Torah Study Group Shifts Focus This Year
Torah/Tanach Study Group, the popular self-led session that meets each Saturday before Shabbat services, is taking a break from Torah this year to consider other books of the Tanach (Hebrew Bible). Beginning Oct. 7, the group will focus primarily on the historical books that follow Deuteronomy: Joshua, Judges, I and II Samuel and I and II Kings. Interspersed at appropriate places, TSG will also read Ruth, Job, Song of Songs and the first half of Isaiah.
In its collegial fashion, the group decided to deviate from its normal format of discussing the Torah portion of the week to gain insight, context and background from the other books. These books, also called the Deuteronomistic History or Former Prophets, don't retell events as they actually happened, most modern scholars agree. They were written over a long period and subsequently were embellished even more to teach lessons, make ethical, theological and, yes, political points.
Torah/Tanach Study Group is a very informal collection of participants. Its discussions are free wheeling and wide ranging. There are no prerequisites. Although it has a loyal following of core members who show up week in and week out, anyone is welcome to drop in anytime. Members of the group sign up to lead individual sessions and to bring refreshments. The group meets at 9 a.m. on Saturdays in the Menorah Room. For more information, see the Temple Web site, www.templemicah.org under Adult Education.
[from October 2006 Vine]