Beth David Synagogue’s March luncheon will be held on Saturday, March 14, and feature clinical psychologist and psychotherapist Dr. Irle Goldman, who will speak about the Kaddish prayer. Even though it is recited to commemorate someone’s death, the prayer is devoid of a key word. What is that word, and why is that the case? Goldman’s talk will answer that question and also offer answers to the following questions: how can one of the oldest prayers in the Jewish religion help us become our best selves? How does this prayer provide meaningful ways to deal with our disappointment and suffering? And how can one see a relationship between this prayer, spirituality and psychotherapy?
“As a psychotherapist and a committed Jew who celebrates so many Jewish rituals,” Goldman reflected, “ever since my brother died two years ago, I have been pondering the Kaddish, one of the major prayers in Judaism. I’ve come to realize that to understand the ultimate goal of religion, psychotherapy and specifically our Jewish tradition, we need to look closely at this prayer, and that is what I look forward to doing with attendees at my talk at Beth David.”
After he completed his Jewish day school education in the Boston area, Goldman attended Brandeis University, spending his junior year studying at Hebrew University in Jerusalem. He then pursued his Ph.D. in psychology at Rutgers, graduated in 1971, and has been a licensed clinical psychologist and psychotherapist ever since. 
“Those of us who have had the pleasure to hear Irle deliver a talk know what a gifted and insightful speaker he is,” organizers say. “We at Beth David are honored to have him as our March 14 speaker. We look forward to sharing services, the luncheon and Irle’s talk with the community!”
Beth David Synagogue’s Shabbat services begin at 9:30 am, with the luncheon and program following the conclusion of services. The monthly series, which includes the luncheon, is free and open to the community. Since its continuation depends on the generosity of contributors, Beth David welcomes donations to the Luncheon Fund. Donations can be made in honor of, or in memory of, someone, or to mark a special occasion. Those wishing an acknowledgment to be sent to the person being honored, or to the family of someone being remembered, can indicate that, along with the necessary information. Donations can be sent to Beth David Synagogue, 39 Riverside Dr., Binghamton, NY 13905, Attention: Luncheon Fund. Partial or full sponsorships of a luncheon are also available.