Temple Israel Brotherhood's Jewish Roots/Routes breakfast discussion series has always been an important educational program that we've run together with our temple Rabbi. Past years' programs have addressed end of life issues, stem cell research and medical technology, biomedical ethics in Jewish life, Jewish law in the 21st century, Jewish life-cycle events, and sexuality and spirituality. The program, however, had gotten a little stale and uninspiring in recent years, and we were looking for a way to inject new life into it and also to provide an opportunity for our synagogue’s new Rabbi, Jeremy Fineberg, to teach and inspire the larger community.

Together, we came upon the theme, “Rabbi Fineberg Ruins Everything!”

In four Sunday morning learning and discussion sessions over bagels and lox, Rabbi Fineberg helped bust some commonly misunderstood myths about Judaism, and we took a look at classic Jewish stories and ideas through a new lens. The exploration of our tradition was geared towards learners of all backgrounds - as long as they were keen to learn with a critical eye, open mind, and generous heart. The sessions included:
• Rabbi Fineberg Ruins Famous Jewish Stories!
• Rabbi Fineberg Ruins Chanukah!
• Rabbi Fineberg Ruins Wine!
• Rabbi Fineberg Ruins Cemeteries & The Afterlife!

We’ve found that the key to engaging and well-attended sessions is a provocative theme or topic that truly “pushes the envelope”. We're looking to continue the current theme next year and give Rabbi Fineberg new things to ruin!

Planning for the program began in the late summer/early Fall as we were looking to hold the first of the sessions in November.

We met with Rabbi Fineberg to discuss a topic, with the objectives described above in mind.

With a topic and selected dates, we prepared the flyer and advertisements for our temple newsletter and email blasts. We had our temple office set up an online RSVP and payment form on the temple’s ShulCloud web site.

We charged a total of $36 in advance for the entire series or $8 for each session, paid at the door, to cover the cost of the breakfast.

The Rabbi prepares Jewish text source sheet handouts and other materials for each session using Sefaria.org and other online sites.

We have a group of 4 or 5 volunteers to help with shopping and preparation of the breakfast in the kitchen, as well as to check people in as they arrive.