Temple Beth Shalom hosts “Jews and Judaism in Morocco" course in December

 

A unique three-part series  featuring a slideshow of “Jews and Judaism in Morocco” today is being presented to all interested persons in December at Temple Beth Shalom of the West Valley.

 

Rabbi Dana Evan Kaplan recently returned from an educational trip to Morocco sponsored by the Central Conference of American Rabbis. The group of rabbis met with members of the Jewish community in Casablanca, Marrakech, Fez and elsewhere. They visited all sorts of different historical sites dealing with the history of the Jews in Morocco. 

 

Morocco historically hosted the largest Jewish population in the Arab world, with a presence for over 2,000 years, but the community has significantly dwindled from a peak of over 250,000 in the 1940s to about 2,000 today, largely due to emigration following the establishment of Israel and other factors. Rabbi Kaplan extended his stay in the country, which enabled him to visit Berbers in desert areas and other fascinating sites which he will discuss and also show photos of and place into context. 

 

The  course will be offered from 10-11:30 a.m. Thursdays, Dec. 4, 11 and 18 at the Temple, 12202  N. 101st Ave. in Sun City. The cost is $20 for TBS members and $35 for non-members.

 

Registration deadline is at noon Dec. 1. Contact the Temple office at 623.977.3240 or templebethshalomaz@gmail.com to register and pay the course fee.