Charitable giving is a core value that resonates strongly with the Jewish holiday cycle.  Tax breaks aside, the festivals give us pause to reflect upon our religious freedom, good fortune, and the tradition of tzedakah that serves to elevate the season.  On Purim, we encourage matanot l’evyonim (gifts to the poor), on Pesach we give ma’ot chitten (literally “money for wheat”), before Yom Kippur we hold food drives, and so on.  During Hanukkah, we give gelt - not just to our loved ones, but to the causes we love.

Over the past month, email, print media, snail mail and voice mail have all become important vehicles for fundraising.  The spike in the volume of “asks” is overwhelming - so many good causes, limited funds, and little time.  And so, with only one week left to 2011, we hope that BHI will also merit your careful philanthropic consideration. 

With our mission of supporting student scholarships, Jewish education, and important Judaic resources, the Baltimore Hebrew Institute at Towson University continues to enrich our community in countless ways.  In just over two years, Towson University has become home to a thriving array of both undergraduate, graduate, and adult education courses and programs.  BHI is proud of its affiliated faculty’s achievements, community events, and the exceptional BHI Judaica Collection at the Albert Cook Library on campus.

Next week, Towson University will launch the first Israel Immersion Study Abroad program.  Fourteen students will travel to Israel with Dr. Hana Bor to study and experience the richness of this extraordinary country.  This interdisciplinary course entitled Exploring Cross-Cultural Educational and Social Services in Baltimore and Israel will engage this diverse group of students from the College of Education and the College of Liberal Arts in exploring Israeli approaches to education and family services and applying those experiences to their work in Baltimore.  Along with studying, students on this trip will volunteer in Ashkelon working with Ethiopian children, the senior community and children with developmental challenges.

To learn more about what’s happenning at BHI and Towson University, check our BHI website newsletter archives.  And let us help you with your December dilemma!

Please click here for gifts to the BHI Judaica Collection, or here for gifts to scholarship or program support (use the comments box to direct your gift for unique purposes). 
OR, mail tax deductible gifts payable to:
Baltimore Hebrew Institute
Towson University
8000 York Rd.
Towson, MD 21252

Wishing you a joyous and light-filled holiday and a wonderful 2012!
Erika Pardes Schon
410-704-7117

 

I wrinkled my nose at the briny smell as I moved closer to photograph the clear plastic cup full of greenish liquid. Resting on the bottom of the cup were the dried glands of several chilazon, the Hebrew word most closely identified as the present day mollusk, murex trunculus.  As 25 curious students looked on, the guest presenter, Dr. Ari Zivotofsky from Bar Ilan University proceeded to dip a swath of pure white wool into the murky solvent.  Lo and behold, the soaked greenish-yellow wool slowly changed to a rich blue color, known in the Hebrew sources as tekhelet, the unique blue dye used to color the tsitsit (ritual fringes) and priestly garments of ancient Israel.

What a privilege it was to learn alongside these young adults who were enrolled in The Object is the Object, Dr. Barry Freundel’s freshman seminar at Towson University.  On Thursday, November 10, Dr. Zivotofsky expertly took the students on a journey from biblical to modern times, exploring the early textual references to ptil tekhelet, which are repeated daily in the Sh’ma blessing: “And it [ptil tekhelet] shall be for you as a fringe, that you may look upon it and remember all the commandments of G-d, and do them…” (Numbers 15:38-39).

The symbolism of ptil tekhelet is multifold; the rich blue colors recall the ocean and the infinite sky, reminding us of G-d’s presence in the world and of the bond between the wearer and G-d.

Yet, over time, the wearing of tekhelet became relegated only to royalty, placed under restrictions during Roman times, and ultimately banned after the Arab conquest. Thus, the source of this special dye was lost to modern knowledge, only to be rediscovered following research and exploration in the late 20th century.  Citing sources in the Talmud that referred to the special properties of tekhelet, researchers embarked on numerous diving expeditions off the coast of northern Israel that led to the identification of the most likely match for the chilazon.  As it turns out, the dye is derived from a relatively rare snail found in the Mediterranean.  This murex trunculus shellfish found off the coast of what was once ancient Phoenicia contains a special gland that produces the indigo-colored permanent dye. Today, the ancient dying process used to make tekhelet has been revived and wearers of the blue threads can be seen throughout the Jewish world.

