County-Wide Community Scholar-in-Residence Weekend with Ruth Messinger, August 18, 19, and 20

Ruth W. Messinger, President of American Jewish World Service (AJWS) from 1998 to July of 2016, is currently the organization’s inaugural Global Ambassador.  She will address issues of justice, philosophies of tzedakah, human rights and responses to world crises through the lens of contemporary Judaism at three locations across the Berkshires, Aug. 18 (The Role of Social and Racial Justice In Contemporary Judaism at Hevreh of Southern Berkshire), Aug, 19 (Immigrants, Refugees and Asylum Seekers Then and Now at Congregation Knesset Israel) and Aug. 20 (Our Democracy: If We Can Keep It at Congregation Beth Israel).. See individual calendar dates for additional program information.

In Central County on Saturday, Aug, 19th, Ruth will offer a D’var Torah by Ruth on Parashat Shoftim during morning services (beginning at 9:30am); and then will lead a teaching during lunch following services on Immigrants, Refugees and Asylum Seekers Then and Now

We will consider our own immigrant stories individually and as a Jewish people.What were we seeking, what were we fleeing, and how do we understand our status today? As we look at today’s immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers, what is our obligation to them as Americans, and as American or Israeli Jews?

The program on Saturday, August 19th is co-sponsored by Congregation Knesset Israel and Temple Anshe Amunim.

Access livestream to service and speaking HERE.

The County-Wide Scholar-in-Residence Weekend is co-sponsored and funded by:

     Congregation Ahavath Sholom

     Congregation Beth Israel

     Congregation Knesset Israel

     First Congregational Church of Williamstown

     Hevreh of Southern Berkshire

     Jewish Federation of the Berkshires

     Temple Anshe Amunim

     The Berkshire Minyan

     Williams College Jewish Association