Maggid training offered

By JEWISH REVIEW

article created on:

Rabbi David Zaslow, recently hired as the part-time interim rabbi for Congregation P’nai Or, will teach a Maggid Training program in Portland beginning Jan. 31. 

The Maggid Training program is a two-year course leading to certification for participants in the field of Jewish storytelling and Torah interpretation. Classes will be held on Sunday afternoons for four hours a month. The course is led by Zaslow and Rebbetzin Devorah Zaslow.
    
The Maggidic training includes intensive study of the sacred art of storytelling.
    
“Our legacy of Jewish stories contains the wisdom of our people and universal truths that complement our Torah teaching,” said Rebbetzin Zaslow.
    
Along with storytelling Rabbi Zaslow will train participants to master Torah analysis and interpretation based on Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch’s etymological word studies.
    
“We hope that the skills imparted in this program will allow participants to go back to their synagogues with tools and skills that will be of great service to their rabbis and educators,” said Rabbi Zaslow. “(T)o complement storytelling, the authentic maggid must also understand the holy and mystical root of every word in the Torah.”
    
Participants must be able to read Hebrew, and be willing to commit five hours a week to study. The first session will meet from 2 to 6 p.m., Jan. 31, 2010, at St. Mark Presbyterian Church, 9750 SW Terwilliger Blvd.
    
The fee for the program is $1,200 per year, plus required texts. For more information on program content, fees and prerequisites, contact Rabbi David Zaslow at shalomrav@aol.com or Rebbetzin Devorah Zaslow at Dvorat@aol.com.