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View and Print Mitzvah Initiative flyer (pdf)-this program took place during Fall 2010/Winter 2011
Reflections on the Mitzvah Initiative written by Rebecca Schwartz:
The last time my husband, Eric, and I took a class together, it was a joyful disaster. Let’s just say Ballroom dancing is not for us. When we heard about the Mitzvah Initiative, we didn’t know what to expect. We worried that it could be a humbling experience. However, it was just the opposite. We have grown as individuals, as a couple, and as Adath community members.
I have learned through our study of traditional and modern texts to appreciate the value of the dynamics of Judaism. Understanding the historical traditions and the theory behind our most treasured practices has helped me to discover what I consider most important to me.
Eric and I have continued to build our Jewish identity as a couple. We discovered early in our relationship that we were both passionate about our religion and (surprisingly) enjoyed attending services. The Mitzvah Initiative has helped us to identify the mitzvot that are most important to us as a family. And it has prompted some very interesting and enjoyable conversations about our philosophies of Judaism and where it fits into our lives and crazy schedules.
Although I’ve been attending services with Eric and his family for years, in all honesty, I didn’t really feel part of the Adath community. This course has helped me to meet amazing, kind, and thoughtful members of Adath Israel. It has helped me to feel part of the Jewish community.
As I add to my arsenal of Jewish knowledge, I hope to sustain some of the pathways that have opened for me. Thank you to Rabbi Grossman, Beverly Rubman, and Hedda Morton for taking on this challenge as teachers and facilitators. I’m excited to continue to learn and discover how Judaism fits into my family and my personal life. As author Arnold Eisen encourages, “It is only after coming to terms with the fundamental givens of identity…are we prepared for the promises that mark adulthood; the commitments to one another, and to G-d that will define our lives” (Eisen, Session 6; Text 1).
