at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion who recognized the wide ranging Jewish community work she had undertaken- from working in major Jewish organizations, counseling, founding study groups and Chavurot, leading services and teaching – she was convinced to apply to rabbinic school.
175 years old, Har Sinai Congregation is the oldest continuously Reform congregation in the United States. It began with regular services in the home of Moses Hutzler on May 15, 1842. Back then, the practice was “almost orthodox” with only a few controversial moderate innovations. By 1849, the Congregation built its own temple on High…
The mission of the Har Sinai Congregation Judaic Education Magnet is to provide an education for our children that will help them develop a strong and positive Jewish identity. We hope to instill in the children a sense of spirituality and a bond to the Jewish people and Israel through the study of Torah
Har Sinai Congregation is a dynamic, caring community that honors our Jewish tradition to continue the covenant while empowering members to explore relationships with God, Torah and the world around us.
Sermon 6/17/2016: Al HaDvash v’Al Ha’Oketz “Al hadv’ash v’al haoketz – through the honey and the sting; al hamar v’hamatok – through the bitter and the sweet; al biteinu hatinoket – for the sake of our little daughter; sh’mor Eli hatov – good God keep us safe. Al ha-eish ham’vo-eret – through the burning flame;…
Very early this week, on Thursday morning, I made my way from my home in Shandon to the outskirts of Irmo, to speak to a dozen High School Teens from a Mormon Church who meet daily to pray and study. At the “ungodly 7am hour” I was tasked with bringing these children seeking faith…
We marvel when the impossible becomes possible. In the last 24 hours the news broke that has caused more than a ripple in the scientific community. A prediction in Einstein’s Theory of Relativity has been proven. Gravitational Waves exist. This 1916 theory that was vigorously debated when presented by Albert Einstein, which was labeled by…
The Second Mother: Brazil (2015) Comedy/Drama (subtitles) 111 minutes
10:00 a.m.
A domestic and her liberated estranged daughter reunite only to divide over classist struggles. This film smartly uses humiliation to open our eyes to a world of delicate, but deep injustice.
Kiddush Luncheon for Grade 6 following service
This course will explore the question of Jewish angels. Angels are mentioned in the Hebrew Bible but who were they, and what did they do? Do Jews still believe in angels, and, if so, what is their role in modern Judaism? If not, what happened to them?
Facilitated by Rabbi Emeritus Floyd Herman
Thursdays, November 9, 16 and 30 at 10:30 a.m.
$48 for HSC Members / $60 for Community Members
Har Sinai Congregation
175th Year Celebration
Honoring
Rabbi Floyd Herman
Dr. Jay Perman
Dr. David and Nancy Posner
Saturday, November 11
7:00 p.m.
Proud of our past...excited for our future!
Shower: (94 minutes) When the eldest son returns to his family in Beijing to help care for his mentally handicapped younger brother, he is forced to face up to the reality that the life he remembers in China is being slowly wiped away from memory by the machinations of modernity.
Facilitated by members of the SPICE Committee
This course will explore the question of Jewish angels. Angels are mentioned in the Hebrew Bible but who were they, and what did they do? Do Jews still believe in angels, and, if so, what is their role in modern Judaism? If not, what happened to them?
Facilitated by Rabbi Floyd Herman, Rabbi Emeritus, Har Sinai Congregation
Thursdays, November 16 and 30 at 10:30 a.m.
$48 for Har Sinai Members / $60 for Community Members
A High-Energy Music Event featuring Cantorial Soloists Stacy Kafka and Phil Kane
All Har Sinai Congregants and guests are welcome. Reservations required.
A Musical Journey Through the Decades: In Honor of the 175th Anniversary of Har Sinai Congregation
Featuring The Chesapeake Orchestra Jeffrey Siberschlag, Conductor & Trumpet Soloist and Marika Bournaki, Pianist.
