Rosh Hodesh program features the meaning of rituals

“What rituals do we practice that give our life meaning?”

That was the question posed by Rabbi Elyse Winick as she opened the fall Rosh Hodesh program hosted by the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island. Winick, the Jewish chaplain at Brandeis University, was the guest speaker at the Nov. 7 program held at the Dwares Jewish Community Center. She shared an insightful text-based discussion on Jewish ritual, specifically the use of the mikveh, the ritual bath.  Participants explored texts from the Torah and the Talmud that helped the group to better understand the role of the mikveh in life-cycle events and relationships, and then had a conversation about the role the mikveh can play in modern Jewish life for individuals of all ages and marital statuses. 

Winick was introduced by Rosh Hodesh Committee Chair Maybeth Lichaa, who spoke about the essential work of the Alliance and the impact of attendees’ donations to the Alliance Annual Campaign. Lichaa shared the story of an individual who has been a recipient of services through the Living on the Edge initiative, and who is now giving back as a volunteer in the community. 

The Alliance hosts two Rosh Hodesh programs every year. The next program is scheduled for April 4 at noon at Temple Beth-El in Providence and  features Rabbi Howard Voss-Altman. For more information, contact Danielle Germanowski at dgermanowski@jewishallianceri.org or 401-421-4111, ext. 109. 

STEPHANIE HAGUE is the philanthropy officer at the Jewish Alliance.