
Philosophy Minyan
Wednesday, October 18, 2023 • 3 Cheshvan 5784
12:00 PM - 1:30 PMZoom VideoconferenceThis Month's Topic: Meaning, Mystery & Magic
The writer Marcel Proust famously described in “Remembrance of Things Past” how eating even a morsel of a petite madeleine cake triggered a flood of memories and associations in the mind of its taster. While Proust depicted the madeleine as a personal portal to one’s deep inner world, Jews have long had our own gustatory gateway — the humble bagel. Since its East European origins in the 14th century, the mere thought of Jews without bagels would be a shanda (Yiddish for disgrace!) Philosophically speaking, the primary feature of the bagel is its circular shape. Join us as we explore the meaning, mystery and magic of circles in Jewish text and tradition—from the bagel to the Hebrew letter samech, the Workmen’s Circle movement, protective amulets, Kabbalah and more. Like varieties of bagels, the symbolism of the circle is without end in Jewish contemporary culture. All are invited to BYOB (bring your own bagel) for our first Philosophy Minyan of the new year.
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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Sun, April 27 2025
29 Nisan 5785
Upcoming Events

CSA's Empty Bowls: Sundaes on a Sunday
Sunday, Apr 27th 2:00p to 4:00pCSA hosts their annual homeless services fundraiser as an ice cream sundae party in the park for the fourth year in a row. The event features bottomless ice cream, beautiful bowls, and fun children’s activities.

Distribute Breakfast at Hope’s Corner
Wednesday, Apr 30th 7:00a to 9:30aBeth Am is part of an interfaith group providing meals to Hope's Corner in Mountain View. We are in need of adult (aged 16+) volunteers to do food preparation under the direction of Hope’s Corner staff.

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