Continuing Education and Programming at Moriah

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1 Continuing Education and Programming at Moriah Dear Friends, The late Chancellor of the Jewish Theological Seminary, Rabbi Gerson Cohen, wrote in his monumental essay of Rabbinic Judaism that one of its most revolutionary contributions to world civilization was to place study at the center of Jewish life. Study was not to be just for the few or elite, but rather it was to be universal. Torah study was not just a source of knowledge and wisdom; it was also a way to commune with God, to debate with God, to perpetually reach Heavenward for a higher truth. It is for this reason that when the sages taught: The following are the things for which a person enjoys the fruits in this world while the principle remains for the world to come: the honoring of father and mother, the practice of Tzedakah (charity), and making of peace between a person and his fellow, but the study of Torah is equal to them all. (Mishnah Peah 1:1), Torah study was given value above all other Jewish activities. I invite you to take Torah study seriously and to take part in the rich and varied schedule of opportunities available this year at Moriah. I will be there. I hope to see you there as well! Rabbi Mordechai Silverstein David Ecanow Vice President, Education Shai Halivni President Mordechai Silverstein Rabbi Lori Kramer Director of Education Lisa Kaplan Executive Director

2 CLASSES Continuing Education and Program Course Offerings Why, and Why Me? The Book of Job and Classic Jewish Responses to Suffering Rabbi Ken Berger Tuesday evenings at 7:30 pm - Beginning October 13 In this class we will examine classical Jewish responses to suffering. While the dominant view in biblical and rabbinic sources is that suffering comes as punishment for sin, we will see that other, more complex and nuanced views are also presented. We will begin with a survey of biblical responses to suffering, and then focus on the reading of selected passages from the Book of Job. Job responds to the clash between the understanding that suffering is a punishment for sin, and the reality that the righteous often suffer while the wicked appear to prosper. We will conclude by looking at some rabbinic stories that respond to this issue, an issue that remains one of the most vexing challenges to people of faith to our time. Participants are asked to bring copies of the Bible to class. The Jewish Publication Society of America's translation is the preferred translation. The JPS Tanakh or the Hebrew- English Tanakh may be purchased at Rosenblum s, Amazon, or many other bookstores that carry Judaica. The Florence Melton School of Adult Jewish Learning Core Year II Crossroads and Ethics Thursdays from 9:30am-11:45am, weekly beginning October 15 Lori Kramer & Dr. Betsy Dolgin Katz The second year of a two-year educational program designed to offer adults well-rounded, in-depth study of Judaism in a user friendly environment. In a format developed at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem, adult learners from diverse backgrounds learn about our heritage and culture in an intellectually stimulating environment. Students will explore the wisdom of ancient and modern rabbis, scholars and thinkers, offering multiple Jewish approaches to conducting our lives in the communal and private spheres. Students will also learn about the concepts of history and memory in order to better understand how each has shaped Judaism today. With an emphasis on reclaiming the richness of Jewish history, the chronological exploration investigates significant crossroads where Jews took major decisions that shaped our shared identity and destiny. No knowledge of Hebrew is required and payment plans are available. Members of Moriah receive a $200 discount on tuition. To register please go to or call x1321.

3 Men, Women and the Observance of Mitzvot The following Thursdays at 7:30 pm: October 15, 22 - November 15, 12, 19 What is the nature of the obligation of men and women to the commandments? This course will examine the nature of ritual obligation in the Jewish tradition. In particular, we will examine concepts such as time bound commandments, agency in commandments (discharging an obligation for others), the obligation to pray, and reading Torah. We will examine classical sources and how they play out in contemporary halakhic discussion. Jewish Ways to Engage your Family Cherene Radis and Lori Kramer Shabbat: Wednesday, February 3 at 9:15 am Pesach: Wednesday, April 6 at 7:00 pm This is a wonderful opportunity for parents and grandparents to get a deeper understanding of Jewish traditions and fun and creative ideas to share with children of all ages! Intro to Talmud The following Sundays after minyan from 9:45am 11:00am: January 17, 24, 31, February 7, 14 In this course we will examine Talmudic arguments (sugiyot) on a number of exciting topics, like: the place of human dignity in the Jewish tradition, human insult and deception, intention in the observance of commandments, can one perform a commandment through a sin. We will also pay attention to how the sages shape their arguments in the discussion of these questions.