Open to all. Free of Charge
Join Cantor Robert Gerber and Rabbi Linda Joseph for this meaningful and joyous Shabbat Service celebrating American Reform music from the 1940's through the 1970's
Open to All
This course will explore the question of Jewish angels. Angels are mentioned in the Hebrew Bible but who were they, and what did they do? Do Jews still believe in angels, and, if so, what is their role in modern Judaism? If not, what happened to them?
Facilitated by Rabbi Floyd Herman
Torah Scholar of the Year to be Presented to Jay Burman
Come one, come all! Wake up Shabbat B'Yachad in the Sanctuary
An interactive, musical celebration of Shabbat for ages birth to Grade 2 and their family members of all ages.
Come celebrate Shabbat with your friends! Shabbat songs, prayers and a story!
RSVP to Dr. Cantor Rhoda Harrison at rharrison@harsinai-md.org
Family Shabbat Dinner Following the Service catered by Adam's Garden of Eatin'.
$18 per adult, $10 per child ($5 additional for walk-ins - must be paid at the door by cash or check)
RSVP to rdiamond@harsinai-md.org
Join us to celebrate the 100th Birthday of our fellow member, Maurice Levie.
Breakfast will also feature Special Guest Speaker, Dr. Steven Spivak, Professor Emeritus in Fire Protection. Dr. Spivak will speak on "Living through Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico and the aftermath, as particularly related to Temple Beth Shalom in Puerto Rico"
$10 for members/$13 for guests
RSVP to Jay Burman at burmanjs@verizon.net
$12 per child includes dinner with dessert, shoes and bowling
RSVP to vthaler@harsinai-md.org
Due to the impending icy conditions, the Temple office will be closing at 1:00 p.m. today
In this course, we will analyze and evaluate events, issues and ideas in our world, all of which influence contemporary American society. We will view political situations, economic conditions and cultural issues as well as local, national and international news. Come prepared to listen, discuss and even debate the pros and cons of these contemporary issues. Who knows, perhaps together we can brainstorm and strategize some possible solutions to recommend to our politicians at the local and state levels who can then pass our wisdom along to the national powers that be. United, our voices have meaning!
Facilitated by Toby Essrog
Tuesdays, January 9, 16, 23 and 30 at 10:30 a.m.
$48 for HSC Members / $60 for non-HSC members
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: (January 10) Two master warriors are faced with their greatest challenge when the treasured Green Dynasty sword is stolen. A young aristocrat prepares for an arranged marriage but soon reveals her superior fighting talents and her deeply romantic past. As each warrior battles for justice they come face to face with their worst enemy-and the inescapable, enduring power of love. Set against 19th century, breathtaking China landscapes, this 2000 Best Picture winner is a must see. (120 minutes)
$60 for HSC Members for the series / $75 for non-HSC Members for the series
Social Action Shabbat Service commemorating Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. "I Have A Dream"
Share in Shabbat as we hear words of individuals on current issues related to immigration, echoing our ancestors' experiences.
Please help by bringing in donations for Holy Casseroley! Spaghetti sauce, cream soups and pasta!
Celebrate Shabbat as we join for a service with Bolton Street Synagogue, Har Sinai Congregation, Temple Oheb Shalom and Baltimore Hebrew Congregation.
Guest Speaker, Rabbi Jonah Pesner, Director, Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism
"Prophetic Power & Politics: How Reform Jews Can Confront the Fierce Urgency of Now and Covenant to Create a More Just World." Rabbi Pesner will tell the inspiring story of the historic decision by the Reform Movement to launch the Religious Action Center nearly sixty years ago, at the peak of the Civil Rights Movement.
Celebrate Shabbat and Tu B'Shevat with your Har Sinai family.
Join us for this lovely event, a temple favorite. Partake in a special service and a unique Seder led by Rabbi Joseph and Cantor Gerber, and sample select wines with our guest sommelier, Adam Roa.
A Family-Friendly Potluck Dinner to Follow
Bring your favorite dinner or salad dish to share!
