Judaism and mysteries of afterlife program set Nov. 16-17

Seaside Jewish Community has invited nationally known author and Rabbinic Pastor Reb Simcha Raphael to Rehoboth Beach and Lewes to lead a two-day educational program, Judaism and the Mysteries of Life, Death and the World Beyond, Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 16 and 17. 

Raphael is founding director of the Da’at Institute for Death Awareness, Advocacy and Training, and he works as a psychotherapist and spiritual director in Philadelphia. He is the author of numerous publications, including the book, “Jewish Views of the Afterlife,” published in 1994 and recently re-released in an updated version.

“Rabbi Raphael is a master storyteller and presents the subject of death in ways which are both humorous and informative,” said Rabbinic Pastor/Cantor Lisa Levine, religious leader at Seaside Jewish Community, Rehoboth Beach. “He has written the definitive book on the subject of Jewish mourning practices, Jewish history and the theology surrounding our views about the spirit world as well as reincarnation and the four stages of grief. We are looking forward to hosting his visit.”

This Scholar-in-Residence program, made possible through a grant from the Jewish Federation of Delaware, will take place in three different venues throughout the weekend.

Beginning at 10 a.m., Saturday, an inclusive Shabbat Morning Service will include Raphael’s sermon, The Akeda as a Near Death Experience, and will take place at 18970 Holland Glade Road, Rehoboth Beach. A lunch and learn will follow, in which Exploring Jewish Views of the Afterlife will be discussed.

At 8 p.m. Saturday at St. Peter’s Church on Second Street in Lewes, Raphael will discuss Jewish Ghost Stories: Mysterious Tales of Ancient Ancestors, Wandering Spirits and Reincarnating Souls. This program will be followed by refreshments. The program is free and open to people of all faith traditions.

At 1 p.m., Sunday, at the Rehoboth Beach Public Library, Raphael will discuss Afterlife and the Renewal of Jewish Death Rituals and Mourning. This program is especially recommended for those dealing with grief and the pain of loss.

Seaside Jewish Community is an independent, unaffiliated community of approximately 350 families consisting of about 600 individuals. Services are egalitarian.

For more information, contact Reb Lisa Levine at 302-226-8977 or seasidejewishcommunity@gmail.com.

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