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Adult Education Academy

 Temple Emanu-El
Adult Education Academy
Spring 5770

Click to listen to any of our past Adult Education Academy Classes! 

Moses Maimonides
Rabbi Benjamin Sharff  

Moses Maimonides was one of the greatest intellectual figures in Jewish history.  In this course we will be examining the life, history, thoughts, and achievements of the man most Jews know as Rambam.  He was responsible for such vital works as The Guide of the Perplexed and the Mishneh Torah all while living in an Arabic-Islamic world.  This semester we will be placing a particular emphasis on his seminal work The Guide of the Perplexed.

Registration Fees: $40 for members; $55 for non-members
Mondays from 11:45 am - 1:00 pm; February 1, 8, 15, 22, March 1  

Hebrew Grammar
Lori Riegel  

Learn the basics of Hebrew grammar, which will help you understand and translate both liturgical and conversational Hebrew.  Areas of grammar will include prepositions, pronouns, roots and verbs and an overview of how to change verb tenses for past, present and future.  PREREQUISITES: Must be able to read Hebrew comfortably, or have completed Basic Prayerbook Hebrew course.  

Registration Fees: $40 for members, $55 for non-members
Mondays from 1:30-2:45 pm; February 1, 8, 15, 22, March 1, 8  

Kabbalah
Amy Wall, B.S., M.B.A.  

The class will cover a brief history of Kabbalah, the different kinds of Kabbalah that are studied today, some of the great Kabbalists in history, the structure of the Tree of Life, the Tree as a fundamental energetic building block, and what Kabbalah teaches us about God, humanity, spirituality and creation.   

Registration Fees: $40 for members; $55 for non-members
Tuesdays from 7:00 to 8:30 pm; January 19, 26, February 2, 9, 16, 23  

Yoga with a Jewish Twist
Bonnie Golden  

The physical postures of yoga lead to flexibility and strength.  Yoga is the practice of uniting the body, mind, and spirit.  Beginners welcome!  The class will be gentle and accessible to all.

Registration Fees: $40 for members, $55 for non-members
Tuesdays from 9:30 to 11:00 am; February 9, 16, 23, and March 2

So You Think You Can Act? 
Chellie and Bob Booth  

Wouldn’t you like to try?  Join others who have always wanted to act by participating in Temple Emanu-El’s Readers’ Theater.  We will both read and act in plays of Jewish content.  Required  books: Awake and Singing: 6 Great American Jewish Plays by Ellen Schiff and 9 Contemporary Plays by Ellen Schiff and Michael Posnick.  Bob and Chellie Booth will facilitiate this exploration of Jewish drama.  

Registration Fees: $40 members; $55 non-members
Tuesdays from 7:00 to 8:30 pm; February 2, 9, March 9, 16  

Contemporary Jewish Literature: The Wednesday Sefer Book Club 
a Monthly Coffeehouse
Rabbi Samuel M. Cohon  

Join us for reading, discussion, insight, stimulating argument and good coffee at this monthly colloquium, led by Rabbi Samuel M. Cohon, examining important modern Jewish literature.

Great coffee will be provided. The books for the series are:  

         January 20:  Suite Francais by Irene Nemirovsky
         February 17:  All Other Nights by Dara Horn
         March 17:  The Year of Living Biblically by AJ Jacobs
         April 21:  The Pity of It All by Amos Elon
         May 12:  Isaac’s Torah by Angel Wagenstein  

Registration Fees:  For the entire 2009-10 series, $40 members; $55 non-members. Registration in the Sefer Club is valid for the entire year.

Wednesdays from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm  

Drash Writing Workshop
Joe Steiner, Ph.D.  

A drash workshop is for you if you:

• Want to demystify the process of writing a drash.

• Would like to actually write a drash together with others in a workshop setting.

• Have already delivered one or more drashot and would like to share what you know with others and improve your own skills.

• Always wanted to write a drash but felt like you needed to know more to do it.

• Would like to write a drash but prefer to work with someone else who would deliver it.