Please RSVP through the Punchbowl invitation. Please indicate the dish you will be bringing when you RSVP.
Join us for a lovely afternoon of tea at Gertrude's Restaurant at the Baltimore Museum of Art. A wonderful way to spend the day with your mother, grandmothers, daughters, granddaughters, aunts and nieces!
$36 for adults, $18 for children under 13
Kindly RSVP today to Arlene Burman, amburman@verizon.net
Grades 5 through 8 are invited to a night at Players Fun Zone!
$12 per child includes pizza dinner, laser-tag, glo-golf and bumper cars. Please bring an extra $5 for arcade games.
RSVP today to vthaler@harsinai-md.org
Kiddush Luncheon in the Friedberg Library to follow service.
Due to the inclement weather, Har Sinai Congregation will close today at 11:00 a.m.
Due to the inclement weather, this class has been postponed to a later date.
Due to the inclement weather, this class is postponed to a later date
Free to all. No tickets or reservations required
Reception to follow in the Social Hall
In this course, we will learn about Jews who were elected to Congress, as well as those who have served as state governors and mayors of major cities. We will also learn about Jews who were appointed to important positions such as judges, ambassadors, Cabinet members, etc. Lastly, we will learn about Jews who are influential in communications and as advisors such as Ted Koppel, Wolf Blitzer, and Bernard Baruch.
Facilitator: Harry Ezratty graduated from NYU and Brooklyn Law School. He is the author of three books on Jewish history of the New World and the United States and many articles on Jewish history. He has lectured at Binghamton University, Sacred Heart University, Community College of Howard County, Johns Hopkins Osher and B’nai B’rith Center in Asheville, NC where he was Scholar in Residence. He ran six Jewish Heritage Cruises through the Caribbean. Harry is also currently teaching at CCBC.
Tuesdays, July 10, 17, 24 and 31
10:30 a.m. - noon
In this course, we will learn about our controversial president’s first 18 months in office as well as the investigation into Russian election interference. We will also preview the upcoming mid-term congressional races that could alter Washington’s political dynamics.
Facilitator: Since 1971, Barry Rascovar has been a reporter and commentator on local and national politics and government. He has worked for The Baltimore Sun, The Gazette of Politics and Business (owned by the Washington Post) and The Community Times (published by The Carroll County Times.) He has previously taught SPICE courses entitled “The Election” and “Living in a Trump World.”
Tuesdays, August 7, 14, 21 and 28
10:30 am - noon
Jean de Florette:
A greedy landowner and his backward nephew conspire to block the only water source for an adjoining property in order to bankrupt the owner and force him to sell. This film is a PG-rated drama, written in 1986, with a running time of 120 minutes.
Mostly Martha:
Martha is the chef at a small gourmet restaurant in Hamburg who creates mini-masterpieces in every dish. She devotes every waking hour to her work and her shyness keeps her from breaking out of her monotonous routine or meeting new people. When her sister dies in an accident, however, she is compelled to adopt Lina, her 8-year-old niece. Martha's life changes in an instant: Not only is she faced with adjusting to her new parental role, but she must also find inspired ways to deal with Lina's grief over the loss of her mother. Surprisingly, help comes from Mario, Martha's new Italian sous-chef, who begins to visit Martha and Lina, doing all that he can to cheer them up with jokes and elaborate meals. Just as the trio returns to a stage of normalcy in their lives, Lina's long missing father arrives, announcing that he wants to take Lina back to Italy with him. Having grown to love Lina and her own role as the girl's protector, Martha is faced with a difficult dilemma. This film is a PG-rated romantic comedy, written in 2001, with a running time of 106 minutes.
