Faith+Values: Rabbi prompts a few titters on Twitter

By JEFF STRICKLER, Star Tribune

Last update: November 6, 2009 - 3:01 PM

We owe Rabbi Hayim Herring, executive director of St. Louis Park-based STAR (Synagogues: Transformation and Renewal), a big smile for tipping us off to the Twitter account of Rabbi Rami Shapiro.

Shapiro, a professor of religious studies at Middle Tennessee State University, is an award-winning author, poet, essayist and educator. He's also a first-rate smart aleck.

He has picked up on the growing number of religious organizations sending out daily inspirational messages via e-mail, Facebook and other electronic media. His, however, come with a twist: After he cites the inspiring message, he provides his own comic take.

Some of his recent offerings:

"Live in a way that you touch everyone you meet." But first hire a good lawyer.

"Don't let circumstances defeat you." Quit first.

"Organize your difficulties and prioritize your problems." This is a lot easier than actually dealing with them.

"Believe your beliefs, doubt your doubts." And live redundantly ever after.

You can follow his wit and wisdom at rabbirami. No Twitter account? You also can see his tweets online at www.rabbirami.blogspot.com.

Early ticket warning

Every year since 1980, Augsburg College has teamed with Central Lutheran Church in downtown Minneapolis for an Advent vespers service. Every year since 1981, it's been getting harder to get in, even with added services.

Last year, all four services were packed with people enjoying the unique event that is part Christmas concert (including a 250-voice choir) and part worship service.

A fifth service has been added this year. Nonetheless, organizers still expect to run out of room, so they've opened up reservations and are encouraging people to act sooner rather than later. Services will be at 5 and 8 p.m. on Dec. 4 and at 2, 5 and 8 p.m. on Dec. 5. To register, go to www.augsburg.edu/vespers or call 612-330-1444.

Chemberlin taking office

It's going to be easier to introduce the Rev. Peg Chemberlin next week. She no longer will be the president-elect of the National Council of Churches. As of Thursday evening, we can drop the "elect."

As promised when she was chosen, Chemberlin, who also serves as executive director of the Minnesota Council of Churches, is holding her installation service in the Twin Cities. It's at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 519 Oak Grove St., Minneapolis. The service is open to the public.

Kosher gospel music

Last weekend's religion calendar listed an incorrect location for Joshua Nelson's concert. It's at 7:30 p.m. today at Adath Jeshurun Congregation, 10500 W. Hillside Lane, Minnetonka. Nelson is known as the prince of "kosher gospel," a blend of his Jewish faith and African-American heritage. His performance is part of the synagogue's 125th anniversary celebration.

Jeff Strickler • 612-673-7392

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