Adult Classes – Winter 2010
The Kabbalistic tradition tells us that the Torah turns a unique face to every Jew, meant for and accessible by only that individual. It is therefore incumbent on each one of us to study so we can discover the face of Torah that is ours alone and incorporate it into the tradition. Only then will we have fulfilled our true purpose.
“The entire world is a book created by God and the Torah is God’s commentary on that book.”
- Rabbi Tzadok Hacohen of Lublin
Registration and Cancellation Information | Course List | One-Time Teachings | Jewish Learning in NYC | Adult Education Fund
Course List:
Stories of the Talmudic Rabbis: Lunch and Learn
Rabbi J. Rolando Matalon
Seven Thursdays (February 4 through March 18) | 12:30-1:30PM| Location TBA | Class Code: 1052
We will study stories that reflect the concerns and struggles, fears and fantasies, even the dark side of our Talmudic sages. We will attempt to look at ourselves in the mirror of the Talmud in order to understand and confront our own nature. No knowledge of Hebrew is required. Space is limited. Free of charge; registration required.
DNA and Neshama
Wednesday, April 28 and May 5 | 6:00-8:00PM | 88th Street Sanctuary
During this two-session class, BJ member Bob Pollack will discuss this quote from Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel in the light of modern science: “The greatest problem is not how to continue but how to exalt our existence. The call for a life beyond the grave is presumptuous, if there is no cry for eternal life prior for our descending to the grave. Eternity is not perpetual future but perpetual presence. He has planted in us the seed of eternal life. The world to come is not only a hereafter but also a herenow.” Free, no registration required. For more information contact Naomi.
BJ Salons: Engaging Members In An Intimate Setting
Rabbi Marcelo R. Bronstein
Varied dates and locations, provided upon registration | Class Code: 1002
Through our Community Building Initiative efforts, BJ learned that members are looking for small group opportunities to create community and meet other members who share demographics and interests. Building on the importance of reaching members where they live and creating small, intimate groups, Marcelo is offering the extraordinary opportunity to share engaging discussions with your fellow congregants. In lieu of teaching traditional Limud classes, Marcelo will facilitate eight beit midrash themed salons (two meetings each). Gatherings will take place in members’ homes to share thoughts and concepts through conversation and text study. Salons will be offered to clusters of members that may include: East Side members; Brooklyn members; downtown members; parents of young children; Hebrew School parents; members who joined one to three years ago; members who joined prior to 1990; members who attended the Family Trip to Israel. Limited space is available. Register by contacting Naomi Goodhart.
Introduction To Judaism
Rabbi Ezra D. Weinberg, Marshall T. Meyer Rabbinic Fellow
Mondays (October 12 through May 31) | 7:00-9:00PM | BJ Office Conference Room | Class Code: 1001
This course offers an overview of the core beliefs, practices, and history of Judaism and the Jewish people. We hope to deepen the understanding of those just beginning to explore Jewish life as well as of those who would like to participate more fully in the life of the Jewish community. No prior knowledge or experience necessary. Although you must enroll for the entire year, you may pay tuition in two installments. If you wish to do so, please make arrangements with Rabbi Ezra Weinberg. Register here.
Parashat Hashavu'a: Study Of The Weekly Torah Portion
Michelle Dardashti, Marshall T. Meyer Rabbinic Fellow
Thursdays (October 1 through May 27) | 7:00-8:30PM | BJ Office, Conference Room
A Hassidic story teaches that Moses wanted to reveal more Torah to the people but God refused, wanting to give the people a sense that there is something hidden among the words for them to discover. This story’s implicit message is that we have the power to reveal the hidden parts of the Torah. By adding our own understanding of the text, we too become a part of its unfolding story. In this class, as we study the weekly Torah portion with the aid of both ancient and modern interpretations, we will reveal its many layers and find ourselves reflected in its stories and teachings. Free for members/$150 non-members. Register here.
The Book of Exodus
Rabbi Hillel Friedman
Tuesdays (October 13 through May 25) | 8:30-9:30AM | 88th Street Sanctuary
Using both traditional and modern commentaries, the class will study the Book of Exodus, starting with Parshat Mishpatim (in translation). Rabbi Hillel Friedman, a longtime member of our community, has been teaching adult courses at BJ for the past eight years. $100 members/$150 non-members. Register here.
One-Time Teachings
Throughout the course of the year, we have the opportunity to have learning experiences with distinguished visiting teachers.
Shabbat Teaching: What Freedom and When?