The King of Masks:
In a true story, Wang Bianlian is an aging street performer known as the King of Masks for his mastery of Sichuan Change Art. His wife left him with an infant son over 30 years ago. The son died from illness at age 10. This left Wang a melancholy loner aching for a male descendant to learn his rare and dying art. A famous master performer of the Sichuan Opera offers to bring him into his act, thus giving Wang fame and possible fortune, but Wang opts for staying the simple street performer. Then, one night after a performance he is sold a young boy by a slave trader posing as the boy's parent. "Grandpa" finds new joy in life as he plans to teach "Doggie" (an affectionate term often used for young children in China) his art. All is well until Doggie is found out to really be a girl. This film is a PG-rated drama, written in 1997, with a running time of 91 minutes.
Tangerines:
Set in 1992, during the growing conflict between Georgia and Abkhazian separatists in the wake of the Soviet Union's dissolution, this compassionate tale focuses on two Estonian immigrant farmers who decide to remain in Georgia long enough to harvest their tangerine crop. When the war comes to their doorsteps, Ivo (played by legendary Estonian actor Lembit Ulfsak) takes in two wounded soldiers from opposite sides. The fighters vow to kill each other when they recover, but their extended period of recovery has a humanizing effect that might transcend ethnic divides. Set against a beautiful landscape defiled by war, this poetic film makes an eloquent statement for peace. This film is an R-rated drama, written in 2015, with a running time of 87 minutes.
(facilitated by SPICE committee)
Wednesdays, 9/5; 10/3; 11/7; 12/5 10:00 a.m.
This class will struggle—as humans have always struggled—to understand what evil is, why it exists and so often impacts good people. We will discuss the ideas of some of the great religions and some of the great thinkers of the world. Do not expect a definitive answer to this age-old problem, but perhaps we can learn together as we struggle.
Facilitator: Floyd L. Herman is the Rabbi Emeritus of Har Sinai Congregation which he has served for more than 35 years. He continues his involvement in the congregation and in the community. He has always been active in the Jewish and non-Jewish communities, both locally and nationally. He also enjoys golf and food. Rabbi Herman has taught before in our SPICE program on a few occasions. All of the topics on which he has spoken have been extremely well-received.
Thursdays, September 6, 13, 20, 27 and October 4, 11, 18, 25`
10:30 am - noon
This course will survey some of the most significant crimes from the past, and the controversies that still surround them. We will analyze carefully the social and political forces at play, and their influence on the administration of justice. Each crime we study will include a look at relevant forensic evidence and its significance in determining suspects’ guilt or innocence. With the exception of Jack the Ripper, the crimes discussed will have been committed within the United States.
Facilitator: Bill Krause holds the following degrees: A.A.; B.S.; M.S.; MBA; as well as MT(ASCP) certification. He has more than 25 years of experience in education (academic, clinical laboratory and industrial settings). He has co-authored scientific papers and a book-length text (First Responder, 7th ed., Prentice Hall). He is currently an adjunct faculty member of the Senor Institute/Continuing Education Program at CCBC and of Osher at Towson University.
Tuesdays, November 6, 13, 20, 27 AND December 4, 11 and 18
10:30 a.m. - noon
Join us for what promises to be a wonderful bus trip to the National Museum of American Jewish History in Philadelphia.
Located on Independence Mall in Philadelphia, The National Museum of American Jewish History presents educational programs and experiences that preserve, explore, and celebrate the history of Jews in America. Its purpose is to connect Jews more closely to their heritage and to inspire in people of all backgrounds a greater appreciation for the diversity of the American Jewish experience and the freedoms to which Americans aspire.
The National Museum of American Jewish History is the preeminent national museum creatively teaching, interpreting, and inspiring dialogue about the American‐Jewish experience in the context of American history.
Logistics:
The bus will leave from the Har Sinai Congregation parking lot promptly at 8:00 a.m., and return at 5:30 p.m.
The cost of the trip is $70 and includes bus, driver gratuity, admission and a light snack on the way home.
Lunch will be on your own in the Museum café.
A total of 54 participants can be accommodated on this trip, so reservations will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis.
Thursday, November 8
8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
