From Out of the Depths: Lessons in Hope & Resilience
with Scholar-In-Residence Rabbi Vurgan
Rabbi Vurgan's ability to make spiritual life and connection to Jewish tradition accessible to create a sense of belonging has made a tremendous impact in bringing her community together in a time of crisis. Rabbi Vurgan will bring the lessons she has taught and learned, through Jewish text and tradition, in developing resilience and the importance of maintaining hope.
Young Family Shabbat with a story about Shabbat in Israel from Rabbi Yael Vurgan
Friday, December 6 @ 5:00 pm
David & Dorothea Garfield Social Hall
Rabbi Vurgan will tell a story about celebrating shabbat with people in her community, Sha'ar HaNegev, our sister city in Israel. She will share what makes shabbat feel special for her.
Erev Shabbat Service: Sermon from
Rabbi Yael Vurgan: How Our Dreams Act
as a Compass After Loss
Friday, December 6 @ 6:15 pm
Glickman-Galinson Sanctuary (YouTube)
Rabbi Vurgan will delve into themes from Vayeitze, this week's Torah portion, which includes the story of Jacob dreaming about a ladder reaching from the ground to the heavens. Rabbi Vurgan will discuss how the dreams of the
Sha'ar HaNegev community have been impacted in the last year, what she has learned from the hopes and aspirations of her community members, and how this information guides her.
Shabbat Morning Torah Study with Rabbi Yael Vurgan: God's Promise to Remain Present: Jewish Community as a Pillar of Hope in Times of Despair
Saturday, December 7 @ 9:00 am
Feuerstein Family Activity Center (Join us via diverse access here)
In this week's Torah portion, Vayeitze, God promises to be with Jacob throughout his journey, no matter where he travels. Rabbi Vurgan will discuss how she has called upon tradition, prayer, and rituals to develop and maintain sacred Jewish community, after kibbutzim from the Sha'ar HaNegev region were displaced and as they plan to rebuild.
Sunday Morning Learning Session with Rabbi Yael Vurgan: Judaism as a Consistent Safe Space
Sunday, December 8 @ 9:15 am
Feuerstein Family Activity Center (Diverse access, register here)
Rabbi Vurgan has created space for prayer, song, gathering, and lifecycle events throughout a time that has been filled with ongoing pain and trauma. In this session, Rabbi Vurgan will share stories about the value of leaning into Jewish community for stability and consistency, as families navigate through life's most beautiful and most challenging moments.
Rabbi Yael Vurgan has played an integral role in supporting her Sha'ar HaNegev community, which includes the kibbutzim that were brutally attacked on October 7th, as they navigate ongoing trauma and work toward a hopeful future.
She has utilized Jewish rituals, song, and life cycle events to unite and uplift her community. She advocates for pluralistic, egalitarian, and relevant Judaism to be accessible to all current, future, and displaced residents of the region.
This program was possible in part by the Bonnie Graff Scholar-in-Residence Fund. Presented by the Adult Education Committee.