West Valley synagogue connecting communities with upcoming lecture series
Posted 8/6/24
A number of Valley residents, including a dental hygienist, an aqua aerobics class and a Torah study group, have been instrumental in bringing Professor Dr. Gary Rendsburg, of Rutgers University, NJ, …
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West Valley synagogue connecting communities with upcoming lecture series
Submitted photo/Ketzi Toney
Professor Dr. Gary Rendsburg, of Rutgers University
Posted
A number of Valley residents, including a dental hygienist, an aqua aerobics class and a Torah study group, have been instrumental in bringing Professor Dr. Gary Rendsburg, of Rutgers University, NJ, to the Phoenix area in November for a week of lectures.
A member of the Torah study group at Beth Emeth Congregation, a conservative Jewish synagogue located at 13702 W. Meeker Blvd., established a connection with Rendsburg and subsequently dreamed of bringing him to Arizona. The same member had friends in the aqua class who were interested in having him speak at their congregation, and her dental hygienist was equally enthusiastic.
She and another member of the Torah study group took on the challenge of bringing him here. They began to contact synagogues, churches and other types of venues in the hopes of building bridges within and amount divers communities. In this way they could share this learning opportunity with others.
“We are all excited about Dr. Gary Rendsburg’s visit to Phoenix,” said Rev. James W. Crelin III, of Desert Palms Presbyterian Church. “He has an important message to share with us: through a greater understanding of and the appreciation for the scriptures we can all enhance our respect for each other. Historical analysis and careful examination of the past is vital for a clear understanding of the present and the future. We look forward to Dr. Rendsburg’s visit with great anticipation.”
A full schedule of lecture locations and topics will be available the end of August with registration information coming in September.
“I am very much looking forward to Professor Gary Rendsburg’s upcoming visit to our community and having him as our first scholar-in-residence,” added Hazzan Lev Ettelson, of Beth Emeth Congregation of the West Valley. “His depth and breadth of knowledge of the Hebrew language, Biblical studies, Jewish history and archaeology is quite impressive. We are very fortunate to have a scholar of his caliber sharing the fruits of his research with us.”
For more information or to become a supporter visit bethemethaz.org.