4 Chasidut and Midrash The following Thursdays at 7:30 pm March 31 April 7, 14 In this course, we will study together meaning rabbinic and Hasidic interpretations to enhance our celebration of holiday of Pesah. We will also pay attention to how the sages construct creative meaning from their rereading of Scripture. Hebrew High for 8 th -12 th graders: Pirke Avot Tuesdays from 6:15-7:30pm dinner is included Beginning October 13 In this course, we will examine the one non-legal tractate of the Mishnah in which the sages share to their wisdom for meaningful living. Registration is mandatory for this class. Moriah Reads Irene Sufrin, Principal of Solomon Schechter Early Childhood Center, has been the inspiration and coordinator of this popular reading group for many years. The discussions are held following the Qiddush on Shabbat afternoons. The following books and dates have been selected this year: October 31: The Betrayers by David Mezmisgis December 5: A Backpack, A Bear, and Eight Crates of Vodka by Lev Golinkin (this book is the Spertus selection for the Chicago community) January 30: The Assistant by Bernard Malamud March 12: The Lady in Gold by Anne Marie O'Connor May 21: The Secret Chord by Geraldine Brooks All of the books are available on Amazon and should be available in local libraries and bookstores.

5 The Moriah Rosh Codesh Women s Group Elizabeth Ury October 3, November 4, December 12, January 9, February 13, March 12, April 9, May 7 Eight years ago a group of women began a Women s Rosh Chodesh Study group. We meet for discussion and study, as our ancestors before us, to celebrate the new moon. Each month, different women serve as the leaders. Over the years the group has continued to grow. All women of Moriah are invited to join this wonderful learning experience. All of our sessions will meet on Shabbat afternoons, approximately 45 minutes after services. Movie Night Contact Arnie Landis Each session begins at 7:30pm and will be held at Moriah Congregation. We welcome your participation and welcome new members who are interested in watching and discussing movies. September 8, October 13, November 10, December 1, January 19, February 2, March 15, April 5 Tov Uptown Café 909 West Wilson in Chicago Sundays dates to be determined Join Moriah at the JUF Uptown Café 8 volunteers are needed for this program. The Café is Chicago's first kosher anti-hunger program for the needy. In addition to providing hot meals restaurant style, this JUF program brings dignity and hope to people in need. Volunteers ages 12 and over are welcome but, if under 18, must be accompanied by an adult. Beth Emet s Soup Kitchen 1224 Dempster in Evanston Join with Moriah families at Beth Emet s Soup Kitchen 12 volunteers are needed. Participants in this group must be at 12 years old and volunteers between the ages of must be accompanied by an adult. For more info or to volunteer, contact Lisa Weiner at lisassw@sbcglobal.net.

6 Special Tiqun Olam Programs in conjunction with Moriah s ECC Thanksgiving Cards for the Troops Hanukkah Toy Drive December Winter Coat & Boot Exchange and Coat Drive March Pre-Pesach Food Drive April Post-Pesach Food Drive For more information about any of these Tiqun Olam programs, contact Allison Nemirow at allison.nemirow@gmail.com Maot Chitim of Greater Chicago purchases the food that volunteers deliver. Volunteers are needed to assemble boxes, pack perishable and non-perishable food and deliver the food boxes to the recipients. Special Events Moriah s Scholars-in-Residence This year Moriah is pleased to be able to offer two outstanding Scholars Rabbi Noah Bickhart, PhD December 4-5 Noah Bickart is Assistant Professor of Talmud and Rabbinics at the Jewish Theological Seminary, where he also directs the Ivry Prozdor High School Program and serves as the Rosh Yeshiva of the Nishma Summer Beit Midrash. He received his PhD this May from JTS, having completed a dissertation about the development of the Babylonian Academies towards the end of the Talmudic Period and how these institutions resemble Syriac Christian schools in the same time and place. A Wexner Graduate Fellow, he was ordained as a Rabbi at JTS in Before enrolling at JTS, he studied Hebrew Bible at Harvard University, James Joyce at the University of Chicago, and Talmud and Jewish Law at the Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies in Jerusalem. Noah lives in New York City with his wife Nadia, and two children, Meir (8) and Rina (5). Rabbis from Mechon Hadar in New York City March 19 One of our most popular events, Congregational Pre-Pesach Chametz Shabbat Dinner Friday, April 15 Yom HaShoah Commemoration Wednesday, May 4