Friday, May 29 – Sunday, May 31 Congregation Beth El
A dynamic and thought-provoking Visiting Scholar weekend planned and presented by Congregation Beth El, will feature Rabbi Jeffrey Salkin, one of the most widely read and influential voices in contemporary Jewish life.
An award-winning author of 12 books, Rabbi Salkin is best known for his nationally recognized column Martini Judaism, published by the Religion News Service, which has earned multiple “Best Religion Column of the Year” honors and inspired an award-winning podcast. A sought-after speaker and media commentator, he has appeared on CNN and the BBC, with essays featured in The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, Tablet, and Forward.
Over the course of the weekend, Rabbi Salkin will lead a series of lectures exploring the future of American Judaism, the meaning of Jewish prayer, and the hidden Jewish wisdom in contemporary culture.
The weekend begins on Friday, May 29, at 6:30 pm with a Shabbat evening service, followed by dinner and Rabbi Salkin’s presentation, “How Do We Reboot American Judaism?” In the wake of October 7 and its aftermath, he will explore how American Judaism is evolving and what its future might look like. Dinner costs $18 for adults, $8 for children ages 6–13, and $45 per family, with advance RSVP required.
At Shabbat morning services on Saturday, May 30, at 9:30 am, Rabbi Salkin will deliver the sermon. The service will be followed by a complimentary Kiddush lunch and his presentation, “Why Are We Reading This?” In this session, he will address the challenges many modern Jews face with prayer, unpacking some of the most complex and controversial passages in the liturgy and revealing their deeper meanings in ways that are both accessible and inspiring.
The weekend concludes on Sunday, May 31, at 10:30 am with a brunch and Rabbi Salkin’s presentation, “Fixing the Broken Hallelujah.” This talk explores the life and legacy of the late singer songwriter Leonard Cohen, highlighting the profound Jewish themes and spiritual insights embedded in his work. Brunch costs $18 for adults, $8 for children ages 6–13, and $45 per family, with advance RSVP required.
This special Visiting Scholar weekend offers a unique opportunity to engage with one of today’s most compelling Jewish thinkers in an intimate and welcoming community setting.
All events will take place at Congregation Beth El in Norfolk.
For more information and to RSVP, visit: www.bethelnorfolk.com or contact the Beth El office at Ada@bethelnorfolk.com or 757-625-7821.