ADULT LEARNING at Temple Emanuel gce l,ru, vag Aseh Toratcha Keva Carve out a time for learning -Avot 1:15 2015-2016 5776 Jewish learning lasts a lifetime. Temple Emanuel strives to be a learning congregation for all. Our Adult Education programs are designed to meet a variety of needs and interests, from helping congregants gain basic skills and Judaic knowledge to providing topics of general Jewish interest. Please look inside for the exciting learning opportunities planned for this year. Additional details for all lectures and courses are available on the Temple Emanuel website. We look forward to learning with you!
OPENING LECTURE to a year of Adult Learning opportunities: TALMUDIC LISTENING with Rabbi Evelyn Baz Sunday morning, September 20 9:30 am coffee and registration for Adult Learning courses in the Java Gate Café 10:00-11:00 am Rabbi Baz talk This session will explore a radically different approach to studying Jewish texts. Grounded by present-day first person accounts, we will use the voices of these individuals as commentary on early rabbinic texts. Designed to spark conversations, bring different narratives to light and find new relevance in ancient texts. Rabbi Evelyn Baz is our new Rabbi at Temple Emanuel, joining our clergy team with a special focus on teen outreach. Rabbi Baz was ordained from the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies. She served as Rabbinic Intern and Hazzan at The Kitchen in San Francisco, the Intro to Judaism program at American Jewish University, and as an educator and musician at IKAR in Los Angeles. Rabbi Baz is an alumna of the Wexner Graduate Fellowship and is a graduate of the University of Sydney, Australia. FALL OFFERINGS - September through November YOGA FOR THE SOUL MINYAN with Rabbi Michelle Robinson and Michelle Silberman, Yoga Instructor Sunday mornings 9:00-10:00 am Dates: October 4, November 15, December 20, January 10, February 28, March 13, May 1 Our rabbis taught us that the soul is joined intimately to the body. The two move together and each can be used in the service of God. In this innovative morning minyan we will be using our bodies to pray, our voices to chant, and movement to connect with holiness in a Jewish way. Come awaken your senses as you awaken your soul. Expect an uplifting morning service and a great sweat. No previous Yoga or davening experience necessary. Dress for comfort. Bring a yoga mat (if you have one) or a large towel (if you don t), a small towel, and a bottle of water. New participants always welcome! No Fee. You may just drop in to attend this class or RSVP by September 4 to Tessa Amantiado, tamantiado@templeemanuel.com, 617.558.8111. Sponsored by Sisterhood Temple Emanuel SHABBAT MORNING STUDY with Rabbi Wesley Gardenswartz Saturday, September 12 through June 18 Participate each Shabbat in a very special morning of learning and discussion with Rabbi Gardenswartz. Study and discuss a variety of Jewish issues with Rabbi Gardenswartz and fellow congregants on Shabbat morning from 8:30-9:30 a.m., then stay and participate in Shabbat morning services from 9:30-noon followed by a congregational Kiddush. JEWISH MINDFULNESS AND MEDITATION with Donna Rubenoff Saturday mornings 9:00-10:00 am in the Rabbi Lifson Library Sept. 12, Oct. 10, Nov. 7, Dec. 5, Jan. 9, Feb. 6, March 5, April 2, May 7, June 11 Learn how to bring deeper meaning to your Judaism through meditation. Explore how meditation can quiet the mind and encourage positive thought in support of mind-body healing. No prior experience with meditation is necessary; those who already practice meditation will receive techniques to incorporate into their existing practices. No fee PATHWAYS TO JUDAISM Twice a year, the Jewish Discovery Institute (JDI) offers an intensive 25-session course designed for people considering conversion to Judaism. The course will open the world of Jewish tradition and understanding to those who have little or no background. By fostering close relationships with the Rabbis, instructors and other participants, the program provides an important forum for sharing, support, and friendship. Pathways combines excellent religious studies with significant
