Torah Study In Person or With Skype at Temple Beth Sholom

Almost every Saturday morning at 10:00 AM, Rabbi Sharon Ballan leads a lively and engaging Torah study session at Temple Beth Sholom in Flushing. "We welcome people of all denominations," said Rabbi Ballan. "Our Torah study is not limited strictly to members of the Jewish community." This year, Rabbi Ballan is concentrating on the Ten Commandments.

Rabbi Ballan often uses more than one commentary and brings in Jewish texts, literature, and commentary from rabbis throughout Jewish history. "Sometimes the group reads a great deal, but more often than not we stop and discuss, question, and review what we are reading," said Rabbi Ballan. "No preparation, background, or Hebrew knowledge is needed. Torah commentaries are available for use for those who do not bring their own.

"We start with a brief morning service and then go right into the parashat hashavua, the weekly Torah portion, making new discoveries each time," explained Rabbi Ballan. "We use the Plaut Commentary on the Torah, but participants are welcome to bring their own Chumash so that different commentaries and translations are represented."

The Temple has widened its group through via Skype. People who want to participate but don't drive, can't get around, or live out of state can still participate via computer. For online participation, Rabbi Ballan requests e-mail notification (to rabbi.ballan@gmail.com) by 9 am that morning. The group starts at approximately 10:15 am. "Make sure you have a computer with a video camera and microphone if you want to participate fully," said Rabbi Ballan. "Otherwise, you will hear and see the discussion, but we won't be able to see and hear you. You can participate via tablet or iPhone by downloading the Skype app."

Torah study meets almost every week; check the Temple's web site calendar (templebethsholom.org ) for the exact schedule. For more information about the Torah Study, call Temple Beth Sholom at (718) 463-4143 or send email to rabbi.ballan@gmail.com.

About Temple Beth Sholom

Incorporated in 1950, Temple Beth Sholom is a mainstay of reformed Judaism in Northeast Queens. Countless families have worshipped and brought up their children as part of its congregation. "We have become a vibrant part of the tapestry that forms the Jewish community and the multi-cultural entity of Northeastern Queens," said Rabbi Ballan.

"As a Reform synagogue, we meld the richness of our Jewish tradition with modernity and strive to be inclusive and honor the ideals of an ever-changing and growing Reform Judaism," said Rabbi Ballan. "We are dedicated to the core principles of Judaism: the worship of God, tikkun haolam – working to better the world around us, and lifelong Jewish learning."

Temple Beth Sholom's Religious and Hebrew school serves students from ages 3 through 18. The temple also offers Adult education programs, from Adult Hebrew to a weekly Shabbat Torah study classes.

Feel free to visit us at 171-39 Northern Blvd. in Flushing, New York. The website is templebethsholom.org.