Temple Beth El, Bloomfield Hills, MI

Enrich Your Knowledge of Judaism
ADULT EDUCATION CLASSES
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“…and the study of Torah

is equal to them all”

WINTER SPRING 2012 ADULT EDUCATION

Adult Education classes meet on the days indicated.

Classes will not meet January 20, February 3, 22 & 24, March 9, April 4, 6, 11, 13 & 20.

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CLASS DESCRIPTIONS
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TWO OPPORTUNITIES FOR LAY-LED BIBLICAL STUDY:

PARASHAT HASHAVUA (WEEKLY TORAH PORTION)

Plumb the depths of each week’s Torah portion and determine how Torah is still relevant in the way we live as Jews today.
Sunday mornings (when religious school is in session). 10:30-11:30 am. Beginning January 8. No charge.

SATURDAY MORNING TORAH STUDY

Meet with our mavens, a group of dedicated learners, every Shabbat morning to discuss a section of the Bible.
Saturday mornings at 9:00 am. No charge

TWO WAYS TO LEARN WITH KEREN ALPERT: LUNCH AND LEARN or LUNAR LEARN

LUNAR LEARN: Join our lively discussions in the library as we discuss timely topics in an informal, lighthearted setting.
Selected Wednesday evenings: 7:00-8:00 pm. No charge.

LUNCH AND LEARN: Nourish your Jewish soul with Jewish history, Jewish literature, and Jewish laughter, which we experience every time we get together. Study and discuss a variety of topics in a fun, relaxing setting. You bring the lunch; we’ll provide drinks. Alpert Room. Selected Thursdays: 12:00-1:00 pm. No charge.

January 11/12: Debts, Ownership and Deeds.

With Wall Street still "occupied", let us examine Jewish law and actual practice regarding loans, payments, salaries other business practices. Was there really ever a Jubilee year? What value does Judaism place on the role of free flowing money?

February 8/9: Stories of King Solomon.

Dig into the descriptions of the last great King of a united Jewish community. How wise was he, how many wives did he really have and why did the kingdom split after his death?

March 14/15: Kabbalah Today.

Let us take a look at simplified versions of both the Zohar and other mystical texts. How did this tradition develop? What role does Kabbalistic thought play in normative Jewish practice? Who is the author of the Zohar? How can Kabbalah enhance our Jewish practice and why has it been controversial? And what does Madonna have to do with it?

April 18/19: Those who Fought Back.

Resistance during the Holocaust was not uncommon, although the risks were steep. Who resisted? How did resistance differ in the camps and in the ghettos? In Western Europe and in Eastern Europe? How do we define resistance? What is spiritual resistance?

May 9/10: Standing Again At Sinai.

How well do you know the Ten Commandments? What did the medieval and rabbinic sages say about coveting? About adultery? About honoring difficult parents? Which commandments have entered American law? How did these come to be Judaism’s "Top Ten"?

TORAH STUDY CLASS - Lea Beurer

This ongoing class, taught by brilliant Lea Beurer, studies the Torah text in depth, considering various commentators and nuances in the text. No Hebrew reading required. Wednesday Mornings, 9:30 - 10:30 a.m.
$35 members / $50 non-members

HEBREW CLASSES

ADVANCED HEBREW - Lea Beurer

This class focuses on reading, writing and translating, with many opportunities to hear and speak Hebrew. We will be learning these skills via modern prose and poetry. Both modern and prayer book vocabulary will be taught.
Wednesday Mornings, 10:30 - 11:30 am, beginning January 4.
$50 members / $75 non-members

CONVERSATIONAL HEBREW - Lea Beurer

Learn to read short texts and practice speaking Hebrew. Increase your vocabulary. Gain grammar skills.
Pre-requisite: Fluent decoding of Hebrew, and basic Hebrew and grammar.
Wednesday Evenings, 6:00 – 7:00 pm, beginning January 4.
$50 members / $75 non-members

ADULT B’NAI MITZVAH - Keren Alpert

Students will learn to read Hebrew and lead prayers from our service. We will also learn about Torah, prayer meaning and movement, life cycle events and rituals. The class will conclude with a group B’nai Mitzvah ceremony to be held Saturday, June 23, 2012.
Temple members only.
Friday mornings, 11:00 a.m.-12:00 pm.
B’nai Mitzvah fee: $350 (fee does not include Kiddush, video, flowers)