CLASS DATES

Adult education classes meet on Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays.
Torah Study and Aliyaphobia meet as noted.
Classes will not meet on September 8, 22 and 29, November 24,
December 21, 22, 28 and 29.
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CLASS DESCRIPTIONS
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INTRODUCTION TO JUDAISM
Rabbi Daniel Syme & Keren Alpert, Rabbinic Associate

A ten-week seminar for prospective converts, non-Jewish partners of Jews, and Jews seeking a better understanding of Judaism. This is an excellent opportunity to explore the richness of Judaism in a comfortable atmosphere.  Couples are encouraged to take this seminar together and will be charged only one fee. 
Wednesday evenings, 7:00-8:00 pm,  beginning October 6.  

$75 members/ $95 non members

UNDERSTANDING OUR JEWISH IDENTITY THROUGH MUSIC
Marla Aviva Bentley, Cantorial Associate

A three part series incorporating listening, discussion, lecture, readings and active participation, to help students gain a deeper understanding of how music helps shape our Jewish identity.  Class is open to the congregation and community.

Wednesday evenings, 7:00-8:30 pm.   October 20, 27 & November 3.

No charge.

VOCAL TECHNIQUE II
Marla Aviva Bentley, Cantorial Associate

A continuation of Vocal Technique I, this class will focus on identifying and practicing the foundation of proper vocal technique. Students will learn vocal exercises, breathing techniques & basic repertoire to perform for one another. Topics include: breathing for singing, basic vocal anatomy, phrasing, tone quality, resonance, and diction.  Previous participation in Vocal Technique I is preferred but not required; choir members are encouraged to attend.  Limit 8 students.  

Tuesday evenings, 6:00 – 7:00 pm.
October 5, 12, 19, 26.
November 2, 9, 16. December 7, 14.  

$50 members/$75 non-members

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 September 12. 

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. 9:00 -10:30 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. 

Wednesday evenings, October 6, November 10, December 8. 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.

Thursdays: October 7, November 11, December 9. 12:00-1:00 pm. 

No charge.

October 6/7: 
Do we ever get to cross the Jordan River?  If the only Jewish text you know is the Torah, then the story of the Jewish people ends on the other side of the Jordan River.  What happened to the Jews as we took our place in the promised land?  How did we fare under the leadership of Joshua and during the time of the judges?  How did we move from tribal leadership to serving the kings?  What are the most famous and the most confusing stories from those post-Torah times?

November 10/11:  
Jewish Business Ethics:  What do the Torah, the Mishnah and the Talmud, along with medieval and modern rabbinic scholars have to say about how we are to engage in commerce and behave in the real world?  Does anybody care if we try on a dress at Somerset, even if we know we’re going to buy it on Ebay?  The rabbis did!

December 8/9: 
Tales from the Talmud:  Learn about our Jewish superheroes, those brilliant scholars and commentators who changed our understanding of what it means to be a Jew.  We will encounter Rabbi Judah haNasi, who redacted the Mishnah; Rashi, the famous French medieval commentator; Akiva, who came to Jewish study at an advanced age, and one of our favorites:  the lovely Rabbi Hillel.  Examine how their personal biographies affected their rulings on Jewish ritual and practice.

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 am, beginning September 1.

$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 September 1. 

$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 September 1.

$50 members / $75 non-members

BEGINNING HEBREW / ADULT B’NAI MITZVAH

Alan Lowen

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 25, 2011.  This semester, basic reading will be taught.  Classes begin in January for those who already know Hebrew.  Temple members only.

Wednesdays, 6:30-7:30 pm beginning October 6.

B’nai Mitzvah fee:  $350 (fee does not include Kiddush, video, flowers); Beginning Hebrew only fee: $75 (first 10 weeks only)

ALIYAHPHOBIA OR HELP, I CAN’T REMEMBER HOW TO BLESS THE TORAH: 

Keren Alpert, Rabbinic Associate

Learn to bless and dress the Torah at our congregation or at others.  Receive hands-on training and a CD with the blessings, along with copies of the blessing in Hebrew and in transliteration.  Perfect for those who have an upcoming Bar or Bat Mitzvah in the family. 

Sunday, October 24. 10:30 am.  

$6.13 (for the 613 commandments!)