Jewish experiences such as Shabbat dinners, holiday celebrations and field trips. We also include sessions with trained social workers and mentoring Rabbis to help guide and support students on what may well be a major life change. This program runs in partnership with Temple Emanuel. The fee is $650 per couple and $325 for a single (no Jewish partner) student. Financial assistance is available. All potential participants should contact to Rabbi Michelle Robinson, 617.558.8139 mrobinson@templeemanuel.com and Rabbi Braham David at 617.519.1827 or rabbi@jewishdiscoveryinstitute.org. All registration is done though Rabbi David at JDI. Session I Join Rabbi Leslie Gordon Wednesday evenings, Sept. 9, 2015 through May, 2016, from 7:00-9:30 pm. Session II Join Rabbi Victor Reinstein Wednesday evenings, Jan. 6, 2016 through June, 2015, breaks for July and August, and concludes in September, from 6:45-9:15 pm. The Jewish Discovery Institute is able to offer the Pathways to Judaism program though a generous grant from CJP. ME AH Me ah (Hebrew for 100 ) will take you on a FASCINATING 100-hour journey through Jewish history. Your expert tour guides are top scholars who will lead you through this two year intensive adult Jewish learning program. This year Temple Emanuel is hosting 2 Me ah classes. A NEW Wednesday morning Me ah class begins here at Temple Emanuel on October 7, 2015. This class will meet from 9:30 am 12:15 pm. Interested in starting Me ah on Wednesday mornings in October? Download the application from the TE website under Adult Learning and send it to Terri Swartz Russell tswartzrussell@templeemanuel.com Our Monday evening class is in its second year of Me ah. Me ah is sponsored by Hebrew College and the Combined Jewish Philanthropies Commission on Jewish Continuity and Education. LEARN THE INS AND OUTS OF THE DAILY PRAYER SERVICES with Hazzan Sheni Dan Nesson 10 sessions: Mondays, Oct. 19, 26; Nov. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30; Dec. 7, 14, 21 8:00-9:00 pm. Daily prayer is one of the hallmarks of our tradition, yet most of us are intimidated and daunted by the process of going about making these prayers our own. In this course, we will learn the basic chant modes of the weekday shacharit morning services, while also examining the history and structure that imparts meaning to our lives. The only prerequisite to this class is a good reading knowledge of Hebrew. For TE members. No fee. TUESDAY MORNING STUDY with Rabbi Gardenswartz October 13 through June 7 9:30 10:30 am A weekly study and discussion class with Rabbi Gardenswartz Sponsored by Sisterhood Temple Emanuel JAVA GATE BEIT MIDRASH: BIBLICAL BOOKS YOU HAVEN T READ (YET) Discussion facilitated by TE member, Marc Stober Sunday mornings, October 18, 25, November 15, 22 11:00-11:45 am in Leventhal-Sidman Community Court When was the last time you ve spent quality time with the Minor Prophets, the Wisdom Literature, or the Histories? Come explore Biblical books you may not have read yet with other TE members. Join in this informal discussion group where we ll read from some of these lesser-known Biblical books, finding our own meanings in the text. We ll read from a different book each week, so you can drop in as your schedule permits.
