Chai Mitzvah: A huge success at Temple Am David

When the Synagogue Outreach Initiative brought Chai Mitzvah to Rhode Island, Rabbi Richard E. Perlman and Temple Am David jumped at the chance to participate. “Temple Am David never misses a chance to partner with our community in the interest of Klal Yisrael [All of Israel] to offer as many opportunities to learn together with our members and friends. When the Alliance brought this ideal program to our attention, it was a no-brainer; we signed on,” Rabbi Perlman stated.

The Chai Mitzvah program includes a nine-part study session with a specially designed curriculum. Participants will identify something Jewish they want to learn about, take on (or deepen) an existing Jewish ritual, engage in a social-action project and celebrate their achievement. In addition to learning in a group setting, participants have the opportunity to experience individual growth through one-on-one time with the educator (or two, as in this case).

Rabbi Perlman and Alice Goldstein, an educator and a longtime member of Temple Am David, co-teach this class. “Alice Goldstein is a sparkling gem in our community and in our synagogue. She goes the extra mile when it comes to teaching, and we are truly blessed to have her commitment and knowledge always. Alice doesn’t just say yes when we ask her to take on a teaching project – she lives for this,” Perlman stated.

I decided I had to see the duo in action and attended the first of the nine sessions late fall. The energy in the room was palpable. We spoke of life cycles and rituals, and everyone was deeply engaged. Together, Rabbi Perlman and Alice Goldstein made the group think – really think and engage in conversation. Before I knew it, the class was over.

When Rabbi Perlman was asked what the participants think of the class, he responded, “The participants are thrilled and truly engaged in this program. When we had to postpone our January session due to the snow, all we heard were questions of when will we be rescheduling. Listening to the participants talk about their personal project was invigorating. How wonderful to hear and see people who are thirsting to learn as our members do.”  This response did not surprise me – who wouldn’t want to learn from such a dynamic duo?!

Chai Mitzvah is currently being taught at Temple Am David. To inquire about participating from now until the end of the session, please contact Rabbi Perlman at RabbiPerlman@cox.net or 401-463-7944.

Chai Mitzvah is also being taught by Rabbi Naftali Karp at the Alliance JCC. For more information, please contact Wendy Joering at wjoering@jewishallianceri.org 401-421-4111, ext. 169.