Scholar in Residence Weekend 2026
Men’s Club’s Annual Scholar in Residence
The 25th Temple Etz Chaim Scholar-in-Residence Weekend
March 27-29, 2026
An Invitation to Partner in Jewish Learning and Art
Get ready for an extraordinary journey! 25th Annual Scholar in Residence Weekend: “Seeing the Sounds – Visual Interpretations of the Bible
This year, we welcome Dr. Revital Somekh-Goldreich, an award-winning scholar, educator, and artist whose unique approach uses art and sensory experience to make Jewish studies interactive and deeply relevant. Her theme, “Beyond the Text: Building Bridges of Meaning from Purim to Passover through Visual Theology,” promises a weekend of profound and engaging discovery for our entire community.
Friday Evening 7:00 PM
Shabbat Evening Service
Followed by Oneg Shabbat
What is Experiential Midrash?
Take a magical carousel ride through the realm of experiential midrash to uncover why this approach is so exciting and relevant today.
Saturday Morning 9:30 AM
Shabbat Morning Service
Followed by Kiddush Luncheon
Turn It and Turn It Again!
Fun and games with visual theology for Purim and Passover. Explore the synergy of text, image, and frame in Visual Theology.
Saturday Evening 7:00 PM
Havdalah with Refreshments and Q&A
$10 general admission, Complimentary for SIR Weekend Sponsors and Students (Legacy and Above).
Are Exile and Diaspora Synonyms?
Explore this question by examining the Purim and Passover story-cycles and their rich visual interpretations.
Sunday Brunch 9:30am
Roundtable and Q&A
$10 general admission, Complimentary for SIR Weekend Sponsors and Students (Legacy and Above).
So Many Bridges, So Little Time!
Join us for a dynamic, co-creative roundtable where we’ll discover and test relevant Purim-Passover connections, bringing our weekend of visual theology to a powerful close.
Your Essential Investment in Our Legacy
For over a quarter-century, the Scholar in Residence program has been a vital, foundational event, enriching the minds and spirit of our congregation. Your generous financial support is what keeps this essential program going and ensures it remains accessible and free of charge for every member of our community.
Based on congregational feedback, we have thoughtfully updated and expanded our sponsorship structure this year. You will notice a slight adjustment in the contribution amounts and additional options. This update is necessary to ensure the long-term health and quality of the program, as our sponsorship rates have remained the same for many years, even as costs have increased.
By becoming a sponsor, you are investing in:
- World-Class Scholarship: Bringing renowned, unique voices to our community.
- Jewish Identity: Fostering deeper communal bonds and connection to our heritage.
- Accessibility: Guaranteeing the program’s vitality and availability for all.
2026 Sponsorship Levels and Exclusive Benefits
Level Name
Suggested Donation
Key Benefits Included
SIR Friend Supporter
$36 (or other amount)
Ensures the entire congregation can enjoy the full weekend of events, continuing a legacy of meaningful programming.
Legacy Builder
$144
All benefits of SIR Supporter, plus two complimentary tickets to the Saturday Evening Havdalah Reception & Presentation and the Sunday Morning Brunch & Roundtable Event.
Visionary Partner
$252
All benefits of Legacy Builder, plus two complimentary tickets to the exclusive Friday Evening Shabbat Dinner Reception held in honor of Dr. Revital Somekh-Goldreich.
Patron of Scholarship
$378
All benefits of Visionary Partner, plus a “Meet & Greet” session with Dr. Somekh-Goldreich following the Shabbat Kiddush Lunch
To become a sponsor and secure your exclusive tickets and benefits, please visit the Men’s Club page on the TEC website or call the TEC Office.
Thank you for your generous partnership. We look forward to seeing you at this extraordinary weekend of learning and art!
Sincerely,