TEMPLE EMANUEL READS - Save the date! An Evening with Author, Naomi Ragen Monday, November 2, 2015 8:00 pm Read Naomi Ragen s tenth novel, The Devil in Jerusalem, then join us as she discusses this story, inspired by true events, of a chilling tale of the paths that so easily lead us astray, and the darkness within us all. Co-sponsored by Hadassah Northeast and Temple Emanuel Sisterhood. UNIQUE JEWISH COMMUNITIES We are hosting a Thursday evening series about 3 very different Jewish communities in November-December. We will learn about the Lemba Jews from Zimbabwe, the dismantling of the Jewish community in Iraq and the Jews of India. These are unique Jewish communities we don t often learn about. Thursday, November 5 8:00-9:30 pm Some Lemba, Africans who adhere to Jewish beliefs, have newly embraced the Jewish religion after testing proved Semitic origin. Come hear the personal story of Modreck Maeresera, coordinator of the Lemba Cultural Association in Zimbabwe. Thursday, November 19 8:00-9:30 pm Come learn about the Jews of India from TE member, Cantor Nancy Sargon, whose family has roots in India. Nancy recently participated in a trip that explored the Jewish communities of India. Thursday, December 10 & 17 8:00-9:30 pm TE member, Velda Shaby, leads us in an open discussion sharing her family story of exile and identity, flight from Bagdad to Iran and then to America. These sessions will include watching the movie, The Dove Flyer about the anguish of losing a homeland and dismantling of the 2000-year old community of Iraqi Jews. Velda will explore Biblical texts that reflect the Jewish people s experience of exile and return. As well as share her memories of growing up in the vibrant Jewish community in Tehran, Iran in the 50 s and 60 s. Jewish Values and the Israel-Palestinian Conflict Study with Rabbi Gardenswartz and Hartman Institute Scholars Nov. 15, Dec. 13, Feb. 28, March 20, May 15 NEW time: 10:00-12:00 noon. This year s iengage 3 Video Lecture Series from the Hartman Institute will focus our conversation on the following questions about our relationship to Israel: What Jewish values underlie our conversation about Israel? Do you care most passionately about: justice, self-preservation, compromise, the holiness of the land, Jewish exceptionalism? If one person values most highly justice, that will have implications for their politics on Israel. If another person values most highly self-preservation, that will have implications for different politics on Israel. How can we listen to, and understand, each other, in a climate of mutual respect and dignity? This is not a continuation of last year. New learners are most welcome! No fee. Sponsored by the Frank and Sonia Brezniak Memorial Fund VISITING HARTMAN SCHOLARS TEACH US! Dr. Rachel Korazim - November 7-8, 2015 Dr. Micah Goodman - November 21-22, 2015 RAISE THE ROOF - a documentary film screening Sunday, November 15, 2015 7:00-9:00 pm Raise the Roof takes us on a journey of discovery. Artists Rick and Laura Brown are not Jewish and not Polish, and yet they set out to rebuild Gwozdziec, one of the magnificent 18th-century wooden synagogues of Poland, the last of which were destroyed by Nazis during World War II. Their vision inspires hundreds of people to join them. Using their hands, old tools and techniques they rediscover Gwozdziec s history, culture, and art. By the end of the project, they have done more than reconstruct a lost synagogue: they have recovered a lost world. In 2014, the Gwozdziec roof was unveiled as the centerpiece of the POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews in Warsaw. Q&A with directors follows the film.
WINTER OFFERINGS December through February Artist-in-Residence Mordechai Rosenstein December 2-6, 2015 Renowned Jewish artist Mordechai Rosenstein s art in vibrant shapes and colors enhance synagogue and homes worldwide. By uniting his interest in Judaica and painting, Rosenstein has given a contemporary meaning to the art of Hebrew calligraphy. Mordechai will teach our community and share his works with us throughout this long weekend. He will create art with many ages and groups in our congregation from pre-school through seniors. Mordechai Rosenstein s artwork will be available for purchase during the weekend. Watch for full details. Visit http://rosensteinarts.com/ to learn more about the artist and his work. 6th ANNUAL LIMMUDBOSTON Sunday, December 6, 2015 8:45 am - 6:00 pm The sixth annual LimmudBoston conference, a day-long festival of Jewish learning, which includes both study and entertainment, will be held at Congregation Mishkan Tefila in Chestnut Hill. Temple Emanuel is a supporting Friend of LimmudBoston. As such, we urge our Temple Emanuel community (all ages!) to register to attend this community-wide celebration of lifelong Jewish learning. (Limmud is Hebrew for learning.) We look forward to seeing TE members at LimmudBoston on December 6th. Terri Swartz Russell, our Family Educator is once again part of the planning team for this year s LimmudBoston conference. Mark your calendars, plan to participate! Register today! and bring your friends and family. Visit www.limmudboston.org JUDAISM 101 with JDI rabbinic intern David Winship Tuesday evenings: January 12, 19 and 26 8:00-9:30 pm Have you ever wanted to know more about Judaism but were afraid to ask? The Jewish Discovery Institute offers Judaism 101, a free three session class can help you learn some of the basic tenets of Judaism. Topics could