'She plants a vineyard' study of four matriarchs of Judaism

The community is invited to participate in a Torah Study program sponsored by Florida Region of Women's League for Conservative Judaism (WLCJ) and the Temple Israel Adult Education Committee and Sisterhood of Temple Israel on Sunday, Oct. 25 at Temple Israel, 50 S. Moss Road, Winter Springs. The topic, "A Bountiful Harvest-From the seeds planted by the Matriarchs to the Judaism of Today," draws its inspiration from the Torah Fund theme for 5776-Nat'ah Karem, "she plants a vineyard."

Torah Fund is the designated philanthropy of WLCJ and provides funds for the four Conservative/Masorti seminaries and their students. According to Cathy Swerdlow, vice president of Torah Fund for the Florida Region of WLCJ, "The seminaries, located in New York, Los Angeles, Jerusalem and Buenos Aires, are at the forefront of education and innovation that will provide the future leadership for Conservative/Masorti Judaims-from rabbis and cantors to educators, camp staff and lay leaders."

Beginning with a luncheon at 11:30 am, attendees will be drawn together as a community in prelude to study with Rabbi Danielle Upbin, associate rabbi and Shlichat Tzibor (prayer leader) at Congregation Beth Shalom in Clearwater and the JTS Rabbinic Fellow for Florida. Following lunch, there will be three study sessions focusing on the four matriarchs led by the faculty for the day that includes Rabbi Upbin, Rabbi Joshua Neely of Temple Israel and Rabbi Howard Tilman of Jacksonville Jewish Center.

Rabbi Upbin is a graduate of the Jewish Theological Seminary of America. In addition to her rabbinic service, Rabbi Upbin is a professionally trained singer and a past member of the Screen Actors Guild. Leading Jewish prayer in a joyous and soulful manner is one of Rabbi Upbin's passions.

Rabbi Howard Tilman is a graduate of the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies in Los Angeles. He has extensive experience working with youth of all ages in multiple synagogues, schools, and at Camp Ramah in the Poconos.

Rabbi Joshua Neely is also a graduate of the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies and has been the Rabbi at Temple Israel since 2010. Rabbi Neely is a consummate educator and his numerous classes and discussions can easily be found on his YouTube channel.

RSVPs for this community event should be received by Oct. 20 to the office at Temple Israel. Couvert is $18, with net proceeds going to the 5776 Torah Fund campaign.