Scholar-in-residence in Scotch Plains

Rabbi Bradley Shavit Artson of the American Jewish University in Los Angeles will be the scholar-in-residence at Congregation Beth Israel from January 10 through 13. This weekend of learning is open to the community, and most of the events offered are free.

Rabbi Artson holds the Abner and Roslyn Goldstine Dean’s Chair of the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies and is vice president of American Jewish University in Los Angeles. He is an advocate for social justice, human dignity, diversity, and inclusion. A member of the philosophy department, he is interested in theology, ethics, and the integration of science and religion. A frequent contributor for the Times of Israel, and a contributing writer for the Jewish Journal of Greater Los Angeles, Rabbi Artson is the author of 12 books and more than 250 articles. His most recent publication is “Renewing the Process of Creation: A Jewish Integration of Science and Spirit.”

“We are so excited to host Rabbi Artson, dean of the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies, where I attended,” CBI’s Rabbi Howard Tilman said. “Rabbi Artson is a fantastic teacher and speaker and is truly one of the most influential people in shaping the rabbi I am today.

The weekend begins on Friday, January 10, with services at 6 p.m. Rabbi Artson will deliver the d’var Torah, and a traditional Shabbat dinner will follow at 7. After dinner, he will discuss, “Bound to Israel: Why Do We Care?” An oneg Shabbat dessert reception will follow.

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During Shabbat morning services at 9:30, Rabbi Artson will give a d’var Torah, followed by a kiddush lunch. At 12:30 p.m., Rabbi Artson will lead a study session, “Almighty? No Way! Embracing the God We Actually Love.”

The weekend wraps up on Sunday, with a “Brunch and Learn” at 11 a.m., focused on “Love Your Neighbor: Inclusion as the Core Jewish Value.”

While most of the weekend is free, there is a cost for dinner, and registration is required for all events. Go to cbinj.org/event/artsonshabbat25. For more information, call (908) 889-1830.