At the end of last week’s class, students were intrigued by another challenging question posed by Dr. Freundel.  Why is Dr. Zivotofsky making history this week through his visit to the US?  Clearly, the answer was not in the tekhelet lesson just learned.  They will no doubt Google Dr. Zivotofsky and learn that he has sued the US State Department on behalf of his son, born in 2002 in Jerusalem at Shaare Zedek hospital.  His suit, now being heard by the Supreme Court, requests that the plaintiff’s passport records Jerusalem, Israel as the place of birth. Although this may seem obvious to some, the ruling on this seemingly benign passport case will have far-reaching implications on US foreign policy. Learn more about this>>

What interesting times we live in!  Students at Towson, from a variety of faith traditions, are learning to appreciate the “hows, whys and whens” of Jewish ritual and religious practice throughout history.  Courses such as Dr. Freundel’s tie ancient texts to modern traditions, while also demonstrating the inextricable historic link of the Jewish people to the modern land of Israel.  Yet, at the same time, students on college campuses throughout the world are barraged with messages that seek to undermine or at least call into question Israel’s very right to exist as a Jewish state.  As revisionist “historians” gain traction with naïve and impressionable audiences, Israel advocacy is more important than ever.

Which brings me to Israel Advocacy Day.

On Sunday, November 13, threads of blue were boldly displayed on the graphic design for the Israel Advocacy Conference.  Baltimore Hebrew Institute of Towson University was proud to be one of 18 communal organizations who sponsored this important event.  Attendees reflected the broadest spectrum of Israel advocates, from the far left to the far right, underscoring the importance of unconditional dialogue and engagement in the complex issues that affect Israel today.  Shoshana Cardin honored her parents’ memory as she introduced the day’s Sraiah and Chana Shoubin Memorial Lecturer, William Daroff, with recollections of her father.  Sraiah Shoubin had wisely taught her that it was ok to sometimes disagree with Israel and its policies, while also underscoring the critical and enduring importance of Israel to the Jewish people.  Daroff expertly presented a succinct review of Israel’s history vis-a-vis the Palestinian conflict, emphasizing the key facts that we need to remember in order to confidently advocate for Israel in a variety of settings.

At the Israel Advocacy event, I was energized by being in the room with community members who shared my passion, commitment and concern for Israel’s well-being.  However, the most encouraging aspect of the day was the presence of young adults, in high school, college and grad school, who were, like me, fine tuning the important messages and arguments that they will use in their own Israel conversations.  Their job will be harder than mine, for Israel is increasingly being delegitimized amongst the younger generation.  And so with a renewed sense of purpose, I will return to my job supporting the BHI-affiliated Judaic studies courses at Towson, which reaffirms our important mission of Jewish education.  Next week’s presentation in Dr. Freundel’s class will deal with the Jewish ritual objects the etrog (representing the heart) and the shofar (a call to action).  I cannot imagine two more fitting symbols to capture the emotion and necessity of the times.

The Summer Teachers Institute is an annual event, presented through a partnership between the Baltimore Jewish Council, the Jewish Museum of Maryland, and the Maryland State Department of Education. The Summer Institute has been in place for seven years.

Every year, the Institute has a theme, and this year, the title was: “The Holocaust: Persecution to Nuremberg.” The Keynote speaker of the morning was Professor Harry Reicher, of the University of Pennsylvania Law School and the Scholar-in-Residence at the Touro Law Center. He focused his lecture on the factors that set the stage for, and ultimately led to the Nuremberg Trials, as well as their abiding impact on the 21st Century. He was engaging, passionate and knowledgeable.

In the afternoon, we had the opportunity to showcase two of Towson’s other jewels: our library and our faculty. The group made a pilgrimage to the Cook Library, where they enjoyed lunch and an afternoon program in the lovely Towson Room. Three members of Towson’s faculty, Dr. Nicole Dombrowski, from the History department, Elaine Mael, one of our fabulous librarians and Dr. Hana Bor, Program Director of the Graduate Programs in Jewish Education, and Jewish Communal Service presented. Elaine Mael gave the teachers a tutorial on accessing the library’s extensive collection of Survivor Testimonials.

