Welcome to the Project Shoresh site. The word: "Shoresh" (שרש) is Hebrew for "root" or "source." We are a resource that is dedicated to making it practical for Jews to connect to their roots, to their source, regardless of their current or past connection to Judaism.



In December, I interviewed Rabbi Naftali Karp about the Chai Mitzvah program. This spring, he is continuing to facilitate two groups at the Dwares JCC. The rabbi believes the classes of the nine-part program, which he describes as “a crash course in Judaism,” to be invaluable for the beginner and a great reconnection for those more familiar with the texts. The participants choose from two concurrent sessions – Chai Mitzvah night classes or Lunch and Learn day classes.

Intrigued by the stimulating opportunity to converse on elements of Judaism with a group of like-minded people, I attended the eighth class of the Lunch and Learn series. I must have been eager to feed my soul because I was the first one at the gallery (401), the meeting place. While waiting for the other “students,” I explored the fascinating artwork on the walls of the “classroom.” After the three of us were seated, we readied ourselves for an hour of ancient wisdom to guide us.

Since Shavuot – the holiday that celebrates the anniversary of God giving the Torah to the Israelites – was only two weeks away, Rabbi Karp chose gratitude as the topic of the lesson. The concept fits in nicely with the commandment to honor your parents. After taking turns sharing our definitions of the notion and pondering whether gratitude translates into happiness, we learned that the Hebrew expression for it is “the recognition of the good.” The students read from the rabbi’s study guide that contained various illuminating quotations from Ethics of the Fathers – a tractate of the Mishna dealing with morality – and discussed the segments.

At one point in the conversation, Rabbi Karp suggested that gratitude can be seen as a selfish tool – if we value what we have, we will be happy. It’s that simple … almost...

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Chai Mitzva Programs at Alliance JCC

PictureClick on image to enlarge
Nine-part program will be a “crash course in Judaism” and cam be invaluable for a beginner and a great reexamination for others. These classes promise to be a stimulating opportunity to learn about Judaism with a group of like-minded people.

Check out their website at chaimitzvah.org

Cost: $18 covers all nine classes
Light refreshments will be served


Location: 401 Elmgrove Ave. Providence, RI 02906

Each class is self contained – don't hesitate to sign up if you're unable to attend all of the classes.

For more info, or to sign up, please contact:

Wendy Joering | 401.421.4111 ext. 169 | wjoering@jewishallianceri.org
Naftali Karp | 401.632.3165 | nkarp@projectshoresh.com

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here
to read
Rabbi
Naftali
Karp's
blog
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Click on
this videos
from the
Aish Crew
to get the scoop
on the Holiday
of Shavuot
that began
Tuesday Night
June 3

Also: Lunch and Learn  at the Alliance JCC

During your lunch break, why not feed your soul as well as your body? Take some time out of a busy workday to study a bit of Torah over lunch. We take one hour to explore relevant Jewish topics using ancient wisdom to guide us in a modern society.  Most sessions will be connected with the weekly portion or time of year. Join us for a lively discussion led by Rabbi Naftali Karp.  This is a brown bag lunch program. Ages: 21+

(On the weeks that there is Chai mitzvah class, the lunch and learn class will be the Chai Mitzvah topic of that week)

Tuesdays 12:00 – 1:00pm at the Alliance JCC

13 sessions

Price: FREE

Do Shabbat

Are you always running? Always sandwiched in-between two appointments, thinking about the future and the past at the same time, with no time to wonder where the present is?
Designate the next two minutes and twenty two seconds to watching this video 
to learn how Shabbat can be an antidote.





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