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Congregation B'nai Jeshurun

LIMUD (Learning)
Fall 2008 - Winter 2009






Abraham Joshua Heschel's Heavenly Torah
Rabbi J. Rolando Matalon

We resume our study of Rabbi Heschel's gigantic work on rabbinic thought in observance of his centennial year. Heavenly Torah, recently translated into English, explores the polarity in Judaism between transcendence and immanence, and between mysticism and rationalism. Heschel also invites us to look at contemporary issues through the lens of classical rabbinic discussions. Please bring the book to class (available in paperback); no photocopies will be distributed. New participants are welcome.
  • Time: 7 Wednesdays (October 29, November 5, 12, 19, December 3, 10, 17; no class Thanksgiving week), 6:30-8:00pm
  • Location: 88th Street Frankel Hall
  • Cost: Free; registration required
  • Code: 927
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Parashat Hashavu'a: Study of the Weekly Torah Portion
Ezra Weinberg, Marshall T. Meyer Rabbinic Fellow

A Hasidic 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 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.
  • Time: Thursdays (October 30-May 28), 7:00-8:30pm
  • Location: BJ Office, Conference Room
  • Cost: Members: Free — Non-members: $150 for the year
  • Code: 926
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Spiritual Practices for Times of Uncertainty
Rabbis Marcelo R. Bronstein and Rachel Cowan

During these sessions we will explore and expand in a contemplative way some of the Jewish practices we spoke about during the Yamim Nora'im: Kehillah-community; Tefillah-prayer; Shabbat; Kashrut; Lashon Ha Tov-positive speech; Tzimtzum-contraction. Rabbi Rachel Cowan received her rabbinic ordination from the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion and is the author of Growing up Yanqui and co-author with the late Paul Cowan of Mixed Blessings. She is the Director of the Institute for Jewish Spirituality.
  • Time: 6 Tuesdays (November 11, 18, 25, December 2, 9, 16), 7:00-9:00pm
  • Location: 88th Street Sanctuary
  • Cost: Free; registration required
  • Code: 916
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Davening Workshop: Growing from Participant to Leader
Rabbi Felicia L. Sol

Have you come to a place where you would like to not only participate in tefillah but have the possibility of leading tefilah (be it a shiva minyan or morning minyan)? Come to this davening workshop to understand the basic structure of the morning and evening weekday service and to learn the nusah. Each evening will have a learner's Ma'ariv minyan. Participants must be capable of reading Hebrew. Please register early, space is limited.
  • Time: 3 Tuesdays (December 2, 9, 16), 7:00-8:30pm
  • Location: BJ Office, Conference Room
  • Cost: Free; registration required
  • Code: 917
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The Rabbinic Mind on the Revelation at Sinai
Rabbi Felicia L. Sol

Beginning with a close read of the biblical story, we will then take a step-by-step look at three different midrashic texts on the revelation on Mount Sinai: Pirke deRabbi Eliezer, Mekhilta deRabbi Ishmael and Exodus Rabbah. Come to understand how the rabbis think, and explore different explanations and understandings of the story and the ability to experience Sinai through studying it. No Hebrew reading necessary.
  • Time: 8 Tuesdays (January 20, 27, February 3, 10, 17, March 3, 17, 24), 12:30-1:45pm
  • Location: BJ Office, Conference Room
  • Cost: Free; registration required
  • Code: 931
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Workshop for Parents of Teenagers
Rabbi Marcelo R. Bronstein and Ron Taffel

  • Time: 3 Tuesdays (January 13, 20, 27), 7:00-8:30pm
  • Location: 88th Street Sanctuary
  • Cost: Free; registration required
  • Code: 932
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The Book of Exodus
Rabbi Hillel Friedman

Using both traditional and modern commentaries, the class will study the Book of Exodus (in translation). Rabbi Hillel Friedman, a longtime member of our community, has been teaching adult courses at BJ for the past seven years.
  • Time: Tuesdays (October 28-May 26), 8:30-9:30am
  • Location: 88th Street Sanctuary
  • Cost: Members: $100 — Non-members: $150
  • Code: 915
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