Saturday, March 20 | Following Kiddush after Morning Services | 86th Street Chapel
Join Brent Chaim Spodek, former Marshall T. Meyer Fellow, who currently serves the Rabbi-in-Residence at American Jewish World Service, as he teaches at this time of preparation to celebrate Pesah, the season of our freedom. What type of freedom did we achieve in coming out of Egypt, and when, actually, did we achieve it? This will be an interactive session, looking at classical and modern sources.
Shabbat Teaching: Freedom Through Forgiveness
Saturday, March 27 | Following Kiddsuh after Morning Services | 86th Street Chapel
The first step in the journey to forgiveness between the genders is to grow our understanding of each other, beyond what we have come to expect. This is a tough challenge when faced with the burden of history, culture and society’s expectations. How, in the 21st Century, can we come to learn and understand why and how we exist as two genders? Join Mary Noble and Feminenza on Shabbat Hagadol as we prepare for Pesah and how to liberate ourselves through forgiveness.
Finding Forgiveness, Reconciliation and Peace: Exploring “The Seven Pillars of Forgiveness”
Sunday, April 4 | 1:00-6:00PM | 88th Street Sanctuary
Join us for an afternoon of reflection and discussion on the challenges of bringing remedy to a world torn by conflict and misunderstanding. What is the route to peace and greater humanity upon earth? Let us find this path together. Introduction by Rabbi Marcelo Bronstein with special guest speakers, Mary Noble, Yulie Cohen and Reverend Lyndon Harris. Original music and song by Thalia’s Whisper and Ensemble Phoenix. To R.S.V.P. click here. Suggested donation $10.
Shabbat Teaching: A Hidden Child During the Shoah Remembers
Saturday, April 10 | Following Kiddush after Morning Services | 86th Street Chapel
Join us the day before Yom HaShoah, when Myriam Abramowicz will introduce Regina English, a survivor of the Shoah born in Antwerp, Belgium, who was hidden in a convent in Italy by Dominican nuns. Q&A will follow. Regina English is the Executive Director of the National Cancer Center and is the mother of BJ member Shelley English, whose artwork will be on display at 88th street during the Yom HaShoah Commemoration on Sunday, April 11th.
BJ Dialogue Series on the Jewish Future: What is Essential?
Saturday, April 17 | 4:30–6:00PM | 88th Street Sanctuary
What questions should we be asking? What issues should we be addressing? How do we respond in a relevant way to the challenges of the future? Join us for a dialogue between Ruth Messinger and Tobi Kahn. Ruth Messinger is President of American Jewish World Service. Tobi Kahn is a painter and sculptor with works in major museums, corporate, and private collections.The dialogue will be followed by Minha at 6:00PM. Contact Sarah for more information.
Save the Date: Annual Bikkur Holim Teaching
Tuesday, April 27 | 7:00–9:00PM | 88th Street Sanctuary
Please join us as we honor our Bikkur Holim volunteers and gather together as a community with Rabbi Sheila Peltz Weinberg. During this evening of learning, we will explore the many facets and aspects of compassion. What is it? Where does it come from? How does it relate to pain and suffering? How does it function in my life as I grow older, as I support and nurture those who are ill and failing? How is compassion related to power and control, to fixing, to fear and anxiety? How does loss stimulate compassion? What are the obstacles to compassion? Is there a down side to compassion? How is compassion related to joy? How is compassion different from pity? The guest speaker, Rabbi Sheila Peltz Weinberg, is the author of Surprisingly Happy: An Atypical Religious Memoir and is the Director of Outreach and Community Development of the Institute for Jewish Spirituality. Free; registration not required.
DNA and Neshama
Wednesday, April 28 and May 5 | 6:00-8:00PM | 88th Street Sanctuary
During this two-session class, BJ member Bob Pollack will discuss this quote from Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel in the light of modern science: “The greatest problem is not how to continue but how to exalt our existence. The call for a life beyond the grave is presumptuous, if there is no cry for eternal life prior for our descending to the grave. Eternity is not perpetual future but perpetual presence. He has planted in us the seed of eternal life. The world to come is not only a hereafter but also a herenow.” Free, no registration required. For more information contact Naomi.
The Complete Psalms in a New Translation: Book Reading and Discussion with Author Pam Greenberg
Thursday, April 29 | 7:00PM | 88th Street Sanctuary
Join us as we welcome Pamela Greenberg, a poet and translator, and author of The Complete Psalms: The Book of Prayer Songs in a New Translation. Greenberg has received awards in both writing and Jewish Studies, including a Shoolman Fellowship from Hebrew College, where she also received an award in Hebrew Literature. In her new translation, Greenberg approaches the psalms as a poetic and prayerful act, rekindling their relevance to our lives. Praised by Arthur Green as “an act of courage” and with a foreword by Susannah Heschel, this translation will awaken you to new ways of using the psalms in your spiritual life.
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