Rabbi Elias Charry Memorial Scholar-in-Residence Weekend

In what ways can prayer and acts of piety be radically transformative? How can marginalized voices in our tradition, such as women’s voices, help us wed our critique and devotion, and reclaim pious practices that seem alienating or trivial? We will delve into multiple genres of Jewish texts, from Talmud to Yiddish prayers, in order to reexamine “traditional” notions of prayer and piety as constructive forms of daily protest. Sessions will be focused on written texts, but we will also engage some with singing niggunim as one mode of prayer and protest. Join us for Germantown Jewish Centre’s 34th annual Rabbi Elias Charry Memorial Scholar-in-Residence Weekend!

Please join us in welcoming Rabbi Aviva Richman as this year’s Rabbi Elias Charry Memorial Scholar-in-Residence. Rabbi Richman is on the faculty at Hadar Institute in NYC, where she teaches Talmud and other Jewish texts.  A native of Baltimore, her Jewish roots include a liberal Havurah and a hassidic shtibl.  After her undergraduate work in Jewish studies and feminism at Oberlin College, she went on to pursue private ordination with Rabbi Danny Landes in Jerusalem, and is finishing a doctorate in rabbinic literature at NYU.  Rabbi Richman has taught on Talmud, gender and Judaism across North America. In addition to studying words of Torah, she loves to bring niggunim to life through song and piano.

Each year Germantown Jewish Centre dedicates a Shabbat to celebrating the life and legacy of Rabbi Elias Charry. Rabbi Charry served as the Centre’s religious leader from 1942-1973. His commitment to social justice and to the well-being of West Mt. Airy, combined with his personal involvement with our members, earned him the love and respect of the congregation and the community.  Committed to a progressive approach to Conservative Judaism, Rabbi Charry was an early champion of women’s rights, and he supported women’s full participation in prayer. Our congregation’s desire for diversity in prayer experiences was realized under Rabbi Charry’s leadership.  Continued Jewish learning was Rabbi Charry’s compelling interest.  He spearheaded innovations in Jewish education, working to create our Adult Education Institute and co-founding Akiba Hebrew Academy (now Jack M. Barrack Hebrew Academy).   Rabbi Charry was steadfast in his resolve that GJC remain in Mt. Airy.  He is credited as one of the leaders who helped maintain Mt. Airy as a vibrant, multi-cultural community and as a center of Jewish life.  Rabbi Elias Charry was a dedicated and inspiring teacher who believed that study of Torah and its truth resulted in an augmented humanism, a stronger identification with Judaism, and a dedication to the continued growth and existence of the State of Israel.