Registration Fees:  $40 for members (OPEN TO TEMPLE MEMBERS ONLY). 
Wednesdays from 7:00 to 8:30 pm, March 3, 10

Talmud Study
Dr. Eliot Barron  

The Talmud is a treasure trove of Jewish lore, legend and wisdom.  Its pages have been closed and foreign to most of us, but now, they are accessible. Study excerpts are from the excellent Hebrew-English Talmud of Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz. The discussion and learning together is a special experience.  No prior Talmud or Hebrew knowledge is necessary.

Free and open to all. There is no fee for Talmud Study. If interested, contact Eliot Barron at videlibar1@comcast.net. 

Wednesdays from 10:00 am to 11:30 am through March 17, 2010  

Obscure Jewish Literature in the Ancient World
Steve Werlin  

Ever hear the one about the Jewish hero named Tobit who saved a damsel in distress from an evil demon?  Or how about the story of Hyrcanus and his seven brothers?  Or the fallen angels who spread secrets to humankind?   In this class, we’ll explore the richness of ancient Jewish literature that didn’t make it into the Bible or Talmud.  Our thought-provoking discussions will consider the authors, their audience, and the dynamic worlds in which they lived.  

Registration Fees:  $40 for members; $55 for non-members
Wednesdays from 7:00 to 8:30 pm, February 3, 17, March 3  

Jewish Motifs in the Music of Russian Composers
Dr. Alexander Tentser  

This course will focus on the music of Modest Moussorgsky, Sergei Prokofiev, Dmitri Shostakovitch, and other Russian composers.  The course will cover the social, political and cultural situation in Russia in the 19th and 20th centuries and will explore the influences of Eastern European Jewish musicians and Klezmer bands on classical music in Russia. 

Registration Fees: $40 for members; $55 for non-members
Wednesdays from 1:00 to 3:00 pm, March 3, 10, 24, 31  

Jewish Art in the Ancient World
Steve Werlin  

Until the mid-20th century, art historians considered “Ancient Jewish Art” a contradiction-of-terms.  But after a century of archaeological exploration, we are now aware of the vast array of Jewish works that decorated synagogues, tombs, and homes.  What symbols and motifs were important in ancient Judaism?  How did they reconcile the Second Commandment—“No Graven Images”—with their works of art?  How did art change Judaism over the centuries, and how did Judaism affect the world of art?  Through vividly illustrated slide presentations, we’ll explore these difficult questions.  

Registration Fees:   $40 for members; $55 for non-members
Wednesdays from 7:00 to 8:30 pm, March 17, 31, April 14

Sharing Your Values- Writing an Ethical Will
Rabbi Richard Safran  

Jews have an ancient but important tradition of handing down from one generation to another the values by which we live.  Through this process we transmit to others that which was important to us, and at the same time enrich our own lives again through memory and reflection.  This class will look at some Ethical Wills of early generations and begin the powerful experience of creating our own Ethical Will.  Those involved in the writing of an ethical wills often find it to be a transforming experience for themselves.

Registration Fees: $40 for members; $55 for non-members
Wednesdays from 11:45 to 1:00 pm, April 7, 14, 28  

The Ancient Jewish Diaspora
Steve Werlin  

The Jewish Diaspora is as old as Judaism itself.  From Babylonia, to Egypt, to Greece, and to Rome—the wandering Jew in the ancient world was never alone!  In this class, we’ll examine some of these communities in an effort to understand how they related to their non-Jewish neighbors, as well as their brethren in the Land of Israel.  

Registration Fees:   $40 for members; $55 for non-members
Wednesdays from 7:00 to 8:30 pm, April 28, May 12, and 26  

The Zohar, Soul-Text of Kabbalah
Rabbi Samuel M. Cohon  

The Zohar is the great medieval compendium of mysticism, myth, and esoteric teaching.  One of the most important bodies of religious texts of all times and places, it is also a lush literary celebration of love, expressed in sensuous religious language.  The Zohar’s secret universe serves as the basis of Kabbalistic faith and is, at heart, a work of sacred fantasy.  

