Synagogues Host Melton Mini-School City-Wide Shabbat

The Board of Rabbis of Buffalo would like their congregations to know how important it is to be Jewishly literate, and have come together to support the Florence Melton Adult Mini-School by sponsoring in each of their synagogues "The Florence Melton Adult Mini-School City -Wide Shabbat on the Shabbat of Novermber 14. Each Congregation Rabbi taught a lesson that is covered in the Mini-School's curriculum during Shabbat in an effort to convey the importance and the pronounced impact that the Mini-School has on its students. A graduate of the school also spoke at each presentation.
It was a huge success. Kudos to the Buffalo Board of Rabbis who came together to sponsor this event.

Here is one of the speeches given by Jordana Halpern Geist, a graduate of the Mini-School.

Thanks for giving me a few minutes to talk about Melton. I think the lesson that our Rabbi just gave is probably the best advertisement for this program, but as a Melton graduate and member of the Bureau of Jewish Education, I've been asked to make a speech so I'm here to give you my top ten reasons for taking Melton:

1. You'll gain insights into aspects of Judaism you never knew existed. The Melton curriculum delves into the richest of subject matter, including history, traditions, authorities and values that are as relevant today as they were thousands of years ago.

2. You'll exercise your mind in a whole new way. Being at Melton is like being with a personal trainer who encourages you to stretch a little more, think a little harder, let your heart and soul get involved. The results are fantastic, and your mind will be way more buff than it is now.

3. You get to learn. It's hard to describe the sense of privilege I felt while attending Melton. Our teachers added so much color and dimension to the curriculum, bringing history and ancient and contemporary texts to life. If you've ever dreamed of being a scholar, or at least feeling like one for a couple of hours a week - Melton is the place to be.

4. You'll get to see and think about Judaism through other eyes. One of the unique aspects of Melton is that students come from different backgrounds, cities and countries, affiliations and cultures. When people from various streams of Judaism come together to share traditions, bandy about perspectives, and even make occasional revelations, the results are quite remarkable.

5. You get to ask a lot of questions. This isn't about being in a college lecture hall. This is a rare opportunity to participate in long term study that includes trying to better understand the past five thousand years as well as our present.

6. You'll make new friends. I feel fortunate to have forged wonderful new friendships with people I might not have met otherwise.

7. Melton helps you feel closer to Israel. At a time when many of us would like to find ways to connect with Israel, studying and understanding the historical significance of the Jewish homeland is a powerful way to add to our own personal sense of connection.

8. Faith. The Melton program teaches about faith as experienced by our ancestors, prophets, philosophers and chroniclers of history. That we are a people who have faced adversity and continue to thrive and strive to heal the world is a powerful thought. Melton helps remind us that our faith, positive actions and mitzvahs are part of a collective tradition.

9. You'll feel good. Making a commitment to learning more about Judaism has truly enriched my life. I'm constantly surprised by how much I've been able to use what I've learned at Melton - at home, during the holidays, in relationships with family and friends, and with my work.

And finally, reason number 10 - why you should consider taking the Melton course - there's no homework. In a world that runs 24/7, Melton invites you into an oasis of learning, offers a soul refreshing drink and demands very little in return.

That's my pitch. If you want to know more, or just want to sign up right away, please get in touch with Evie Weinstein at the Bureau of Jewish Education. I believe Rabbi Arnold has some flyers as well. Thank you very much and Shabbat Shalom.

> More New at FMAMS