
Philosophy Minyan
Wednesday, June 11, 2025 • 15 Sivan 5785
12:00 PM - 1:30 PMZoom VideoconferenceTariffs, Talmud & Sticky Notes
As issues related to tariffs continue to make headlines, it may be surprising to realize that some aspects of this contemporary debate raise significant philosophical questions. What is the essence of an object? When and how does it change? When its parts come from more than one place, how do we determine the object’s origin? As in so many aspects of life, the sages of the Talmud explored relevant questions that continue to shed light on our modern dilemmas. Perhaps their insights would have been helpful to the actual 2020 U.S. Customs ruling on the country of origin of sticky notes. A Bereshit Rabbah midrash recounts that even our patriarch Abraham encountered customs officers upon entering Egypt. Join us as we grapple with new answers to ancient questions and how they may impact our lives today.
The Philosophy Minyan is a monthly lunchtime series on Zoom. All are welcome to join in an interactive and thought-provoking exploration of topics at the intersection of philosophy, Jewish thought and contemporary issues. No advance reading is required and participants will receive online access to all the class materials following each session.
Be sure to check the Beth Am calendar for future class descriptions and any schedule changes, as well as to register for individual sessions.
If you would like to be added to the email list for monthly Philosophy Minyan reminders and the Zoom link, or have a great topic you would like to suggest, please contact Shelley.
Please use the form below to register and receive Zoom access information.
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Mon, June 16 2025
20 Sivan 5785
Upcoming Events

The World of Midrash, Taught by Rabbi Yoel Kahn
Tuesday, Jun 17th 7:00p to 8:30pA midrash is “a story about a story in the Torah” (or the Tanakh [Hebrew Bible]). One of the oldest forms of Jewish commentary, midrash moves beyond the “literal” reading of any text to bring imaginative and creative interpretations.

Beth Am and J Street Present — The Struggle for Democracy in Israel and the US: A Joint Path Forward
Wednesday, Jun 18th 7:00p to 9:00pJoin Beth Am and J Street for a timely conversation about the profound challenges to democracy in both Israel and the United States, and the role we can all play in securing a better future for us all.

Israel Discussion Gatherings
Friday, Jun 20th 5:15p to 6:15pJoin with other Beth Am members every Friday before the Erev Shabbat service for time to reflect, discuss and listen to one another as we navigate this terribly challenging time for Israel and Jews around the world.

Pride and Pizza Tot Shabbat: With Jewish Baby Network
Friday, Jun 20th 5:15p to 6:45pWe will come together for a rockin’ outdoor Pride Shabbat with music, shakers, puppets, dancing, playtime, challah, and grape juice! We will also celebrate love and families of all shapes, colors, and sizes. Enjoy a family pizza dinner courtesy of Beth Am.

Erev Shabbat Summer Outdoor Service
Friday, Jun 20th 6:15p to 7:30pWe're look forward to coming together for Kabbalat Shabbat services in our beautiful Outdoor Chapel.
Congregation Beth Am | 26790 Arastradero Road | Los Altos Hills, CA 94022 | (650) 493-4661
We strive to live as a holy community whose study and practice of Judaism inspires and challenges us to "do justice, to love kindness and to walk humbly with our God" (Micah 6:8).
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