This remarkable work is explored using the new translation by Danny Matt, which enables even novice students of the Kabbalah to approach and understand the pivotal text.  In a guided exploration of this seminal work of mysticism,  Rabbi Cohon  helps open the “locked garden” of the Zohar in an interactive discussion class using both intellectual and meditation techniques.  

Regular Course:  The Zohar, Soul-text of Kabbalah - Thursdays from 11:45 am to 1:00 pm
     Session I:  January 21, 28, February 4, 11, 18, 25, March 4 , 11 (8 classes)

Registration Fees:  $40 for members; $55 for non-members  
     Session II:  March 18, 25, April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, May 6, 13 (9 classes)

Registration Fees:  $40 for members; $55 for non-members  

Basic Judaism
Rabbi Benjamin Sharff  

This year-long class presents a thematic introduction to Jewish ideas, texts, theology, history, and culture taught in an interactive discussion style.  Judaism is a complex and magnificent religion and culture. Learn all the basics in this interesting, comprehensive introductory class.  We will explore the most important texts of Jewish tradition: Torah, Prophets, Writings, Mishna, Gemara, Midrash, Codes, Philosophy and Liturgy. The process of group study of Torah will be cultivated in this participatory class. This class is a prerequisite for the Adult B’nai Mitzvah Program, Adult Confirmation, and for all conversion students.  Course fees include textbook.  

Registration Fees:  $60 for members new to the class, $95 for non-members new to the class

Thursdays from 7:00 pm to 8:15 pm,
January 14, 21, 28; February 4, 11, 18, 25; March 4, 18, 25; April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; May 6, 13

Intermediate Judaism
Rabbi Samuel M. Cohon  

More advanced than Basic Judaism, this is a year-long study of the ideas, practices, and connections that make Judaism a vital and evolving religion today.  As a comprehensive exploration of the reality of today’s Judaism, Intermediate Judaism focuses on the great ideas and trends of modern and contemporary Judaism – the origins and development of Reform, Conservative, and Modern Orthodox Judaism, Reconstructionist ideas, and other movements within modern Judaism.  The course will focus on themes of current importance and debate.  

Registration Fees:  $60 for members new to the class, $95 for non-members new to the class
Thursdays from 7:00 pm to 8:10 pm, January 14, 21, 28; February 4, 11, 18; March 4, 11, 18, 25; April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; May 6, 13  

Beginning Biblical Hebrew
Olga Cohen  

This friendly, easy-going class will teach you to read, write, and pronounce the Hebrew alphabet and vowels, masculine and feminine nouns and verbs, Hebrew sentences including past tense, future tense, and verb roots.  Learn new vocabulary each week.  Come and learn with us!  Prerequisites: Completion of “Hebrew Marathon” and consultation with instructor regarding Hebrew proficiency level.    

Session I:  January 14, 21, 28, February 4, 11, 18, 25, March 4 , 11, 18 (10 classes)
Registration Fees:  $20 for members; $30 for non-members  

Session II:  March 25, April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, May 6, 13, 20, 27 (10 classes)
Registration Fees:  $20 for members; $30 for non-members 

Pioneers, Peddlers, Politicians, and Professors:
They Paved Our Way  

Travel back 100 years  to explore the history and roots of Temple Emanu-El as well as the Southern Arizona Jewish community through this series of 5 Sunday monthly programs at various locations throughout Tucson and Nogales.  Light refreshments are included.   

            1.  CATS, Campus, Classes, and Conversions - Location: UA Hillel and Community Mikvah
            Sunday, January 24   Presenters:  Michelle Blumenberg, Dr. Ed Wright, and Gladys Hanfling  

            2.  Centennial Conversations - Location Temple Emanu-El 
            Sunday, February 14  Presenters: Long-standing members of Temple Emanu-El

             3.   Jewish Nogales Arizona* - Location: Nogales Cemetery and more
            Sunday, March 7        Presenters:  Roberta Bracker, Paul Bracker, and Harlan Capin

Registration Fees: $36 members; $54 non-members, individual programs $18 per program for all attendees.   *Transportation and lunch in Nogales is not covered in fee.  
Sundays at 10:00 am, various locations, January 24, February 14, March 7

Jewish Home and Family
Rabbi Benjamin Sharff  

In order to have a fulfilling Jewish life, it helps to know how! In this monthly class you will learn the pragmatic details of the holidays, Shabbat, and the Jewish life cycle.  Explore all the ways, large and small, to have a Jewish home and raise Jewish children.    

