What is Jewish Universalism and Why Does it Matter?

Rabbi Blane writes: To answer those questions, I need to revisit a bit of personal history. “When I first conceived of Jewish Universalism, it was during a transitional period when I declined my synagogue’s offer of a contract renewal in January, and I had to remain in my position until July. For Rabbis and Cantors, those months are a time of soul searching- and job searching. We tend to just “walk through the motions” and show up and perform our duties but often devoid of Continue reading →

Jewish Spiritual Leaders Institute Ordains 6 New Rabbis Trained Untraditionally Online.,

JSLI – Jewish Spiritual Leaders Institute, the Online Rabbinical and Cantorial School of Sim Shalom, celebrated freedom in diversity and flexibility on July 4th weekend at the 13th Class Ordination weekend. The six (6) new Rabbis, from a range of backgrounds, four (4) from the United States and two (2) from Canada shared a classroom on the internet and a passion for Jewish Religious studies. They completed traditional Rabbinic studies with a focus on contemporary Jewish issues and problems that a 21st Century Jew faces. Continue reading →

Sim Shalom Maariv Healing Services Uninterrupted All Summer Like Life and Loss

Sim Shalom, the online synagogue, will offer the world-wide community the ability to participate in honoring a yahrzeit, pray for healing, or mourn the loss of a loved one with the collective energy of a global minyan by continuing its interactive and virtual Ma’ariv Service Monday through Thursday at 7:00 pm EST. For those mourning a loss or know someone that is ill Ma’ariv services offer a chance to pray for healing and memorializing. Offering the service online fosters participation in Judaic rituals that otherwise Continue reading →

Nashville Rabbi Brings Country Warmth to Global Online Sim Shalom Ma’ariv Summer Services

UJUC Rabbi, Nancy Tunick, will affirm her spiritual voice to bring the world-wide community a little closer in joyous song, prayers for healing, in honoring a Yahrzeit or mourn the loss of a loved one, on Wednesday evenings at 7:00pm EST. Just a click away join her and other Sim Shalom Rabbis for summer Ma’ariv services. As one of four Sim Shalom Rabbis offering Ma ‘ariv week night services, Rabbi Nancy’s cantorial sound provides a joyful vehicle to connect congregants in beautiful Judaic rituals while Continue reading →

A Rabbi of Color Builds Bridges with Global Summer Ma’ariv Service

As a scientist, educator, and one of seven children raised in a close African American Jewish family in upstate New York, Rabbi Deborah fulfills her childhood dream to become a spiritual leader, and shepherds summer Ma’ariv Monday services for Sim Shalom the online synagogue, to refresh spirituality each week. Rabbi Deborah is one of six Sim Shalom Rabbis that offer Ma ‘ariv week night services Monday – Thursday at 7:00pm EST throughout the summer. Shabbat services are offered every Friday at 7:00pm EST and some Continue reading →

At Shavuot Jews by Choice Update 3,000 Years of Tradition with Sim Shalom Online Conversion

On May 30th, several Sim Shalom Jews by Choice will celebrate Shavuot as the “newest” members of the tribe. Their conversion takes on special meaning for the Shavuot holiday which commemorates the giving of the Torah at Mt Sinai and rebirth. Drawn to Judaism for a variety of reasons the new faithful worked with Sim Shalom virtual Synagogue online conversion to fulfill their spiritual quest. Like Ruth, the Book of Ruth is read on Shavuot, they too chose to become a Jew, albeit their journey Continue reading →

An Opera-Singer Rabbi to Conduct Operettas of a Different Type All summer with Sim Shalom’s Global Ma’ariv Service

Sim Shalom, the online synagogue, continues to create innovative programming this summer with Ma’ariv services week nights at 7:00pm EST. International performer Rabbi Judy Caplan Ginsburgh is one of six Sim Shalom Rabbis who will offer congregants a space to connect with Ma ‘ariv week night services Monday thru Thursday at 7:00pm EST throughout the summer. Vacationers traveling abroad or followers staying closer to home can rejoice simply by clicking on their computer screen or mobile device, anywhere with WiFi. Shabbat services will also be Continue reading →

A Rabbi-Cantor to Offer Song All Summer with Sim Shalom’s Global Ma’ariv Service

Sim Shalom, the online synagogue, will keep its virtual windows open for all to sing with summer weeknight Ma’ariv services. Rabbi Galit to orchestrate Thursdays at 7:00pm EST. Rabbi-Cantor Galit Levy -Slater is one of six Sim Shalom Rabbis that will offer Ma ‘ariv weeknight services Monday thru Thursday at 7:00pm EST throughout the summer. Vacationers traveling abroad, followers enjoying the outdoors or staying cool inside closer to home, can sing and worship with the free interactive services, simply by clicking on their computer screen Continue reading →

Sim Shalom e-Synagogue Offers Passover Seder Fit For Wandering Jews

(PRWEB) MARCH 28, 2017 On Tuesday April 11, Sim Shalom will host a second night Seder much the way Moses journeyed, on the go and portable, albeit with wi-fi. The second night Seder will include festive freedom songs including Dayenu and readings from the Haggadah, to retell the story of liberation. But this Seder plate, with foods that represent the hardships Jewish forebearers endured, will be passed virtually. Unlike the forty days traveled through the desert in ancient Egypt, followers can join from wherever they Continue reading →
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