It’s one of the Ten Commandments: Observe Shabbat. Why? What’s important about resting on the seventh day? And what are the do’s and don’ts of the Sabbath day? Study, read, and discuss with Rabbi Shira.

This class explores some of the most challenging concepts for modern Jews who want to grapple with sacred texts while also embracing enlightenment ideals such as equality, peace, and justice for all.

Terrorism—the unjustifiable murder of or threat to civilians—has been a part of Israel’s history since its inception. How has Israel responded to this threat, in addition to the threat of attack from its neighbors? How do we reconcile Israel’s right to self-defense with the fact that Palestinians, many of whom are civilians, are killed in highly disproportionate numbers? What is the Israeli army’s role in separating Palestinians and settlers, protecting the city of Sderot from rocket attacks, and executing incursions into the West Bank and Gaza?