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:
Abraham Joshua Heschel's Quest For God
Rabbi J. Rolando Matalon
Seven Tuesdays (February 2 through March 23; no meeting on February 23) | 6:30-8:00PM | 88th Street Sanctuary | Class Code: 1050
We will read and reflect on Heschel’s great contribution to the art of prayer. How do we stand in God’s presence? How do we pour out our heart to God? How do we enter the language of prayer? How do we balance fixed prayers and spontaneity? Join us to discover (or rediscover) Heschel’s inspiring teachings and deep insights. Free of charge; registration required.
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.
The Rabbinic Mind on the Exodus: Lunch and Learn
Rabbi Felicia L. Sol
Eight Tuesdays (February 2 through March 23) | 12:30-1:45PM | BJ Office Conference Room | Class Code: 1051
Beginning with a close read of the text of the Exodus, we will then take a step-by-step look at two different midrashic texts: Pirke deRabbi Eliezer and the Mekhilta deRabbi Ishmael. Come to understand how the rabbis think, and hear different explanations and understandings of the story. Experience the Exodus through studying it. No Hebrew reading necessary. Free of charge; registration required.
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- Hand in Hand Center for Jewish Arab Education
Saturday, March 13 | Following Kiddush after Morning Services | 86th Street Chapel
Join Lee Gordon and Amin Khalaf, co-founders of the Hand in Hand Schools in Israel and Maura Milles, Development Director, as they demonstrate the values of Vayakhel Pekudei in action. This parasha teaches that we are all part of Tikkun Olam and this organization proves that families with shared hopes for peace can live together. This award-winning network of bilingual and multicultural accredited public schools for Arab and Jewish citizens of Israel has a far-reaching impact to educators, entire communities and government leadership, across Israel and around the world.
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. Regina English 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.
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.
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