Many secular Jews, Jews-by-Choice, and non-Jewish partners of Jews have come into the synagogue community in recent years, bringing great energy, talent, creativity, and enthusiasm but not much practical knowledge of how to live Jewishly.  Jewish Home and Family will make you more comfortable and knowledgeable in a Jewish home, as a Jew, or as a Jewish parent or grandparent. Free childcare is provided for this class!  

Registration Fees: $40 members; $55 non-members. Fees include all materials, tapes, handouts, recipes, and noshes.
Sundays from 9:30 to 11:00 am on January 10, February 7, March 14, April 11, and May 2

Hebrew Marathon
Cantorial Soloist Marjorie Hochberg  

Learn to read Hebrew in two fun sessions ─ just seven hours ─ guaranteed! This year, read along with the prayers at services, and make Hebrew a language you know. Over 300 people have taken our fast, enjoyable Hebrew Marathons, and many have gone on to Hebrew mastery and comfort. You can, too!  

Registration Fees:  $40 members; $55 non-members
Sunday, January 10; 1:00 - 5:00 pm and Monday, January 11; 6:00 - 9:00 pm  

Beginning Prayerbook Hebrew
Cantorial Soloist Marjorie Hochberg  

Learn reading and comprehension skills for Jewish ritual participation, prayer, and vocabulary. This class is a natural follow-up for anyone who has taken Hebrew Marathon or has a basic knowledge of the Hebrew alphabet, vowels, and pronunciation.  

Registration Fees:  $40 members; $55 non-members per semester
Sundays from 10:15 am to 11:15 am, Spring: Jan. 24, 31; Feb. 7, 14; Mar. 7, 14, 21, 28; Apr. 4, 11, May 2  

Intermediate Prayerbook Hebrew
Cantorial Soloist Marjorie Hochberg   

A continuation of reading, grammar, and basic vocabulary, with an emphasis on reading and understanding the prayers for services.  This class is strongly recommended for students enrolled in the Adult B’nai Mitzvah Program.  

Registration Fees:  $40 members; $55 non-members per semester
Sundays from 9:00 am to 10:00 am
Spring: Jan. 24, 31; Feb. 7, 14; Mar. 7, 14, 21, 28; Apr. 4, 11, May 2  

Sunday Night at the Jewish Movies
Rabbi Benjamin Sharff, Rabbi Samuel M. Cohon & Friends

A Jewish movie-of-the-month group of film, refreshments, and talk.  See the most interesting Jewish movies and join in the vibrant discussion over coffee, popcorn, candy, and refreshments. Film introductions are provided for these viewings of the most dynamic of contemporary cinema.

                                       Sunday, January 31:  The Boy in the Striped Pajamas 
                                       Sunday, February 14:    The Secrets
                                       Sunday, March 21:   Two Lovers
                                       Sunday, April 18:   A Gift to Stalin
                                       Sunday, May 23:   The Reader  

The refreshment fee is $40 per year, or $6 per movie for both members and non-members.
**All movies begin at 7:00 pm (new time).   

Conversion Group
Rabbi Samuel M. Cohon and Rabbi Benjamin Sharff  

Want to find out what it really means to be Jewish?  These classes are offered every three months for all who are interested in converting to Judaism, are already in the conversion process, or who want to learn more about becoming a Jew and living a Jewish life.  Bring all your questions!  

Free and open to all!

If you are interested, call Mila Anderson, Program Coordinator, at Temple Emanu-El at (520) 327-4501.

Wednesday, February 17; 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm (note special time)         
Sunday, May 2; 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm