TheRetreat 2012

_TheRetreat is the first and oldest weekend retreat for Jewish men in America. Formerly known as Laymen's Institute, TheRetreat is about a long weekend of fun, spirit and learning. Whether praying at the "Minyan in the Grove", playing in the golf tournament, attending an interactive lecture by a Scholar in Residence, biking to Quabbin Reservoir, or participating in another of the many programs and activities we offer - you will love TheRetreat. _TheRetreat is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy a great getaway with Jewish men from throughout New England. Mark your calendar now and be a part of the adventure!

Featured Speakers

Scholar In Residence Dr. Mark Leuchter is the Direclor of Jewish Studies in the Department of Religion at Temple University. He currently serves as the series editor for Perspectives in Biblical Literature for Gorgias Press, is a member of the editorial board for the journal Biblical Theology Bulletin, is on the steering committee for the Society of Biblical Literature of Exile/Forced Migration Consultation group, co-chairs both the Literature and History of the Persian Period group, and the Priests and Levites in Social and Literary Context group for the annual SBL meetings, and is program unit coordinator for the Bible and Cinema section at the International SBL meetings. In his spare time, he designs electric guitars and guitar effects. Topics to be discussed include: 1. The Lost Tribes of Israel: History, Myth and Misperceplion. Were they really lost? 2. The Truth about Moses: What we can and cannot say about his deeds, beliefs and accomplishments. 3. The Scribes of the Biblical Period: Were they merely transcriptionists or did they hold a far more important role in divine communication?

Guest Rabbi Rabbi Leonard Gordon is the spiritual leader at Congregation Mishkan Tefila. He is an experienced teacher and community builder who has held academic positions in Religious Studies and Humanities at Kenyon College and the Ohio State University.  He has also taught rabbinical students at the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College, the Jewish Theological Seminary, the Hebrew Union College in Jerusalem, and currently at Hebrew College. Rabbi Gordon completed twelve years of service on the committee that produced the new Conservative movement High Holiday Mahzor, Lev Shalem. Rabbi Gordon co-chairs the Public Policy and Social Action Committee of the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism. In that role, he participates in national and international interfaith dialogue and  Israel advocacy. Previously, he chaired the Rabbinical Assembly Social Action Committee. This past fall Rabbi Gordon attended the Kellogg School of Management for Jewish Leaders. Topics to be discussed include: 1. Classic Jewish texts on Leadership. 2. Living Leadership In our in our Homes, at Work, and in our Kehilliot.