MARLBORO – The Marlboro Jewish Center will welcome Rabbi Debra Orenstein to the community for a Scholar in Residence program on Oct. 21-22. Her topics for the weekend will be “Modern Slavery and the Jewish Problem” and “Finding (More) Meaning in Jewish Ritual.”
For 20 years, Orenstein was an instructor at the American Jewish University, Los Angeles, where she taught in the rabbinical, graduate school, undergraduate, conversion, Elderhostel and continuing education programs, according to a press release
In 2010, she returned to her home state of New Jersey and became spiritual leader of Congregation B’nai Israel, Emerson, while continuing her writing and public speaking.
According to the press release, Orenstein’s passion is connecting Judaism and spirituality to people’s everyday lives and concerns. The focus of her social action is ending slavery in one’s lifetime.
Orenstein, who is a seventh generation rabbi, will speak at 8:15 p.m. Oct. 21 about “Modern Slavery and the Jewish Problem.” On Oct. 22 at 9:15 a.m., the rabbi will show guests different ways of looking at ritual in their lives.
For more information and to RSVP, email mjcsir@gmail.com
And, Maggie Anton, the author of “Fifty Shades of Talmud,” will visit the temple on Nov. 3 for an exploration of the rabbinic discussions in the Talmud that revolved around sex.
The conversations will be put in context with the time period and participants will see how the ancient conversations relate to people today. No prior knowledge of Talmud or Hebrew is required. Contact the synagogue for more information.
