GLEN SPEY - Rabbi Bella Bogart will teach her second short summer course at Temple Sholom, taking as her topic the Shema, the central prayer of Judaism. This ancient prayer originated in a world in which most societies worshipped multiple deities. Its basic tenet, that only one God rules over all peoples, became the basis for not only Judaism, but also for Christianity and Islam, the major monotheistic religions of the Western world. Rabbi Bogart will explore the relevance of this prayer to spirituality today.

Rabbi Bogart spent much of her congregational career as a cantor and rabbi in Florida and California. Her teaching, singing, and spiritual approach embraces a wide range of religious practice. She recently returned to the East Coast to spend the summer months in Glen Spey, NY, where Temple Sholom found her and recruited her as a teacher.

Her course will consist of four sessions on Tuesdays at 1:30 pm, starting on August 9, and will be taught in person at Temple Sholom, 5 E. Dillon Ave., Monticello. In-person attendees must show proof of covid vaccination. Registrants can also access the classes on Zoom. The fee is $20.00 per course for Temple Sholom members and $40 for nonmembers. Registration forms can be obtained by emailing Temple Sholom templesholom1954@gmail.com or calling the temple at 845-794-8731.