Teachers are always a great audience, but this group was exceptional. It is gratifying to know that there are so many incredible educators out there who are interested in studying the Holocaust. While many of them plan to use what they learned yesterday in the classroom, several others were there solely because of their interest in learning more about it for themselves.

Working together with the staff of the JMM and the BJC, as well as everyone who supported us at Towson was one of the day’s highlights. Everyone pitched in to insure that the day was successful and meaningful for the educators. From schlepping the food to arranging the furniture, and even a last minute ride to Penn Station for our speaker, the power of partnerships was evident throughout the day. As we bid farewell to our guests, I was overwhelmed by their kind expressions of gratitude. I am already looking forward to doing it again next year!

The Summer Teachers Institute is an annual event, presented through a partnership between the Baltimore Jewish Council, the Jewish Museum of Maryland, and the Maryland State Department of Education. The Summer Institute has been in place for seven years.

Every year, the Institute has a theme, and this year, the title was: “The Holocaust: Persecution to Nuremberg.” The Keynote speaker of the morning was Professor Harry Reicher, of the University of Pennsylvania Law School and the Scholar-in-Residence at the Touro Law Center. He focused his lecture on the factors that set the stage for, and ultimately led to the Nuremberg Trials, as well as their abiding impact on the 21st Century. He was engaging, passionate and knowledgeable.

In the afternoon, we had the opportunity to showcase two of Towson’s other jewels: our library and our faculty. The group made a pilgrimage to the Cook Library, where they enjoyed lunch and an afternoon program in the lovely Towson Room. Three members of Towson’s faculty, Dr. Nicole Dombrowski, from the History department, Elaine Mael, one of our fabulous librarians and Dr. Hana Bor, Program Director of the Graduate Programs in Jewish Education, and Jewish Communal Service presented. Elaine Mael gave the teachers a tutorial on accessing the library’s extensive collection of Survivor Testimonials.

Teachers are always a great audience, but this group was exceptional. It is gratifying to know that there are so many incredible educators out there who are interested in studying the Holocaust. While many of them plan to use what they learned yesterday in the classroom, several others were there solely because of their interest in learning more about it for themselves.

Working together with the staff of the JMM and the BJC, as well as everyone who supported us at Towson was one of the day’s highlights. Everyone pitched in to insure that the day was successful and meaningful for the educators. From schlepping the food to arranging the furniture, and even a last minute ride to Penn Station for our speaker, the power of partnerships was evident throughout the day. As we bid farewell to our guests, I was overwhelmed by their kind expressions of gratitude. I am already looking forward to doing it again next year!

“Can you translate the Hebrew name….?”,  “Where can I find a Torah…?”, “I have an old book in my possession and it looks like it’s written in Hebrew…”.  These are just a sampling of the random inquiries that Michelle and I receive occasionally in the BHI offices.  With a name like Baltimore Hebrew Institute, this comes as no surprise to us.  We are happy to triage callers to the many agencies, organizations, synagogues and schools that provide Jewish services, but most often callers ring with questions relating to the study of Hebrew.  And on this topic, BHI is the right address! 

Michelle Taylor, who coordinates our adult education programs, shares her impressions as our guest blogger today:

On the first evening of summer classes in July, Malca Friedman, Hebrew Ulpan instructor exclaimed, “It’s like the United Nations!”  While this may seem like a strange comment about a Hebrew   language class, it captured the essence of the gathering.  Black, white, Asian, Jewish or Christian, the thirty students studying Hebrew during the summer through the Baltimore Hebrew Institute are the picture of diversity.  For people who ask “why can’t we all get along?”  I say come to our Hebrew classes.  Here we get along, work together, share common goals, speak Hebrew, and have a great time.  Meeting on Monday nights (for Biblical Hebrew) and Wednesday nights (for Modern Hebrew) at Beth El Congregation in Pikesville, a warm and welcoming learning community has been created.  Ulpan Director Dr. Eyal Bor has recruited master teachers and constructed an excellent curriculum.  We are proud of our growing Hebrew language program, and the interesting cross section of our community that comes together l’daber ivrit.

Classes for Modern Hebrew Ulpan and Biblical Hebrew will begin again October 6th.  For information about how you can join this diverse and stimulating learning community, contact Michelle Taylor at 410-704-7118. 

