For Immediate Release: March 5, 2004
In the winter of 2002, a small group of people began meeting to discuss ways of creating a Jewish forum for spirituality, enlightenment, and fellowship. Those get-togethers led to the establishment of Bet Havarim, a vital and recognized presence in the Jewish community.
Our first year found us in a welcoming, pleasant, and accessible space to meet monthly for Shabbat services at St. David's Episcopal Church, with a group of people committed to programming and worship. We enjoyed a range of diverse speakers and activities that included, from Syracuse University, Robert Thompson and James Wiggins who spoke on media and religious diversity, John Langdon from LeMoyne addressing the Middle East, and Joel Miller, of Syracuse University's Hillel, speaking of the challenges facing Jewish students in today's world. We also hosted a klezmer group and invited congregants of St. David's to a Chanukah fest where 300 latkes were consumed! And, of course, our High Holy Day services with Rabbi Deborah Waxman offered intellectual, spiritual and ritual fulfillment, including a Tashlich ceremony at Brickyard Falls and a welcome break-the-fast meal.
Upcoming plans include a scholar-in-residence weekend (April 16-18) with Rabbi Waxman returning for worship, study, and discussion, a picnic on July 11, and speakers from Jewish Family Services, Hospice, and the Maxwell School at Syracuse University, as well as another High Holy Day season with Rabbi Waxman, who has agreed to lead us once again. Our program committee has discussed plans for a cultural event to be held in the fall.
Bet Havarim has a website (www.bethavarimsyr.org) that keeps the community updated on our events. We welcome the entire community as we look forward to another year of fellowship, worship and shared spirituality.