Listen in on the surprising, practical questions your ancestors asked rabbis across Jewish history. Join this six-session course to discover the little-known world of rabbinic responsa, a vast archive of the real-life questions of ethics and practice Jews asked across history—and the scholarly answers rabbis wrote. Algiers is under siege: May I pray in a bathhouse? The Inquisition is watching: How will I celebrate Passover? Seventeen Jews are held hostage in faraway Regensburg after a blood libel: Must I help pay their ransom? See what enables Jewish tradition to offer relevant guidance in a rapidly changing world—and come face-to-face with raw Jewish history. (If you don’t know what a “rabbinic responsa” is, you’ll fit right in.)

Winter in Seattle is grey, but we’re changing the palette with the help of visiting artist Chani Friedman. Flying in from The Paintery and Honey+Grace, Chani is here to help us create Mini Moss Walls: chic, preserved greenery that brings life into your home without the maintenance. You’ve seen these vibrant installations in boutique hotels, and now (no green thumb required) you’ll create your own "breath of fresh air" to take home under her expert guidance. Tu B’Shevat- the New Year for Trees- the perfect time to ground yourself. We’ll be pouring crisp Israeli wines and grazing on a stunning Seven Species spread, savoring the flavors of the Holy Land (think figs, pomegranates, olives, and dates). This is your night to connect with your roots, laugh with women who lift you up, and walk out with a piece of art that screams "life." Tuesday, January 27 | 7:15 PM | Chabad Mercer Island

Listen in on the surprising, practical questions your ancestors asked rabbis across Jewish history. Join this six-session course to discover the little-known world of rabbinic responsa, a vast archive of the real-life questions of ethics and practice Jews asked across history—and the scholarly answers rabbis wrote. Algiers is under siege: May I pray in a bathhouse? The Inquisition is watching: How will I celebrate Passover? Seventeen Jews are held hostage in faraway Regensburg after a blood libel: Must I help pay their ransom? See what enables Jewish tradition to offer relevant guidance in a rapidly changing world—and come face-to-face with raw Jewish history. (If you don’t know what a “rabbinic responsa” is, you’ll fit right in.)

Listen in on the surprising, practical questions your ancestors asked rabbis across Jewish history. Join this six-session course to discover the little-known world of rabbinic responsa, a vast archive of the real-life questions of ethics and practice Jews asked across history—and the scholarly answers rabbis wrote. Algiers is under siege: May I pray in a bathhouse? The Inquisition is watching: How will I celebrate Passover? Seventeen Jews are held hostage in faraway Regensburg after a blood libel: Must I help pay their ransom? See what enables Jewish tradition to offer relevant guidance in a rapidly changing world—and come face-to-face with raw Jewish history. (If you don’t know what a “rabbinic responsa” is, you’ll fit right in.)

A Community Coming Together for Our Seniors GenConnect is more than a project; it's a heartwarming mission to ensure every Jewish senior on Mercer Island, whether living in a senior community, alone, or with family, feels a profound sense of belonging and joy. Our initiative is a powerful response to the isolation and loneliness that many seniors face, offering a beacon of hope and connection. Why GenConnect Is Essential: Our monthly care packages, filled with home-baked challah, lovingly arranged flowers, and letters from Island Hebrew School children, are tangible reminders to our seniors that they are cherished members of our community. These packages are not just gifts; they symbolize our commitment to honoring, respecting, and connecting with the seniors in our midst. GenConnect embodies the Jewish values of caring, intergenerational respect, and the importance of community support.

Listen in on the surprising, practical questions your ancestors asked rabbis across Jewish history. Join this six-session course to discover the little-known world of rabbinic responsa, a vast archive of the real-life questions of ethics and practice Jews asked across history—and the scholarly answers rabbis wrote. Algiers is under siege: May I pray in a bathhouse? The Inquisition is watching: How will I celebrate Passover? Seventeen Jews are held hostage in faraway Regensburg after a blood libel: Must I help pay their ransom? See what enables Jewish tradition to offer relevant guidance in a rapidly changing world—and come face-to-face with raw Jewish history. (If you don’t know what a “rabbinic responsa” is, you’ll fit right in.)