Rabbi Aft will speak on A Psychological Look at Biblical Characters.

NOTE SPECIAL TIME OF 8:00 PM!

Rabbi Bruce D. Aft was our own Interim Rabbi at Beth Emeth in 2021-22, and was Interim Rabbi for Congregation Sha'are Shalom in Leesburg, VA the prior year. Previously, Rabbi Aft was the spiritual leader at Adat Reyim in Springfield, VA from 1991 until June, 2020. He grew up in the Chicago suburbs and developed an early love for Judaism — and the Chicago White Sox.  He played on the University of Illinois varsity reserve team for a few years, and then turned his attention to the rabbinate and social work, receiving an MSW from Temple University, ordination from the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College, and eventually an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree. 

Now in retirement, Rabbi Aft is a visiting scholar at George Mason University in the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution. He will also be working with the Jewish students at GMU and lectures for the Learning and Retirement Institute at GMU. He is an adjunct faculty member in the religious studies department and honors college at GMU.  He is the President of the community board for Operation Understanding DC. He also serves as a visiting lecturer at Greenspring Village and a Chaplain for the Jewish Social Service Agency.

Rabbi Aft will also continue to have a part-time pulpit, serving small congregations in the South through the Institute for Southern Jewish Life. Over the past 30 years Rabbi Aft was active with BBYO and helped staff March of the Living.  He served as President of the Board of Jewish Education of Greater Washington and was a board member for the Federation. Rabbi Bruce and his wife Sue will be volunteering for the Washington Nationals Youth Baseball Academy where he has not yet been offered a contract to pitch. In retirement he and Sue look forward to visiting their four children and six grandchildren much more often. 

Hazak is the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism’s organization that supports programming for folks 55+. At Beth Emeth, HAZAK is a congenial group who want to continue to grow their Jewish and world understanding in a friendly and welcoming environment. Adults of any age are encouraged to attend! Be a member, be a guest or bring a guest. Hazak members do not need to be Congregation Beth Emeth members. More info about Hazak at Beth Emeth, how to get the Zoom link if you aren't on the Hazak email list, and the upcoming schedule.