include God, Torah, Israel, Jewish Thought, Jewish History, and the Jewish calendar. Bring your questions, concerns and curiosity. No previous background in Hebrew or Jewish education is necessary, just the desire to learn. Offered in cooperation with the Jewish Discovery Institute (JDI) No fee, but registration is required. Please contact info@jewishdiscoveryinstitute.org to register. PARENTING THROUGH A JEWISH LENS FOR PARENTS OF TEENS Facilitator: Judy Elkin Thursdays 7:45-9:15 pm Dates: Jan. 14, 21, Feb.4, 11, 25, March 3, 10, 17 We are thrilled to once again offer a PTJL course for parents of teens starting January 14, 2016! This 8-week program, offered by Hebrew College and CJP s Commission on Jewish Life and Learning, brings together caring parents and expert facilitators. Parents explore compelling Jewish texts and traditions while sharing stories and ideas about raising teenagers. Parents from all backgrounds welcome. Fee: $120 for an individual and $200 for a couple. Financial assistance available. For more information email: parenting@ hebrewcollege.edu or Terri Swartz Russell, tswartzrussell@templeemanuel.com. Register through Hebrew College: www.hebrewcollege.edu/parenting SPRING OFFERINGS March through May/June LEARNING TO READ HEBREW with Esther Freiberg Tuesday evenings. November 10, 17, 24, December 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 8:00-9:00 pm Take this beginning Hebrew course so that you will never ever again have to sit through services staring at a book whose letters do not make sense! Participants will learn to read the letters and vowels and then be introduced to siddur (prayer book) reading. This is an opportunity for adults who, for whatever reason, have never learned to read Hebrew and
would now like to more fully participate in services by reading the prayers in Hebrew, as well as for those who have tried before to learn but are in need of a refresher course. It is also recommended for parents who want to help their children who are just beginning to learn Hebrew or who are in the process of preparing for their B nai Mitzvah or for adults hoping to become adult b nai mitzvah. No fee HEBREW READING II with Sid Kadish Wednesday evenings, March 2, 9,16, 30, April 6, 20, 27, May 4 8:00-9:00 pm This class is designed for those who already have basic Hebrew reading skills. You will improve and use your skills so you will be able to read the Siddur (prayer book) without being dependent on transliteration. You will achieve Hebrew reading fluency through review and polishing of your existing skills. You will be introduced to basic Hebrew grammar, vocabulary, themes and meaning of our prayers and some beginning conversational Hebrew. No fee POLITICS AS USUAL: AN EXPLORATION OF THE BOOK OF JUDGES with Maureen Mintz 6 sessions: Tuesdays, March 15, 22, 29, April 5, 12, 19, 8:00-9:15 pm Fee: $50 TE members, $75 for non-members Political turmoil; the inability to build a consensus; hostility from within, rivaled only by the hostility from foreign nations; a crowded playing field of (mostly) ineffectual leaders who says there is nothing new under the sun? Have you ever wondered about the Book of Judges and wanted to learn more about it? Join us for a timely and stimulating conversation about eleventh century B.C.E. political wheelings and dealings and general shenanigans. See if you agree with me that the more things change, the more they stay the same. Maureen Mintz is an educational consultant currently working with and teaching our TE professional staff and sixth grade families. In consultation with Rabbi Gardenswartz, Maureen created the curriculum for our synagogue s pre-b nai Mitzvah family learning program, Join the Jewish Conversation. She has been a Jewish educator for over 35 years as a religious and day school teacher, a middle school head, and an educational consultant. Currently, she is writing curriculum, running educational workshops, teaching adults and is a certified Wellness Coach. RABBI SAMUEL CHIEL KALLAH March 19-20, 2016 Guest Scholar-in-Residence: Rabbi Edward Feinstein Chutzpah Imperative! Empowering Today s Jews for a Life that Matters The annual Rabbi Samuel Chiel Kallah, now in its thirty eighth year, is a stimulating weekend of prayer, study, and good fellowship that finds its roots in the Talmudic period, when thousands of Jews flocked to the great academies of Babylonia to hear lectures by the scholar Rav. Our Kallah, named in 1978 as a tribute to the values taught by our Rav, Rabbi Samuel Chiel z l, offers each of us the modern equivalent of this Talmudic institution. Rabbi Ed Feinstein is senior rabbi of Valley Beth Shalom in Encino, California. He serves on the faculty of the Ziegler Rabbinical School of the American Jewish University, the Wexner Heritage Program, the Shalom Hartman Institute in Jerusalem and lectures widely across the United States. He is the author of several books, including: Tough Questions Jews Ask A Young Adult s Guide to Building a Jewish Life, and most recently, Chutzpah Imperative!-Empowering Today s Jews for a Life that Matters (Jewish Lights, 2014), offers a new way to do Judaism, Rabbi Feinstein urges us to recover this message of Jewish selfempowerment, or chutzpah, to reshape the world. PREPARING FOR PASSOVER To help us all get ready for Passover 2 sessions on Sundays, April 3 & 10 9:00-10:00 am, leading up to Passover April 3 - SHARING PASSOVER SEDER IDEAS and HAGGADAH SWAP April 10 - YES, YOU CAN FINISH THE SEDER!
