Rabbi Sanford Marcus Legacy Weekend 2025: March 7-9, 2025
Join us for a very special weekend of events honoring the legacy of Rabbi Sanford T. Marcus (OBM). In commemoration of his love of Jewish learning and social justice, Rabbi Marla Feldman will join Tree of Life as our Scholar-in-Residence. A rabbi and lawyer, Rabbi Feldman is the immediate past Executive Director of the national organization, Women of Reform Judaism (WRJ) and also is a former Director of the Commission on Social Action of Reform Judaism.
Friday Night Shabbat Service: "For Such a Time As This" -- In honor of Rabbi Marcus and the upcoming celebration of Purim, Rabbi Feldman will speak about the social justice legacy of the Reform Movement, with a particular focus on the role women have played in the historic and current pursuit of justice.
Saturday Morning Torah Study: "Vashti, Queen of Persia" -- Rabbi Feldman will offer keynote presentation, featuring a text study exploring the classical midrash and commentary about Vashti, Esther's predecessor in the Purim story, to discover this little-known feminist icon. A catered luncheon will follow her presentation and Jewish Camp Scholarships awarded.
Sunday Brunch sponsored by the TOL WRJ Sisterhood: "Biblical Women Speak" -- Rabbi Feldman will share inspiring tales of biblical women based on her book, Biblical Women Speak: Hearing their voices through New and Ancient Midrash. Participants will learn about little-known biblical women and be inspired to engage deeply with our ancient texts to find inspiration for our lives today. The session will be followed by a book-signing with an opportunity to purchase Rabbi Feldman's books.