December 3: Last day on the Song of Songs

Hi everyone - I hope you've all had a Happy Thanksgiving!  Looking forward to our next meeting, which is THIS TUESDAY, December 3 from 7-9 at the Johnsons'. 

After a fascinating conversation with Rabbi Ita, I think we're ready to return to the beautiful poem that comes at the end of Song of Songs 8: 6-14 and reflect together about what this study is teaching us about the story of Scripture and the love of God.  I say a little about this in a blog I've posted on Episcopal cafe.  and will probably put up on my own poetproph blog, too.   But I'm hoping that we can look again at the poetry we've been reading over the course of this fall and also make some connections to the season of Advent and Christmas that we are moving into now.   

Joel is cooking  (Thanks Joel).  Hope to see everyone Tuesday night.

A couple of reminders about upcoming matters:  December 17 will be our Christmas potluck and party, and our last meeting at the Johnsons' home.

Then, beginning after the New Year, we will be meeting, not at the Johnsons' but at Vienna Baptist church,  on first and third MONDAY nights. More on this soon, but please mark your calendars and spread the word! 

KATHY

November 19 Meeting features Rabbi Ita Paskind on "The Song of Songs"

Hi everyone! We've talked a little about Rabbi Akiba who used the phrase "Song of Songs" for the book of the Bible we've been studying -- with the same kind of implication we would have if we said "this is the book of all books,  or the "Lord of Lords".  To my delight, Rabbi Ita Paskind of Congregation Olam Tikvah in Vienna has agreed to come to our next meeting to talk about the text of the Song of Songs and its importance in Judaism.   Rabbi Paskind was with us several years ago and we had a great time learning from her and talking with her.  I am really looking forward to this and hope you'll make a point of coming if you can.  It should be a real treat.