ADULT B NAI MITZVAH (ABM) Our current Adult B nai Mitzvah students are completing their second year of this program of learning which will culminate in an unforgettable B nai Mitzvah service and celebration on April 30, 2016. If you are interested in participating in a future ABM program, please contact Diana Gould, Adult B nai Mitzvah liaison at dianag1031@yahoo.com or Rabbi Michelle Robinson at 617-558-8139 or at mrobinson@templeemanuel.com. PIRKE AVOT STUDY Saturday afternoons beginning May 7 through June 11 1:00-2:00 pm following the congregational kiddush Each week from the conclusion of Passover to Shavuot we will follow the tradition of spending some time delving into Pirke Avot, a highly meaningful yet approachable text. Join together each Saturday after kiddush to exhale, relax, and spend a little time studying Pirke Avot with fellow TE members. As Rabbi Hillel said (in Pirke Avot) Do not say when I have free time I will study, for perhaps you will never have free time. LEARN TO CHANT MEGILLAT RUTH with Hazzan Sheni Dan Nesson Mondays, May 2, 9, 16, 23 8:00-9:00 pm Come learn the trope for Megillat Ruth, then chant a portion of this book on Shavuot. Be part of a special ceremony as we dedicate a new scroll of Ruth during Shavuot services. Participants should read Hebrew fluently and know Torah or Haftarah trope. To register, contact Tessa Amantiado, tamantiado@templeemanuel.com or 617-558-8111. For TE members. No fee. OUR RABBIS TEACH RUTH 3 Tuesday evenings, May 10, 17 & 24 8:00-9:30 pm In preparation for our dedication of a new Megillat Ruth on Shavuot, each of our Rabbis will teach about the Book of Ruth from a different perspective on one of three consecutive Tuesday evenings. For TE members. No fee. TIKKUN LEYL SHAVUOT Saturday, June 11, 2016 Plan to join us as we begin our celebration of Shavuot with late night study sessions with teachings by local scholars, our clergy, and members of our congregation. Details to follow. SUMMER SHUL at TEMPLE EMANUEL Summer Shul is lay-led Torah Study prior to Shabbat morning services that meets weekly during the summer months from 8:30-9:30 am. Each Shabbat, discussions will focus on lessons taken from that week s Parasha. For further details contact Martin Paley martinpaley@paleygroup.com JOIN THE ADULT LEARNING STEERING COMMITTEE! contact adultlearning@templeemanuel.com TO REGISTER FOR A COURSE OR INDIVIDUAL PROGRAM For courses or individual sessions with NO FEE: Send an email to adultlearning@templeemanuel.com For a course with a FEE: Send a check for the appropriate amount, payable to Adult Learning at Temple Emanuel, 385 Ward St. Newton, MA 02459. QUESTIONS or to register by phone contact Terri Swartz Russell at 617.558.8105 or tswartzrussell@templeemanuel.com More detailed information about all Adult Learning offerings is on-line at www.templeemanuel.com/adult-education