Our people’s stories teach national and religious values, but also they present models for dealing with life’s big challenges, says Rabbi Mark Biller, who will lead a two-part Our Jewish World series titled “Models of Resilience in Our Tradition.” The series, which is free and open to the public, will take place via Zoom at 1 p.m. on Thursdays, March 20 and 27.
Rabbi Mark Biller
The rabbi points out, “Our literature is full of characters who are either surprised by their fates or create life entanglements of their own making. However, a theme throughout Jewish history is how we repeatedly rise, meet the challenges—and then overcome them—and improve ourselves.”
In this thought-provoking series, Rabbi Biller will lead the discussion by examining texts, themes and stories, and focusing on takeaway lessons to apply to our own lives.
First, Rabbi Biller will delve into the idea of resilience and introduce characters. Next, participants will observe how characters operate in their circumstances. Finally, the sessions will evaluate lessons illustrated, and discuss how to implement them.
Among key examples of resilience in our tradition is Joseph, who is knocked down so hard so many times and yet in each situation finds a way to excel and rise to the top and who eventually becomes the second most powerful man in Egypt
A more modern example would be the Jewish people’s activities in building the Yeshuv, a quasi almost-pretend state created by Jewish people well before 1948, well before the State of Israel was declared. Dreaming of a “one-day state,” they started a framework for this imagined country-to-be that didn’t exist yet. They almost willed it into existence by sketching out a rudimentary air force, labor league, and set of governing institutions—tenacity and resilience in the face of political objections.
Speaking about his upcoming series on resilience, the seminar leader notes, “It’s exciting to me how our ancient texts reveal so many ways of dealing with life that fit our modern times. Sometimes the lessons seem even more relevant now than they are in the original story. It will be exciting to examine this together.”
Rabbi Biller brings a wide perspective to his teaching and patience for all the questions we may have. He specializes in the art of storytelling, and counseling Jews of all ritual levels looking to find meaning in both modern life and rich Jewish traditions. The spiritual leader of synagogues in his native Canada, as well as in Alabama, Arkansas, New York and New Jersey, the rabbi received rabbinic ordination from the Jewish Theological Seminary. He also studied BiblioDrama with Peter Pitzele at the Union Theological Seminary, and completed a two-year Spiritual Direction course at Elat Chayyim, designed to help participants teach others how to identify and follow their own spiritual paths.
Our Jewish World and the clergy series is co-chaired by Ilene Dorf Manahan and Melanie Levitan. Preregistration is required for Rabbi Biller’s series. To register, email iadpr@aol.com.