Please note: Proof of vaccination for those eligible is required. Masks are optional but encouraged.
The prime directive in Judaism is to be holy because the Divine is holy. This directive implies that we are called upon to emulate the Divine. In two sessions (the first was held on Thursday, August 4), Dr. Joel Friedman will explore strategies for achieving this objective through a participatory series of Tai Chi-type movements, lectures, and lively discussion. The sessions will draw from text, liturgy, mystical traditions, symbols, and ritual movements from Judaism as well as imagery from quantum physics and concepts derived from tai chi practice and philosophy.
Joel M. Friedman is an MD, Ph.D. research scientist at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. He is a Professor and the former Chairman of the Department of Physiology and Biophysics, where he holds Young Men’s Division Chair in Cardiovascular Physiology. Dr. Friedman has deep expertise in an extensive range of biomolecular and translational medicine modalities including protein dynamics, hemoglobin, transfusion medicine, anti-inflammatory strategies, wound healing, anti-infective strategies, and topical, transdermal, and IV drug delivery platforms. For the past decade, he has emerged as a leader in harnessing nitric oxide for therapeutic use. He is the author of almost 200 peer-reviewed research papers including many in top-tier journals such as Science, Nature and the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science. He has secured multiple public and private sector grants and generated multiple patents
Joel M. Friedman received his BS from Brooklyn College where was awarded a Jonas Salk Scholarship to pursue his medical education. He was accepted into the NIH-funded Medical Scientist Training Program at the University of Pennsylvania where he received his MD and Ph.D. He was elected a Fellow of the American Physical Society and is currently a member of the selection committee for the Albany Prize which recognizes pioneering achievements in biomedical research.
Dr. Friedman has also been pursuing research into the theological and mystical underpinnings of Judaism. He has given multiple participatory workshops at synagogues and Limmud on these and related topics. His lens is uniquely influenced by the synergy of his science/medical background, his 40 years of training and teaching Taoist-based Chinese internal martial/healing arts, and a passion for Jewish learning.
This free program is part of the Federation’s Connecting With Community Series and will be followed by a kosher hot lunch. Lunch is a $3 suggested donation for adults over 60 years of age or $7 for all others. Advance reservations are required for lunch and can be made by calling (413) 442-2200 before 9 a.m. on the day of the program.