Studying Scripture - an Interfaith Dialogue
By MaggidJim | November 20, 2008
Come to Bet Havarim’s Shabbat services this Friday evening (November 21) for a unique chance to share in an interfaith dialogue regarding the week’s portion, Chaye Sarah (the life of Sarah).
This month’s service will be hosted by the Rev. William Redfield, and members of the congregation of Trinity Episcopal Church in Fayetteville at 7:30 pm. Hanita Blair, Bet Havarim’s Cantorial Soloist will lead the service and will be assisted by members of BH’s Shabbat committee. Joining in the service will be Guest Speaker, Jim Brulé and Rev. Redfield who will discuss that week’s Torah Portion from the perspective of the Jewish and Christian Faiths, respectively. “Both Jim Brulé and Rev. Redfield have spoken at past BH services and having them speak jointly will be something that everyone attending will truly enjoy,” said Mel Shindler, chair of Bet Havarim’s Shabbat Committee. He added, “We know that speaking about the Torah portion from their individual faiths will be something we have never previously experienced and are truly looking forward to the experience.”
Trinity Episcopal Church is located at the corner of East Genesee and Chapel Streets in Fayetteville, across from Hullar’s Restaurant. The November 21st Shabbat service will be conducted in the church’s social hall and the entrance is at 106 Chapel Street. Off-street parking is available directly across from the Chapel Street church entrance and the social hall entrance is handicapped accessible. For further information visit the BH website.
Topics: Judaism | No Comments »
Stories in Judaism - Tonight!
By MaggidJim | November 12, 2008
Would you like to learn more about stories in Judaism? The different kinds we tell, and the different reasons we tell them? Would you like to learn some of these stories, or at least hear them told? Would you like the chance to learn how to tell a story well? Come to this special three-evening experience, and that’s exactly what you’ll get! Just bring an open heart and an open mind.
In this course, we will explore the different types and sources of stories in Judaism. Each session will be spiced with stories, as well as “tricks of the trade” for telling spiritual stories well.
The sessions will explore the use of story within and beyond Torah, as both a teaching device and a historical tool. We will examine stories and the roles they play in the Talmud and Midrashic literature, Hasidic tales - particularly those of the Baal Shem Tov - and modern stories of spirituality and mysticism.
Come join us tonight and next week at Temple Concord for a great time!
Topics: Judaism, Storytelling | No Comments »
Sukkot 2008
By MaggidJim | October 16, 2008

Welcome to Our Sukkah!
Topics: Judaism | No Comments »
Feedback from Camp Healing Hearts
By MaggidJim | September 12, 2008
Last month I took on the challenge of working with a much younger audience than I am accustomed to. Here’s what the director, Heather Hay, had to say:
“Jim Brulé is a magical story teller who thrilled our campers at Camp Healing Hearts with a unique presentation of classic and original stories. He was dynamic and engaging, and his willingness to share his gift of storytelling supported our mission of encouraging the grieving children at our camp to share their own stories to facilitate healing and positive coping. Hats off to Jim Brulé for a fantastic presentation!”
Topics: Storytelling | No Comments »
Learning to Swim in the Sea of Torah
By MaggidJim | June 20, 2008
An Introduction to Jewish Texts:
Learning to Swim in the Sea of Torah
If you’re new to Torah study, this is your chance to begin with four two-hour conference calls. We learn about the basic texts in chronological order: Torah, Talmud, Midrash and Aggadah. We also explore Kabbalah and Hasidism. The course involves guided group study, focusing on themes of God, spirituality, ethics, and community. Conference calls are twice monthly, beginning in July. The approach is serious but easy-going and is non-denominational; everyone is welcome. No Hebrew is required for the course, which has been created for Jews who would like to begin or advance their Jewish studies as well as for non-Jews who would like to learn more about Judaism and Jewish study. The course fee is $50; reservations are requested by July 7. For more information or to register, contact me.
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Seventh Jewish Spiritual Storytelling Jamboree!
By MaggidJim | April 23, 2008

Read the rest of this entry »
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All-Maggidic Conference - Program Announcement
By MaggidJim | April 7, 2008
Poteach Sh’arim:
Opening the Gates of Possibilities
Third Annual All-Maggidic Conference
Jewish Sacred Storytelling, Ritual Arts, and Spiritual Facilitation
July 16-20, 2008
Chochmat HaLev, 2215 Prince Street, Berkeley, CA
Share your skills, spirit and vision for the maggidic movement - a modern approach to Jewish story and spiritual leadership that is revitalizing communities worldwide. Participatory workshops, ritual, and performances will feature master maggidim and emerging voices, including:
Maggid Jhos Singer • Rabbi-Maggid Daniel Lev
Rabbi-Maggid Jonathan Seidel • Rabbi-Maggid Lynn Gottleib• Rabbi Estelle Frankel
Maggid Charna Rosenholtz • Mag-Rav Sarah Etz Alon
Tachlis: Featured Sessions & Events
- Ritual Laboratory: Reconceiving Tisha B’Av
- Kabbalat Shabbat, Creative Morning Minyan, and Shabbaton
- Storytelling Night + Havdallah
- Maggidic Toolbox
- Panels, Discussions, Networking, and Support
- Shared Meals, Outdoor Davvening, Sacred Dance, Song, and Meditation
- World Café: “Hebrew Wisdom Today”
Download the complete 2008 conference schedule.
Topics: Judaism, Storytelling | No Comments »
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