Congregation Anshei Israel will host scholar-in-residence Dr. Eliezer Diamond on Friday, Nov. 11 and Saturday, Nov. 12.
Diamond is an associate professor of Talmud and rabbinics at the Jewish Theological Seminary. He teaches courses in rabbinic literature and introductory, intermediate and advanced Talmud studies. He is the author of many popular and scholarly articles, including a chapter on the rabbinic period in the Schocken Guide to Jewish Books and articles in the Reader’s Guide to Judaism. He is the author of “Holy Men and Hunger Artists: Fasting and Asceticism in Rabbinic Culture” (Oxford University Press, 2003). He received ordination from the Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary of Yeshiva University and a Ph.D. in Talmud from JTS.
Diamond’s visit will include a Shabbat dinner and presentation, delivering the Shabbat morning D’var Torah and an afternoon presentation on Saturday.
The Nov. 11 Mincha and Kabbalat Shabbat service begin at 5:45 p.m., followed by dinner at 6:45 p.m. Diamond’s presentation at 7:45 p.m. will be “Defining the Parameters of Kibbud Av Va-Em: Honoring our Parents.”
Diamond’s D’var Torah topic for the 9 a.m. service on Nov. 12 is “Weaving our Future: The Symbolism of the Tallit.” At 3:30 p.m. he will present “Saint or Sinner? A Rabbinic Debate about the role of Fasting and Asceticism in Jewish Life.” The presentation will be followed by Mincha at 4:30 p.m. and Seudah Shlesheet (third meal), Ma’ariv and Havdallah at 5 p.m.
RSVP and fee are required for the Shabbat dinner only. CAI members: adults $16, children $10; guests: adults $21, children $15. RSVP by Nov. 4 at caiaz.org or call Debra at 745-5550, ext. 242 (the price will increase after Nov. 4).
