Hey, it’s Rabbi Yaakov Marcus

On January 31, Project Shoresh of RI was honored to welcome Rabbi Yaakov Marcus of Jerusalem to Providence for what was to be an incredible weekend revolving around a series of inspiring lectures.

Rabbi Marcus was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland. He has been involved in Jewish education professionally for many years. In 1995, he and his family moved to Israel, where he became a member of the rabbinical faculty of the Neve Yerushalayim College for Women in Har Nof. Rabbi Marcus is also a guest lecturer for Heritage House and Hebrew University. He has served as a lecturer-in-residence for Rosh Hashanah\Yom Kippur programs in the Old City.

To quote Elanah Chassen, a member of the host committee, “Since Rabbi Marcus was one of my previous teachers in Israel, I was ecstatic to learn he was coming to Providence. Rabbi Marcus has such a unique way of exploring, diving into and teaching topics such as the letter ‘hey.’ His enthusiasm is contagious and keeps me wanting to learn more.”

At a well-attended Friday night dinner for young professionals, Rabbi Marcus discussed the topic of relationships. The enthusiasm of the guests, who crossed the spectrum of the Jewish community, created a warm and enjoyable environment.

Later in the evening, Rabbi Marcus addressed a group of Brown University students, expounding on “Why Bad Things Have Happened to Good People.” On Shabbat morning, Rabbi Marcus treated a group of approximately 75 to a mystical interpretation of the Tabernacle with a very timely message. At a Shabbat luncheon, Rabbi Marcus presented an understanding of “The Different Types of Pleasure.”

This incredible weekend culminated in an evening of learning and unity, as the Providence community celebrated Project Shoresh’s flagship “Partners in Torah Night” (PITN). PITN provides educational opportunities for teens, young adults, adults and seasoned citizens. As with all Project Shoresh programs, it is open to all Rhode Island Jewish individuals, across all denominations, as well as the unaffiliated. PITN offers a cost-free learning opportunity to discover Judaism – its culture, history and traditions – at an individualized pace and schedule. The program aims to foster unity among Jews of all backgrounds.

At the PITN celebration, Rabbi Marcus shared deep and practical insights on the question, “Who Are You?” As one participant said, “Rabbi Marcus’ presentation on the relationship between the three lower spheres of a person and how that drives our behavior was fascinating, clearly defining where the realm of free choice actually lies.”

Rabbi Dovid Schwartz commented, “The many different speeches seemed to be well-received by the diverse audience.  Rabbi Marcus seemed to speak in a way in which everyone was able to relate.”

Project Shoresh of RI would like to thank the host committee of the Shabbat dinner: David Brandman, Meital Cafri, Elanah Chassen, Seth Finkle, Shana Newman and Jacob Sydney. Much gratitude, as well, to all those who helped, sponsored and attended the various functions. And last but not least, thank you, Rabbi Marcus!

God willing, this special Shabbat of inspiration and education will be a catalyst for continued growth in the Providence Jewish community.

RABBI NAFTALI L. KARP (nkarp@projectshoresh.com) is the organizational, managerial and financial mastermind of Project Shoresh, which encourages, enables and facilitates Jews to connect to their roots, to their source, regardless of their current or past connection to Judaism.