10 minutes of essential reading . . .

. . . as we approach Rosh HaShanah 2010

It is customary to reflect on things as we approach the new year. Traditional Judaism follows an intricate process leading up to the holidays. The shofar is sounded at morning services and extra prayers and services are added to prepare us for the "Days of Awe".

At this moment in our history, we should also reflect on the societal implications of the "Jewish experience". A recent endowment to the Jewish Studies Program at the College of Charleston has helped establish a Holocaust Studies program (the Zucker/Goldberg Holocaust Education Initiative) that will serve as a model for teaching tolerance. We must be mindful of what that means in our world today.

Here is a short opinion piece that is essential reading for right here, and right now. In the midst of all the babble in the media, on the internet, and in our e-mails, here are some crisp and rational thoughts to reflect upon.

America's History of Fear - Nicholas D Kristof

Wishing you all, Shanah Tovah

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Under the sea . . .

Here is a list of someone's
top 10 underwater travel spots

- two of which are in Israel; one in Eilat, and one in Caesaria.

as they sang in the Little Mermaid,

"Life is much better, down where it's wetter, take it from me . . ."

Be cool, later . . .

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Concert and Selichot Sept 4

Selichot Concert
Saturday, September 4

9:00 pm at the Recital Hall,Simons Center for the Arts (St. Philip Street between Calhoun & George Streets).

BSBI, Chabad, the CJF, KKBE, Synagogue Emanu-El, and the Yaschik/Arnold Jewish Studies Program at the CofC are joining together to present a Selichot Concert to welcome the High Holiday season.

Tickets are $10 each and are available at BSBI. A free reception will be held after the concert. The concert will feature violinist Neil Weintrob and pianist Robin Zemp as they perform such works as Nigun from the Baal Shem Suite by Ernest Bloch and the Sonata for Violin and Piano by Cesar Franck.

BSBI's selichot services will be held at midnight.