We are delighted to welcome Professor Arnold Eisen on December 21 and December 22 for our next Scholar in Residence weekend! During his visit, he will be discussing his newest book, Seeking the Hiding God.

• Members and non-members must register below to come IN PERSON to Professor Eisen's Book Talk on Sunday. Scroll down to register.
• ONLY non-members must register here to attend Professor Eisen's talks on Saturday.

About Sunday's Book Talk

Beginning at 10:30 am in the Sanctuary and on Zoom, Professor Eisen will speak for about 30 minutes and then open the floor for questions. This event includes a bagel brunch, as well as an opportunity to have your book signed by Professor Eisen. If you would like to purchase a copy of his new book, please indicate that on the registration form. The book costs $18/copy. 

About Professor Eisen

One of the world’s foremost authorities on American Judaism, Professor Eisen is chancellor emeritus of the Jewish Theological Seminary (JTS) and a professor of Jewish Thought. He became chancellor in 2007 and stepped down in 2020 to return to teaching and scholarship as a full-time member of the JTS faculty. During his tenure as chancellor, he transformed the education of religious, pedagogical, professional, and lay leaders for North American Jewry, with a focus on graduating highly skilled, innovative leaders who bring Judaism alive in ways that speak authentically to Jews at a time of rapid and far-reaching change. He has also served on the faculties of Stanford, Tel Aviv, and Columbia universities. 

Professor Eisen contributes regularly to print and online media, including the Wall Street Journal, The Jewish Week, Huffington Post, Tablet, and Fortune. He discusses Jewish education, philosophy, and values on his blog, On My Mind: Arnie Eisen. He is the author of several books, including Galut: Modern Jewish Reflection on Homelessness and Homecoming; Rethinking Modern Judaism: Ritual, Commandment, Community; and most recently, Seeking the Hiding God.

About The Book

Professor Eisen examines the elusive nature of God and the significance of divine encounters through the lens of Jewish rituals and traditions. The book explores the responsibilities of humans as God's partners and the personal and communal implications of faith and doubt. The book’s three chapters meet contemporary Jews of all persuasions, and non-Jews interested in Judaism, at the points where they are most likely to experience Jewish ritual and tradition: a Passover Seder, with its theme of past and future redemption; the Yom Kippur liturgy that guides worshippers through the difficult work of atonement, forgiveness, and return; and the day-to-day responsibilities, personal and communal, of covenant, mitzvah, and love. Seeking the Hiding God invites readers to join Professor Eisen in asking what they actually believe about ultimate matters of faith and doubt—and rewards fellow searchers for ultimate meaning with reassurance that the search itself can be a source of personal fulfillment, vibrant community, and great joy.

Members and non-members must register below to come IN PERSON to Professor Eisen's Book Talk on Sunday.