Jewish law (halakha)has something to say about just about everything, so it comes as no surprise that rulings abound about the halakhic permissibility of smoking.  In search of contemporary wisdom on the topic, I turned to two local Rabbinic authorities.  Dr. Barry Freundel, an esteemed professor at Towson University, teaches medical ethics. He commented

“Jewish law and tradition put a premium on maintaining one’s health. As Maimonides (1138–1204) famously said: ‘one cannot possibly pursue the knowledge of God unless one’s body and mind are   functioning properly’. In that regard, when the first questions were asked about smoking in the 19th century, since the medical science of that era was enthusiastic about the health benefits of tobacco, experts in Jewish law were generally positive about its use. However, as scientific understanding has changed, the reaction has modified along with it. Today the halakhic community recognizes that the imperative to be ‘extremely careful with our lives’ (lit. with our souls) requires that we stop smoking, work to help people beat the smoking addiction, prevent people from beginning a life-long connection to smoking, and protect people from second hand smoke.”

Rabbi Avram Reisner (Rabbi, Chevrei Tzedek Congregation) is a member of the Conservative Movement’s law committee.  Rabbi Reisner also cited Deuteronomy 4:15, “Be very protective of your lives”, and then provided an additional quote from Maimonides: “There are many things the sages said one must avoid because they are dangerous to life. Whoever transgresses them, saying, ‘I am endangering myself; It is no one else’s business’ is punishable for rebelliousness.” 

Rabbi Reisner then continued

“In the late 1970s, Rabbi Seymour Siegel took that tack, applying it to smoking in a personal responsum adopted in 1986 by the Conservative Movement’s Committee on Jewish Law and Standards.  Siegel wrote ‘It follows that Jewish ethics and Jewish law would prohibit the use of cigarettes.’  Though Rabbi Siegel’s words were somewhat tentative (would?), he was facing a world in which smoking was still common. But his words have never been retracted, and only grow more forceful as we learn more clearly how dangerous and pervasive is the harm smoking, and even second-hand smoke, causes.”

As a beacon of environmental responsibility, Towson University became a smoke-free campus on August 1, 2010. Kudos to TU for being the first four-year institution in Maryland to give those butts the boot!  As far as TU’s campus is concerned, Asur le’Ashen (it is forbidden to smoke)!

Just over a year ago in June, faculty and staff were busy packing boxes at Baltimore Hebrew University, sifting through decades of history.  Dusty boxes were unearthed from the basement, overflowing with archival materials waiting to be sorted, and old photographs and memorabilia that spoke of 90 years of venerable history in the annals of Jewish education.  Next door to the president’s office, a rising mountain of discarded paper destined for the shredder threatened to hit the ceiling, a reminder of the old way of storing information prior to the invention of the hard drive.  With its painted cinderblock classrooms, library dumb-waiter and jerry-rigged internet connections,  BHU was definitely “old school”,  but held a special place in my heart.  The building had surely served us well, nurturing the scholarship of some of the finest minds in Jewish studies during the 20th century – Drs. Joseph Baumgarten, Samuel Ivri, Louis L. Kaplan, and Moshe Aberbach to name just a few – may their memories be for a blessing.

Yet, as Kohelet (Ecclesiastes) teaches us, there is indeed a time for every purpose under heaven.  Surely, it was time for BHU to find a new home.

And so, the old building came down, but its immortal soul and magnificent mission rose up, and found a new academic setting, just a few miles away.  Park Heights Avenue gained a much needed new parking lot, and Towson University gained a new tier of graduate programs in Jewish Studies, Jewish Education, and Jewish Communal Service.

Today, I write our first blog entry from the Baltimore Hebrew Institute, in an office on the fourth floor of the new Liberal Arts building.  ( http://www.towson.edu/bhi ) Outside my window, the constant rumble of trucks and ongoing construction assures me that things are as they should be.  Old has given way to new, and the external growth heralds a strong burst of internal activity.  Towson University is on an upward trajectory, its strong academic growth matched by programmatic expansion.  I am excited to work in this diverse and intellectually stimulating environment, and know that the former BHU faculty and students share my enthusiasm.  To end with Kohelet again, now is the time to build.

Shana Tova to all!